Elke Sophia Margarete Hinrichs (Dircks)

August 2, 1932 – May 30, 2020

With sadness we announce the passing of our wife, mother, sister, aunt, Oma and Great Oma Elke Hinrichs, of Whitemouth, Manitoba.

Elke was predeceased by her parents, sister Gertrud, brother-in-law Eberhard, sisters-in-law: Hildegard, Annemarie and Lisa; and niece Sigrid.

She leaves behind her husband of 68 years Johann, children: Albertus (Lynda), Inge-Marie (Werner) Westermann, Dirk and Harm; grandchildren: Britta (Holger) and Jan Westermann, Stephanie (Braden), Christian (Leah), Michael and Mark Hinrichs; and two great grandsons Ian and Carson Hinrichs.  She also leaves her sister Erica (Uwe) Back, and brothers Ferdinand (Uschi) and Paul (Heiderun) as well as many nieces and nephews in Germany.

Elke was born in Witzwort, Germany to Paul and Annemarie Dircks, the eldest of five children.  She grew up a farm girl in Northern Germany, and at the age of 19 married Johann Hinrichs; they had 4 children.  In 1968, they sold the family farm and immigrated with the children to Canada, where they purchased a dairy farm in Whitemouth, Manitoba.  Elke loved her farm, the outdoors, and mostly her garden.  Whether it was vegetables or flowers, she spent endless hours bent over, tending to her plants.  She preserved everything, loved to knit and crochet for her grandchildren, but most of all she loved her cows and milked from childhood until she was 60, she was convinced no one else could do that job as well as her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Garg, and NP Derrick Edwards for their care of Elke over the years, and the staff at Pinawa Hospital for all they have done over the last two months.  Your patience and attention is greatly appreciated.

As per Elke’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a service will be held once international travel restrictions have been lifted.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Elke’s name to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Box 277, Whitemouth, MB R0E 2G0.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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