GUNTER WALZ

Peacefully in his sleep, dad passed into eternal rest on December 26, 2021 at the age of 87. 

He was pre-deceased by his mother (Alwine Erath); father Otto Walz; brother (Rolf Walz);  and daughter-in-law Goldie Maliszewsky.

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He will be missed deeply by his wife of 68 years Rosemarie; daughters Anita (Charles) and Audrey (Ilija); step-son Gerry (Debbie); 7 Grandchildren, Crystal, Addison, Colby, Kyle (Lisa), Justin (Stephanie) Jordan and Dylan; brother Winfred (Beate); half-brother Tassilo; nieces, nephews, and all friends that crossed his path. 

He was born in Stuttgart, Germany to Alwine Schussler and Otto Walz during WWII.  After losing his dad just before the war ended, he found himself moving to Canada with his family at the age of 15 leaving behind his older brother because of health issues.  Life was not easy, but it got better as he found Winnipeg as his home and met his one and only love – Rosemarie, at a popular dance hall.  A new chapter began and soon a father with 2 children, life was real but he always found a way to enjoy himself through sports. 

He dreamed of being a professional athlete, so he played many sports, simultaneously; Water polo which started in Winnipeg 1957… he was the goalie and his team represented Canada in a huge international tournament in Europe 1964, 1967 in the Pan American Games.  His name will forever be in the Aquatic Hall of Fame (Pan Am Pool Winnipeg)

Another sport he loved since he began in Stuttgart was soccer…he played 1st Division Soccer for many years in Winnipeg with Germania, Intalinter, Blues, Thistles) and 4th Division when he was in his 50’s.

He played Team Handball at Lipsit Hall, almost got his Blackbelt in Karate with Winnipeg School of Judo and Karate under well know Tug Wilson but broke his toe in a sparing match and had a long recovery: weight training, rec-hockey, cross-country skiing, and his retirement sports - golf and Dragonboat racing. Golf he got to do with his wife, friends, daughter, son-in-law and grandsons.

One year Dad at age 47, swam in the annual Swim across Lake Okanagan in Penticton where his mother resided. Oh, he was a fish in water and used to train swimming up and down any lake he could.  

Always known for his strength and stature of 6’3”, 220lbs but generally a simple man, one day found himself saving the lives of swimmers at Winnipeg beach.  Waves were getting rough, and he dove many times for one man but couldn’t find him.  This was something that bothered him much in his life. 

A special thanks to all the lovely staff at Pembina Place Care Home…Dad enjoyed his time there the past 5 months but especially the fun-loving staff and being able to sing with the music program.  I believe he could have been an Opera singer!

Dad was a simple man so the Celebration of Life will be simple as well, January 6, 2021, 603 Wellington cres. @ 1pm.  Interment at 2:30pm at St. Vital Cemetery. Pallbearer’s will be his 6 strong grandsons; he would be proud.

You may have passed from this life to then next, but you will never be forgotten, for your imprint will be everlasting and your voice will be heard to the end of time as we tell the stories.

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Rest Peacefully Dad

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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