Obituary for Rosina Gunkel
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Rosina Gunkel (nee Ament). She was born on October 28th, 1937 in Filipowo, Yugoslavia to John and Anna Ament (nee Zollitsch) and passed away May 5th 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
During World War II, at the age of 7, Rosina, along with her mother, Anna and two sisters, Magdelena and Clara survived the internment camp Gakowa for 18 months. Their Father John helped them escape on foot to the border of Hungary, where they were turned back. Undeterred, the family walked to Austria where they stayed in Lager Nr. 63, a refugee camp in Eisenerz, Steiermark. This became their home for 7 years. A welcomed brother, Otto was born in Austria.
The young family was given the opportunity to work on a sugar beet farm in St. Eustache, Manitoba for two years as an agreement to immigrate to Canada.
In 1953, they boarded the “Fair Sea” and made the long journey across the Atlantic to Montreal and then to Winnipeg, Manitoba. They worked on the farm and saved up enough to purchase a small house in West Kildonan.
Rosina went on to work in St. Boniface Hospital with newborn infants. She studied diligently and earned her Operating Room Technician Diploma. She was very proud of her accomplishments.
Rosina met her sweetheart Frederick Gunkel at a dance in Little Britain Hall, Manitoba and saw the future in one another’s eyes. They were married on May 28th, 1960. Rosina and Frederick saved up to buy their own small house in West Kildonan close to John and Anna. Rosina and Frederick built a life together and had four children; Frederick, Anthony, MaryAnn and John. Having seen the worst of human nature, Rosina was determined to fill her house with love, which she did. She stayed home with the children when MaryAnn was born and devoted her time to creating a sanctuary and raising her family. Photography, gardening and cooking were her passions. She was often heard singing to her children, and then later to her grandchildren.
The family enjoyed many wonderful years at the cottage that the family built together. With much hard work and saving, they also built another house which Rosina enjoyed for the rest of her years. Rosina’s favourite times were caring for family and friends and providing a welcoming home. No one went hungry. We cherished our time together.
Rosina volunteered her time working with the elderly at Bethania, teaching catechism at St. Joseph’s Parish and helping others. She was devoted to caring for her parents and in-laws.
She was a wonderful daughter, friend, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a kind and generous spirit. The world has lost a beautiful soul and she will be missed by all who loved her.
Rosina leaves behind to mourn her, Frederick, husband of almost 63 years. Sons; Frederick, Anthony and John, daughter MaryAnn and husband Chris. Her seven grandchildren; Melinda, Crystal (Jesse), Kurt, Kaylee, Madelyn, Matthew (Taylor) and Kaitlyn, along with six great grandchildren; Tegan, Emily, Oakley, Piper, Carver and Olivia.
With sister Clara Wuebbolt, brother Otto Ament, sister in law Margaret Di Frangia, brother in law Jürgen Knudsen (Birgit) and many nieces, nephews, family in Germany and friends.
A private family service was held at Glen Eden Cemetery on Wednesday, May 10th at 10:30am
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who extended kindness to Rosina. Many Thanks to the staff at Grace Hospital and the ICU, renal and palliative care units at Health Sciences Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Thank you also to Richard Rosin who was entrusted with the care of Rosina on her final journey.
Gruß Gott – Schlaf in Himmlische Ruh
During World War II, at the age of 7, Rosina, along with her mother, Anna and two sisters, Magdelena and Clara survived the internment camp Gakowa for 18 months. Their Father John helped them escape on foot to the border of Hungary, where they were turned back. Undeterred, the family walked to Austria where they stayed in Lager Nr. 63, a refugee camp in Eisenerz, Steiermark. This became their home for 7 years. A welcomed brother, Otto was born in Austria.
The young family was given the opportunity to work on a sugar beet farm in St. Eustache, Manitoba for two years as an agreement to immigrate to Canada.
In 1953, they boarded the “Fair Sea” and made the long journey across the Atlantic to Montreal and then to Winnipeg, Manitoba. They worked on the farm and saved up enough to purchase a small house in West Kildonan.
Rosina went on to work in St. Boniface Hospital with newborn infants. She studied diligently and earned her Operating Room Technician Diploma. She was very proud of her accomplishments.
Rosina met her sweetheart Frederick Gunkel at a dance in Little Britain Hall, Manitoba and saw the future in one another’s eyes. They were married on May 28th, 1960. Rosina and Frederick saved up to buy their own small house in West Kildonan close to John and Anna. Rosina and Frederick built a life together and had four children; Frederick, Anthony, MaryAnn and John. Having seen the worst of human nature, Rosina was determined to fill her house with love, which she did. She stayed home with the children when MaryAnn was born and devoted her time to creating a sanctuary and raising her family. Photography, gardening and cooking were her passions. She was often heard singing to her children, and then later to her grandchildren.
The family enjoyed many wonderful years at the cottage that the family built together. With much hard work and saving, they also built another house which Rosina enjoyed for the rest of her years. Rosina’s favourite times were caring for family and friends and providing a welcoming home. No one went hungry. We cherished our time together.
Rosina volunteered her time working with the elderly at Bethania, teaching catechism at St. Joseph’s Parish and helping others. She was devoted to caring for her parents and in-laws.
She was a wonderful daughter, friend, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a kind and generous spirit. The world has lost a beautiful soul and she will be missed by all who loved her.
Rosina leaves behind to mourn her, Frederick, husband of almost 63 years. Sons; Frederick, Anthony and John, daughter MaryAnn and husband Chris. Her seven grandchildren; Melinda, Crystal (Jesse), Kurt, Kaylee, Madelyn, Matthew (Taylor) and Kaitlyn, along with six great grandchildren; Tegan, Emily, Oakley, Piper, Carver and Olivia.
With sister Clara Wuebbolt, brother Otto Ament, sister in law Margaret Di Frangia, brother in law Jürgen Knudsen (Birgit) and many nieces, nephews, family in Germany and friends.
A private family service was held at Glen Eden Cemetery on Wednesday, May 10th at 10:30am
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who extended kindness to Rosina. Many Thanks to the staff at Grace Hospital and the ICU, renal and palliative care units at Health Sciences Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Thank you also to Richard Rosin who was entrusted with the care of Rosina on her final journey.
Gruß Gott – Schlaf in Himmlische Ruh