Harry Rempel

Harry Rempel, 86, Mountain Lake, MN died Monday, May 23, 2011 at Golden Living Center - Hillcrest of Wayzata, Minnetonka, MN following a brief illness. He was born on September 22, 1924, in Jansen, Nebraska to Jacob A. and Eva (Sawatzky) Rempel, but lived most of his life in Mt. Lake, Minnesota. Harry is survived by his wife, Edna and two daughters, Mary Jane (Paul) Loewen and Mavis (Rick) Heupel and their families. His grandchildren by way of Mary and Paul are Andrea (Genico) Aiello, Cory (Stephanie) Loewen and Julie (Wade) Nybakken. His grandchildren by way of Mavis and Rick are Lisa Heupel, Scott (Jennifer) Heupel, Laura (Tyler) Jacobson and Lindsay (Charlie) Grill. He was preceded in death by one great- granddaughter, Sarah Nybakken and is survived by four grandsons: Elijah Loewen, Rocco Aiello, David Nybakken and Paul Nybakken. In addition, Harry is survived by 4 sisters: Helen (Ray) Toews, Frieda (Pete) Ewert, Viola (Ralph) Harper and Marcella (John) Skinner. Harry's life was characterized by joyful enthusiasm and friendship. As the youngest son, by the time he completed the 8th grade, he was commissioned to help out on the family farm, until age 16. The difficulties associated with the drought in Nebraska forced the family to relocate to Mt. Lake, Minnesota in 1940. His zest for adventure and determination to serve his country led him to join the United States Army during the second World War. His service as a medic in Osaka, Japan, was a lifelong source of pride. On June 29, 1948, Harry married the love of his life, Edna Tieszen. He soon began a career in meat cutting, working for 30 years at Franz Store. He was known for creating several legendary recipes. Ever interested in new ventures, however, he also indulged his entrepreneurial interests in the ownership of a meat locker, a laundromat and an apartment building. Harry enjoyed a variety of hobbies. Most significant are the involvement in singing (Carson Male Chorus and M.B. Church Choir) and wood carving (he was a founding member of the Prairie Lakes Wood Carving Club). He also served on a variety of Boards and Committees. Most notable are involvement with the Mt. Lake School Board, Mt. Lake Legion Post 389 and the Mennonite Brethren Church (now Community Bible Church). Upon his retirement, Harry and Edna were able to travel to many interesting places. Regular trips to Canada and Singapore were deemed necessary to stay in touch with their family. In addition, they were able to visit Europe, Japan and South America. Above all else, however, the most important part of Harry's life was his personal Christian faith. He was energized and sustained by his beliefs in what God was doing in his life. The legacy he leaves, as a result, is shown in his family, his Church, his friends and the community which he enjoyed for so many years. Harry's last day of work was May 13, 2011. Ten days later he entered the presence of his Lord. He is dearly missed by his family but we rejoice at his eternal home going.