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July 20, 1942 to January 7, 2022 Margaret Reynolds of Kitchener, passed away peacefully at Innisfree House, Kitchener on Friday January 7, 2022 at the age of 79. Margaret was an Actuary for Dominion Life and then Manulife for over 25 years. She was a Past President of the Rebekah Assembly of Ontario, a longtime member of Crystal Rebekah Lodge No. 286, a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 41 Stratford, Past District Deputy Grand Warden of District 12 and a member of the LEA Alpha 26 of Wyoming. Margaret’s involvement in her lodges was very dear to her heart. Loving mother of Diane, Wesley (Melissa) and Brian (Alexis). Special grandmother of Charlotte, Abigail, William, Grace, Kyrsten and Benjamin. Dear sister of Don (Glenice) McNeil. Fondly remembered by her nephews Trevor (Julie) and Brad (Maria). Predeceased by her parents Wesley and Roxie (Huston) McNeil. A virtual visitation for family and friends will take place on Monday January 10 between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. To join in the visitation, please click on the link below. https://tinyurl.com/5bfyr5sk Public visitation will be held at Brenneman Funeral Home, 141 John Street, Atwood on Tuesday January 11, 2022 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend the visitation must schedule a time by calling the Funeral Home at 519-356-2382 or by emailing brennemanfh@cyg.net. At the request of the family, attendance will be restricted to fully vaccinated guests only. Proof of full vaccination will be required upon arrival. Face masks must be worn and physical distancing maintained at all times. The funeral service by invitation only will be held at 2:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed. Please click on the following link to watch the service. https://youtu.be/1gqSvOQrqrc Interment in Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to: Camp UNSCH - Our Island Camp Trillium 16076 Loyalist Pkwy. Belleville, ON K0K 1G0 The Eye Bank B100 340 College St. Toronto, ON M5T 3A9 or Odd Fellow and Rebekah Home 10 Brooks St. Barrie, ON L4N 5L2 would be appreciated by the family and can be arranged by calling the Funeral Home or returning to the Current Funerals page and clicking on the Make a Donation link. Please forward your donation directly to the charity of choice at the above address.

December 31, 2021 formerly of Atwood, passed away peacefully at Country Meadows Retirement Residence, Brunner on Friday December 31, 2021 at the age of 90. Neah was a former member of the Atwood Chapter of Rebekah Lodge No. 343. She loved reading, completing puzzle books, crocheting, doing crafts and playing card and board games. Beloved wife of the late Arend Runhart who predeceased her in 2009. Loving mother of Allan (Diane Darroch), Louise Rea, Daniel, Kevin (Tree) (Mary Jane), Murray (Darlene). Cherished grandma of Nancy, Ben, Amy, Sara, Beth, Stephen, Rachel, Nathan, Rebecca, Terry, Michelle, Megan, Ryan, Sabrina, Richard and 17 great-grandchildren. Fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Evelyn Abbott and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Michael and Alice (Pinch) Abbott, grandson Jon, son-in-law Ken Rea, siblings Phil Abbott, Hugh Abbott, Erma Pinch, Ruth Keith, Eleanor (David) Grant, Nelda (Manley) Shepley, Morley Abbott and Bernice Abbott (in infancy). Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories at the Brenneman Funeral Home, 141 John Street, Atwood (519-356-2382), on Sunday January 2, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. At the family's request, proof of vaccination is not required, however masks are mandatory and social distancing must be respected. Please be patient as a limited number of guests will be allowed in the building. A private family funeral service to celebrate Neah’s life will be held with Rev. Ernie Naylor officiating. Interment in Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to VON or Elma Centre Cemetery appreciated by the family.

Wednesday December 29, 2021 of Listowel, passed away peacefully at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Wednesday December 29, 2021 at the age of 96. Harvey farmed near Cranbrook for 20 years, first as a dairy farmer and later raising beef cattle. He was a fix it type person, always trying to make something work before buying a new one. Harvey enjoyed motor home camping, fishing, snowmobiling and gardening. He cherished all the memories made with family at the cottage in Point Clarke which they owned for over 50 years. Harvey was a very sociable person with a large circle of friends always known as “The Crew”. Beloved husband of Marion (Pake) Smith with whom he celebrated 72 years of marriage. Loving father of Ron (Susan), Brenda (Ken) Bast, Donna (Steve) Wells, and Lorrie (Keith) Traves. Special grandpa of Sherry (Sean), Ryan (Tracy), Angie (Cam), Mike (Colene), Matt (Morgan), Chancey, Adam (Lisa), Aleisha (Michael) and great-grandpa of Bryn, Talia, Hannah, Holden, Haelyn, Winston, Edwin, Meyer, Paige, Addison, Olivia, Ava, Maxwell, Jack and Molly. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Ross, Larry (Marilyn), Fred (Teuni), Carmen (Doreen), Harry Smith, Glenna Seddon, Roger (Donna) and Fran Gibbons. Fondly remembered by the Pake family and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Allan and Mabel (Cox) Smith, brothers and sisters Joe (Bev), Lloyd (Beryl), Doreen (Vern) Willoughby, Grace Smith, sister-in-law Shirley Smith, and brothers-in-law John Seddon and John Gibbons. In keeping with Harvey’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ethel.

