Peter Reimer

Peter Reimer, age 76, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away on September 2, 2025.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his children, daughter Delores (Michael) Kowalson, and grandchildren Brenleigh (Nathanael) Smith, Hailey (Emmanuel) Kowalson, Tianna (Raven) Kowalson, Alliyah (Solomon) Friesen, daughter Linda Reimer, and granddaughter Sankara Reimer, and daughter Karen (Jason) Penner; and grandsons Malachi, Carsten and Logan; and his siblings: Martha, Dan (Loreen), Dora, Margaret (Bruce), Arnold (Lorrie), Evelyn, Florence (Oren), Melvin (Luella), Marlene, Gerry (Myrna) as well as extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Annie Reimer and brothers-in-law Melvin (Evelyn) and Cornelius (Dora).

Pete was born on November 10, 1948, in Steinbach to Frank and Annie Reimer. At a young age, he moved with his family to Riverton, where his life of hard work and responsibility began. By the age of eight, he was already driving tractors from home to the farmland, and by grade eight, he had finished his formal schooling and began working full-time alongside his dad on the farm.

Pete was baptized upon confession of his faith, a faith that would remain the steady foundation of his life.

In 1972, he married his wife, Kathy. Their early years of marriage were spent “in the bush,” logging, with Kathy cooking for the crew. In the summers, Pete drove a gravel truck and helped in the building of the Hecla Causeway. By the late 1970s, Pete’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a vehicle repair business on his home property. The business quickly grew, and soon he built a formal shop as well as a new family home. Pete thrived in the connections he made with customers, suppliers, and neighbors in the community. He was known to accept payment in many forms—sometimes even pickerel, much to Linda’s “delight.”

From there, Pete transitioned into manufacturing grain bins, which became his lifelong career. He faithfully built and ran this business until his retirement at age 70. Dad’s initial plan upon retirement was to purchase an RV and spend six months each winter in Mazatlán, returning home for summers spent in various campgrounds. In 2020, Mom and Dad decided to build a cabin, and Dad was soon busy dreaming up its design and tackling projects he could complete himself.

Alongside his work, Pete also gave generously of his time, serving on various boards including the Mennville School Board, Beaver Creek Bible Camp, Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS), and La Viña Missions.

Pete had a special place in his heart for the community of Mazatlán, Mexico, where he spent countless hours at La Viña Church. There, he could be found repairing and fixing what was needed, encouraging school children, visiting care homes, and building lasting friendships. It was there that Steve and Dad became best friends — the two were known as a mischievous duo in their Mazatlán family, often ending their days with going out for a meal at a local restaurant with their wives watching the gorgeous sunset over the ocean. His love of people and his willingness to lend a hand touched lives in both Canada and abroad.

Pete’s children hold many fond memories: annual camping trips, winter Christmas shopping trips, sledding off the garage roof-“ask Delores how that went”, family road trips, games of catch in the yard, and even Dad pulling Karen on her rollerblades with his bike. His grandchildren cherish two seasons of life with Grandpa: the older ones remember bonfires in the forest, cutting the lawn, and small “jobs” paid in Coffee Crisp bars and a Coke. Karen’s boys, who came along more recently, remember Grandpa’s patience as they worked alongside each other, making lasting memories. Just a few weeks ago, Grandpa rewired a trailer with the boys and expressed how much fun it was — and his gratitude that they stuck with it to the very end.

In his later years, Pete focused even more deeply on his faith and on making meaningful connections in the communities he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service to others, and hard work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A viewing will take place on Monday, September 8, at 7:00 p.m. at Crossings Funeral Care, Steinbach. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 9, at 1:30 p.m. at Crossings Funeral Care (with a viewing 1 hour prior to the service), followed by burial at Steinbach Heritage Cemetery and afternoon refreshments at Crossings.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to La Viña Church in Mazatlán through CMM Canada.