Ike Reimer

With the heaviest of hearts, the family of Ike Reimer, age 68, announces his passing into the Lord’s presence at 10:30 pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 with his family at his side. Ike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Isaac “Ike” Reimer was born June 15, 1949 to Jacob & Margaretha (Friesen) Reimer in Winkler, Manitoba, where he spent his childhood.

Ike met Patricia Kowalchuk in Austin on March 1, 1970, they were married July 22, 1972. They were blessed with two children, Angela and Duane. Later, as the granddaughters — Paityn and Kensie — arrived, Ike was filled with joy when they would run to him with outstretched arms to give him a hug. Ike was first employed at Winkler Sewing Factory, Winkler Cheese Making Plant, Ideal Brass in Winnipeg, and Campbell Soup in Portage la Prairie. He also sold Dairy supplies in Manitoba, Saskatoon, and the surrounding areas. He was a goalie and played lots of hockey. He served two years in Voluntary Service at Timber Bay Children’s Home, was Board Member for Western Tract Mission, a member of Tourism Board in Leader, and an ambulance attendant. Ike was an active member of Trailview Alliance Church.

In 1994, Ike & Pat joined the Gideons, and that was another highlight of Ike’s life. He loved to tell people about the Lord and gave out many Testaments. Even during his hospital stays, staff and patients often received a Testament from him and a word of encouragement. He was an Area Representative for Gideons in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and North West Ontario. As Regional Field Representative for the Gideons, he travelled overseas to various countries — India, Kenya, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Bolivia, and Mexico — to assist the Gideons in distributing the Word of God. He was an ardent supporter in the local Gideon Chapter, distributing Testaments and often speaking at churches on behalf of the Gideons. Ike was a man of faith and integrity in all his dealings with people.

On October 31, 1970 he dedicated his life to the Lord, which was a life changing decision. Ike was always willing to share the Lord with others, praying for family, and he loved to call his nieces and nephews periodically to keep in touch with them. He went to Promise Keeper’s Conventions and was part of a men’s small group — which began in 1995 — that met very early Tuesday mornings to encourage each other and pray for concerns. He was the leader of a Bible study group and enjoyed doing research for the studies. Ike loved to greet people at church on Sunday mornings and you may have received a hug from him.

He loved to Skype his brother, Abe & Mary, and his sisters, Ruth and Susie, almost daily. In 1989, Ike & Pat started to manage Motels — first in Kindersley, then in Leader. In 1994, they purchased the Caravel Motel in Swift Current, which they later sold, and bought the Safari Inn Motel. They retired in 2009. Ike enjoyed condo living, as there was no more grass to mow or snow to shovel. Ike & Pat holidayed in Mexico, traveled with their motor home to Fairbanks, Alaska, and enjoyed visiting with family in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Ike was predeceased by his parents, Jacob & Margaretha Reimer; his brothers, Bill Reimer, Jake Reimer, John Reimer, Dave Reimer, Pete Reimer, Henry Reimer, and Neil Reimer; and by his sisters, Tina (Peter A) Kehler, Eva Reimer, Betty Giesbrecht, Anne (Stan) Davis, and Helen (John) Friesen. Remaining to cherish his memory is his wife of 45 years, Patricia; his children, Angela (Clarence) Wiggins and Duane (Melissa) Reimer; his granddaughters, Paityn and Kensie Reimer; his siblings, Margaret Hiebert, Mary Kehler, Agatha (Gordon) Baldwin, Abe (Mary) Reimer, Ruth Henry, and Susie Besteck; his sisters-in-law; Esther Reimer and Laura Reimer; and by many nieces and nephews and their families.

Dad!! Remember, it’s not “goodbye” — it’s “see you later!!”

The Celebration of Life for Ike Reimer was held on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 2:00 pm from Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Mike Smart, Pastor Bryon Bezanson, and Pastor Keith Kitchen officiating. “It is Well” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation, with Marilyn Ginther serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Keith Kitchen, who sang “He Touched Me.” Tributes were given by Bill Colquhoun (Gideons), Phil Henderson and John Wright (Men’s Breakfast Group), and Duane Reimer and Angela Wiggins. The eulogy was given by Hal Liick. The ushers in the church were Stan Aikens, Elias Chaulk, Jim Ginther, and Frank Rempel. Phil Henderson, Troy LaForge, Al Fuchs, Jim Peters, and John Wright served as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were the Swift Current and Area Gideons. 

A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Austin Community Hall, Austin, MB with Pastor Mike Smart and Pastor Bryon Bezanson officiating. Tributes were given by Duane Reimer, Angela Wiggins, Randy Reimer, and Elain Bergen. The Interment Service was held prior from the Austin Cemetery, Austin, MB with Dennis Reimer, Donald Reimer, Kelvin Reimer, Randy Reimer, Jim Reimer, and Phil Reimer serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Ike Reimer, donations made to Gideons International in Canada would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK and Clarke’s Funeral Home, Gladstone, MB. 

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