May 4, 1940 - December 11, 2021 Mildred (Milly) Brenneman, formerly of Wellesley, passed away peacefully at her residence in Nithview Community, New Hamburg on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the age of 81. Prior to relocating from Wellesley, Milly was a devout member of Poole Mennonite Church where she and her husband Ralph attended their entire lives and joyfully shared in the work of the church. Milly took pride and joy in running a household dedicated to good food and great fellowship. Her home was always open to her family and friends, and she lovingly prepared meals from scratch that carried on the traditions she learned in her Swiss-Amish Mennonite upbringing. Today, her family replicates those same methods and traditions to both honour her and to simply enjoy the better things in life. Mildred was an educator by trade, starting out in a one-room schoolhouse in New Prussia where she taught all eight grades. After her professional teaching days concluded, she continued to employ the trade on her own children and grandchildren. Grammar and spelling were two of her focus areas; often conducting impromptu quizzes on her attentive family. And further, she would give her children reading lists to pass the summer days of elementary school when classes were not in session. Not all of her children appreciated these lists at the time, but later in life they have come to appreciate and consume good, quality literature. During her active domestic days, she would often have a coffee break in the afternoon to read the list of birth announcements and obituaries in the newspaper. She would say that if her name appeared in either list, she planned to lie down for the rest of the day. Her wit and wisdom permeated a room, and her charisma was easily on display. Her grandchildren looked forward to visits with Grandma, and in time the grandchildren learned how easy it was to request their favourite meals as Grandma would never refuse to prepare them. Mildred leaves to mourn her family and many friends. She was a loving, supportive and avid listener for her children, Sandy (Rob) Skirving of North Carolina, Fred (Illana Perlman) of Toronto, Keith (Angela) of Winnipeg, and Janet (John Balsillie) of Winnipeg. Mildred was a special Grandma of Cate (Allen) Buckner, Matt (Leslie) Skirving, Joshua (Trisha) Brenneman, Jason Brenneman (Jackie Kicksee), Jake Brenneman, Tristan (Nicole) Brenneman, Morgan Brenneman (Jordan Nardai), Bronte Brenneman, Lydia and Naomi Balsillie, and Great-Grandma of Logan and Miriam Buckner. Mildred was the dear sister of Laura Rathbone, Sarah Maloney, Mary Roth, Roy Jutzi, Margaret Jutzi, Jake (Grace) Jutzi, and Martha (Don) Ropp. She is fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Floris (Wayne) Leis and Linda Brenneman-Snider, her brother-in-law, John (Ruth) Brenneman, and many nieces and nephews. Mildred was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Ralph Brenneman in February 2021, by her parents, Amos and Lydia (Jantzi) Jutzi, brothers Amos and George Jutzi, sister Clara Jutzi, brothers-in-law Alf Rathbone, Keith Maloney, Arthur Roth, Don Snider, and sisters-in-law Edith Jutzi, and Grace Jutzi. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service at Poole Mennonite Church will be planned for a future date, when public health restrictions allow for larger gatherings. Mom was an independent thinker who endorsed independent living, and wanted her children to carve their own path while maintaining loving relationships within their own and extended families. Her message was clear; live life authentically and share your love with those around you. Mildred Brenneman; a life well-lived, lessons well learned. Mom, we miss you. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Poole Mennonite Church or Tri-County Mennonite Homes – Nithview Community

January 1, 1926 -November 22, 2021 Anna Blatchford of Listowel, formerly of Atwood, passed away peacefully at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Monday November 22, 2021 at the age of 95. Anna enjoyed knitting, doing puzzles, watching the Maple Leaf games and spending time with her great grandchildren. Beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Blatchford who predeceased her in 2006. Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Steven (Joy) Blatchford, Shane Blatchford (Lori VanLoo) and her daughter-in-law Janette Blatchford. Great Grandma of Aden, Harper and Myla. Dear sister of Joyce Morrison. Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews Elaine Townshend, Bob (Debb) Morrison, Barb (Paul) Brockman, Jim (Cathy) Morrison. Predeceased by her parents Ernest and Irene (Harrison) Townshend, her sons Ernest, Joe and Peter Blatchford, her brother Bill and his wife Bessie Townshend, and brother-in-law Bill Morrison. In keeping with Anna’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held. Interment in Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Pride Stables, Kitchener appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood (519-356-2382)

