Victor John Rempel

Victor John Rempel, age 80, of Swift Current, SK passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Meadows, Swift Current, surrounded by his family. Victor was born in Swift Current on July 12, 1939 — the eldest child of Deitrich & Selma Rempel. Victor spent his early years on the farm in Blumenort, SK where he started school. The family moved to a farm in the Swift Current area in the early 1950's and Victor continued his education at Elmwood School in Swift Current. Victor worked the family farm alongside his father until the time of Deitrich's passing, at which time Victor took over the farm operations fulltime.

As part of Victor's duties as president and treasurer of the Durban telephone line, he made regular stops at the bank where he met the love of his life, Shirley Wiebe.  Victor & Shirley were married on November 6, 1971 at the Zion Mennonite Church in Swift Current. Victor & Shirley continued on the family farm together, adding two children, Jason and Victoria, to their family.

In addition to farming full-time and raising a family, Victor & Shirley also found the time to own and operate two restaurants — first purchasing the Wheatlander Family Restaurant in the Wheatland Mall, and then opening Western Pizza. In 1999, Victor began his next adventure, obtaining a 1A license and he and Shirley were able to travel extensively in Canada and the United States as long-haul truck drivers.  Despite the busy life that Victor chose, his family always remained his number one priority.

His hobbies and interests included metal working, wood working, fishing, hunting, traveling, and family history. Victor was able to become a skilled metal worker quite talented with welding, he enjoyed creating and building equipment with his son.  Wood working became an interest later in life, and Victor made a number of items that have become precious heirlooms for his family. He was able to make fishing and hunting trips with both his family and friends, enjoying the experience regardless of the success of the trips. Travel was always an interest of Victor's and numerous family vacations were undertaken. In 1989, after almost two years of effort, Victor and a family friend, Peter Martens, were finally able to get the necessary clearance to travel to Russia where he was able to see the village his father was born in and meet some of the remaining relatives still residing in the area.

Victor is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Shirley Rempel (Wiebe); his son, Jason Rempel; his daughter, Victoria (Kevin) Olfert; his grandchildren, Aidan Rempel, Owen Olfert, Ethan Olfert, and Autumn Olfert; his sisters, Gladys Fluter, Luella Rempel, and Darlene (Phil) Coram; his sister-in-law, Eva (Tom) Grisdale; his brothers-in-law, Albert (Carol) Wiebe and Bill (Bev) Wiebe; his nieces and nephews, Rachel (Kelly) Abrey, Rebecca Perry, Ericka (Tim) Janzen, John Wiebe, Kristine (Rob) Taylor, Peter (Amy) Wiebe, Jeff (Coral) Wiebe, and Brent (Cheryl) Wiebe; and by  numerous great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Victor was predeceased by his father, Deitrich Rempel; his mother, Selma Rempel (Wall); his father-in-law, John Wiebe; his mother-in-law, Margaret Wiebe (Klassen); his brothers-in-law, Joe Fluter and Douglas McKinlay; and by his nephew, Curtis Perry.

The Funeral Service for Victor John Rempel was held on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm from Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bob Cappelle officiating. “Amazing Grace” and “Just As I Am” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Tom Grisdale (brother-in-law), with Sheila Braun serving as organist. The tribute was given by Victoria Olfert (daughter) and the obituary was read by Bill Wiebe (brother-in-law).

The Private Family Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Victor’s family serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Victor John Rempel, donations made to the Meadows Auxiliary would be appreciated by the family. 

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