Gerhard Klippenstein

At age 78, on January 6, 2026, Gerhard (George) Klippenstein, entered his eternal resting place. He passed away at Altona Memorial Hospital surrounded by his children.

George is lovingly remembered by his children:

Charles (Jennifer) Klippenstein, Amanda (Abe) Buhler, and Teresa (Greg) Schiller. His legacy continues through his eight grandchildren; Austin (Kayla) Klippenstein, Julie (fiancé Raanen Fehr) Klippenstein, Jessica Buhler, Tamara Buhler, Jordan Buhler, Teagan Buhler, Karlee (Hayden) Wiebe, and Lexxie Schiller—and one great-grandson, Hudson Wiebe.

He is also survived by two sisters, five brothers, one sister-in-law, and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Anna Klippenstein; one brother; one sister-in-law; and one niece.

Most commonly known to us as George, Gerhard Klippenstein, was born in the RM of Hanover on March 26, 1947. George’s early years were marked by a journey that took his family to Paraguay before returning to settle in the Niverville area when he was nine.

Dad graduated from Steinbach Collegiate in 1968 after which he attended Bible School at Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta.

These formative experiences shaped a life rooted in resilience, faith, and a deep connection to both family and community.

George was married to Martha Toews on July 29, 1972 for 24 years and they resided in Winnipeg, then Altona and then later in St. Joseph, Manitoba. The family life of George and Martha was rooted in solid christian values and joyful times.

Dad was self-employed as a Mason. He had a red seal in Bricklaying from Red River College. His job often at times meant work for all of us kids. Here he taught us how to clean and stack bricks, hand mix cement, climb scaffolding, trowel and rake mortar along on his work sites. This work ethic gave us skills we needed later in life as we became married and had our own families.

Later on, he went on to get his real estate licensing. He loved talking to people through worksites, house showings or having coffee in the Altona Mall.

Dad’s life was deeply anchored in his Christian faith. A devoted student of the Bible, he spent countless hours reading scripture and reflecting on its meaning. His spiritual journey was not passive—it was active and intentional.

Whether attending Sunday services at the Word of Life in Niverville, Altona EMMC, Springs Church in Winnipeg, Somerset Bible Chapel, & the Altona Baptist Church. He participated in Bible studies and coffee gatherings with friends. Dad sought every opportunity to deepen his relationship with God and share that light with others.

Our family homelife was happy, structured, filled with many fun times including fishing, spinning around on our mopeds in the yard, testing the boat in the backyard pond, mowing-I guess!, decorating our banana styled bicycles for parades and so much more.

We regularly attended the EMM Church as a family and participated in Sunday School, Youth, Boys Brigade(well Charles), and Pioneer Girls(Amanda & Teresa). Through our attendance at EMMC and the extra programs we were in, we learned many lessons that we could add to our “Toolbox of knowledge”, which has molded us, and carried into our adult lives.

Some verses that resonate with us through our growing up years are;

Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"(verse for guidance) as well as Isaiah 40:31: "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Strength and perseverance). These scriptures molded us and shaped us to be kind, filled with grace, forgiving and always pursuing God's Word. The verse Luke 2:52 “And as Jesus grew up, he increased in wisdom and in favor with God and people”(leadership).

This taught us to learn to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ, walk in truth and lead our souls to him. This family commitment to programs and Church was a very important piece of our heritage that has been a foundation in our lives to this day. We could not have grown our faith without having a Dad that dedicated his life to the Lord and encouraged us in this journey.

Some memorable family moments include camping at Moose Lake, Mary Jane Reservoir in Manitoba and Cavalier in North Dakota where he taught us kids how to fish and ski and yes! Slalom (except Teresa). There were campfires, trail walks and a bunch of fun family times.

In times of hardship or uncertainty, Dad turned instinctively to prayer and scripture. One verse that held special meaning for him was Psalms 18:28 “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

This passage resonated deeply with Dad’s personal walk of faith—a testament to how he found strength and clarity through God’s word during life’s trials. It reflected his unwavering belief that God empowers believers to overcome adversity with divine guidance.

His Bible was well-worn from daily use—its pages filled with notes and highlighted verses that spoke directly to his heart. He had a constant love for scripture. His mission was clear: to bring as many people as possible into the fold of Christ. Through conversations over coffee or quiet moments of prayerful reflection with friends and fellow believers, he lived out this calling with humility and purpose.

Dad had a passion for music—particularly the violin—which brought joy both to himself and those around him. He also had a lifelong interest in cars and motorcycles and could often be found engaged in conversations about engines or classic cars (Austin Minis being his favorite).

Dad struggled with Bi-Polar disorder and the journey was not easy. He went through some tough times and with the support of his family was able to get help through the Eden Foundation. He found peace and stability in his later years. His health in the last few years had declined, being complicated by Parkinson’s and other health issues. He always treasured those who visited and encouraged him.

Though Dad has departed from this world, his light continues to shine through the lives he touched—with every note played on a violin string or verse read from scripture echoing the faith-filled path he walked so faithfully. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

We also feel blessed with the exceptional care the doctors and nurses provided to him at the Altona Memorial hospital as well as the staff at the Gardens on Tenth “The Apartments" in Altona.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Altona EMM Church, with burial at the Altona Cemetery. 

Donations in memory of Gerhard may be made to the Eden Foundation.