Sarah Unger (nee Giesbrecht)

Obituary for Sarah Unger

October 1, 1933 – September 23, 2026

Sarah Unger (nee Giesbrecht) passed away on September 23, 2026 at Her home in Eastview Place, Altona. She is now at home in HEAVEN, in the presence of JESUS, celebrating with family, relatives and friends who also professed JESUS as SAVIOR and LORD.

Sarah was born on October 1, 1933, at home on the farm, 2 miles North East of Eigenhof, Manitoba. She was the firstborn child of John P Giesbrecht and his new wife Aganetha Giesbrecht (nee Toews). John P., as a widower had two daughters, Agatha and Margaret who now became Sarah’s big sisters. Later brothers Ed, John and Ben were added to the family. Sarah’s Mother passed away in the summer of 1954. Sarah helped her Dad raise her young brothers.

Sarah grew up in the Eigenhof District and attended school there, finishing Gr. 8. Later she moved to Altona, Manitoba and started employment as a Nurse’s Aide at the then Altona Hospital. During her employ, Sarah lived in the nearby Nurses’ Residence.

As a Nurse’s Aide, Sarah helped take care of a Mrs. Unger who was ill with cancer. While attending to her client, Sarah became acquainted with Mrs. Unger’s husband John, their 15yr old daughter Leona, and 10 yr old son Ken. Sarah noted how John cared for his wife during this time of illness and how he cared for and consoled his children. John’s love and care for the children continued after his wife’s promotion to Eternity in HEAVEN.

Quite some time later, John asked to meet with Sarah and a new relationship began for the two of them. John and Sarah married June 27, 1971 at the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church. The wedding took place right after (as part of) the regular Sunday morning Church service. In 1974, on September the 9 th, son Steven Paul was born, and November 19, 1976 their youngest son David Mark, completed the family. The boys thrived under the love and care of their parents.

Sarah also lovingly invested in the lives of Leona and Ken. After Leona moved out of the house, Sarah was now living with John and the boys and in humor would say that she was again “living in a men’s dormitory”– as in early years with her dad and her three brothers.

It is important to note that Sarah encouraged and supported John’s efforts as a founding member of the now, Blue Sky Organization.

In her 20’s and 30’ Sarah liked to travel. She explored Manitoba, North Dakota, Minnesota, Europe and other Canadian and US destinations.

Sarah had at least one, maybe two back surgeries in Winnipeg during her late 20’s and early 30’s. Post surgery required time spent on a stryker frame and required the need for her to wear a body cast for many weeks.

Sarah took pride in the cars she owned. Sarah had a 1953-54 light mint green 2 door post Chevrolet which was in prime condition. This car was replaced with a 1961-62 4 door Plymouth Valiant which was a beautiful red color. It was a push-button automatic and was also in pristine condition. The next car was a 4 door, 1964 Plymouth Valiant, greenish-blueish in color, and Sarah still had this Valiant when she married John Unger. It is important to note that she kept all her cars in amazing condition.

And today, Sarah’s body will take its last ride in a unique and special car to it’s final resting spot.

Sarah was predeceased by her husband John Unger (February 19, 2009), and daughter Leona Unger Penner (March 23, 2013).

Sarah was also predeceased by her parents, sister Agatha Neudorf and brother-in-law Abe Neudorf, brother Ben Giesbrecht, sister Margaret Braun and brother-in-law Isaac Braun, brother Ed Giesbrecht, brother John J. Giesbrecht and sister-in-law Norma Giesbrecht.

Sarah is survived by her children: Ken Unger, Steve Unger, and Dave (Justina) Unger. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tami (Owen) Sigurdson and their children, Christian, Autumn, Graham, and Leeya; Rachel Kapapa and her daughter, Maya; Nick Vandenbosch (Mckala Ferrell) and their son, Hendrix; and Domenyk Unger, Kaiden Unger, and Serayah Unger.

Sarah is also survived by her sisters-in-law Joan (Ed) Giesbrecht, and Lucille (Ben) Giesbrecht and many nieces and nephews.

The Family wishes to Thank Wiebe Funeral Home Altona for their services and care. Thank you to the staff at Eastview Place and the Altona Health Care Center, for their care. Thanks also to family, relatives, and friends, who came to visit Sarah.

Graveside Service and burial will take place Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Eigenhof Cemetery. Procession will leave Wiebe Funeral Home Altona at 10:30 AM.

Celebration of Life will take place at Altona Seniors Center October 17, 2026, at 6:00pm.