April 27, 1950 - November 14, 2021 It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Jim Leis on Sunday, November 14, 2021, with his family by his side at his home in Stratford, after a long battle with cancer. Precious and devoted husband to Rosella (Gerber) Leis for 48 years. Beloved father of Rebecca (Patrick) Minor and 2 beautiful grandchildren Noa Minor and Sullivan Minor. Survived by his siblings Glennis (Mark) Yantzi, Murray (Marilyn) Leis, Merlin (Angela) Leis, Paul (Charlene) Leis, Gloria (Dale) Freeman. Missed by his brothers-in law and sisters-in-law Ralph (Joanne) Gerber, Ken (Linda) Gerber, Marie (Sam) Assad, Orville (Bonnie) Gerber, Floyd (Pat) Gerber, Marilyn (Leonard) Hammer, Evelyn (Richard) Cook. Fondly remembered by his aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Gordon & Marie (Erb) Leis, parents-in-law Ohmer & Sarah Gerber and nephew Andrew Cook. Jim farmed for 42 years just down the road from where he was born and raised. He took great pleasure in cultivating his fields and raising his daughter on this beloved piece of land. He was so proud that his daughter and son-in-law will carry on the tradition there. Jim worked off the farm as a Probation and Parole Officer in Kitchener and Stratford for 28 years. His second career as a Financial Advisor and owner of Oak Tree Financial Milverton for 19 years gave him much pleasure. He proudly passed the business down to his son-in-law when he retired in December 2020. Jim and Rosella took many opportunities to travel and Jim enjoyed taking the time to plan detailed itineraries and excursions. He enjoyed playing hockey, skiing, curling and doting on his grandchildren. Jim was a longtime member of Crosshill Mennonite Church where he served in various capacities including Sunday School teacher, youth sponsor, elder and missions committee. He also became involved in many community organizations such as Canadian Blood Services as the facilitator of the Blood Donor Clinic in Milverton for 10 years, United Way, Milverton Lions Club, Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp, MCC Refugee Program and the G to G Trail. Jim is now resting forever in the hands of God. Visitation will be held at Crosshill Mennonite Church, 2537 Hutchison Road on Wednesday November 17, 2021 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A private family burial will take place in Maple View Mennonite Cemetery followed by a public memorial service at Crosshill Mennonite Church on Thursday November 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. As per the family’s request, for both the visitation or service proof of vaccination is not required, however masks are mandatory and social distancing must be respected. The service will be recorded and the link posted on Jim’s obituary page on the Funeral Home website. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crosshill Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee (Ontario), by donating blood or funds to Canadian Blood Services, or a charity of your choice

May 27, 1938 - October 27, 2021 Mildred Koch, formerly of Atwood, passed away peacefully at Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice, on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at the age of 83. Mildred was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Listowel. Beloved wife of the late Lloyd Koch who predeceased her in 2018. Loving mother of Carolyn Rock (Randy) and Mike Koch (Nancy). Special grandma of Jeremy, Erinn (Zach) and Nikita (Simon). Sister of Dr. Lloyd Fisher (Evelyn), Harold Fisher (Wilma), Merelda Lantz (Larry) and sister-in-law of Ima Fisher, Shirley Fisher, Betty Fisher, Eleanor Holyhome (Ray) and Marjorie Eskrett. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Milton and Emelia (Wettlaufer) Fisher, brothers Aaron Fisher, Carl Fisher, Ivan Fisher, sister-in-law Hilde Fisher, and brothers-in-law Robert Koch (Evelyn) and Jim Eskrett. Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Listowel on Saturday October 30, 2021 from 12:30 until 1:15 p.m. followed by a private family funeral service with Rev. Ralph Dwarika officiating. Masks are required and social distancing must be respected. Interment in St. James Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery (Lauderbach), Clifford. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth or a charity of one’s choice appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood (519-356-2382)

May 14, 1951- October 23, 2021 Mary Johnston of Listowel, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Saturday October 23, 2021 at the age of 70. Mary had a special love for music, animals, spending time with family and friends and attending Friendship Club and Self-Advocates. Mary always enjoyed the time spent with Heather and Bill Frank and their family. Beloved daughter of the late James and Orrie (Johnson) Johnston. She will be deeply missed by many cousins, the extended Johnson and Johnston families and her family at Caressant Care. Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories at the Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood (519-356-2382), on Wednesday October 27, 2021 from 2 to 4 p.m. Masks are required and social distancing must be respected. A private family funeral service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held with Pastor Ralph Wigboldus officiating. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel. The family is grateful for the care and support given to Mary by Dr. Latuski and Dr. Matthews and the staff at the Listowel Memorial Hospital Emergency room and palliative care unit. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Community Living North Perth, Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation or a charity of one’s choice appreciated by the family.

August 16, 1973 - October 4, 2021 Angela Breault of Route 2 Listowel, passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Monday October 4, 2021 at the age of 48. Angela cherished the time spent with her family. She loved animals, enjoyed fishing and working on the farm, but especially enjoyed her time working at the dog kennel. Beloved partner of Rob Clark. Loving mother of Emlie Byerlay, Cassandra Byerlay (Kodie), Brianna Chappel (Cole), Byron Byerlay, Brantley Byerlay and step-mother of Lexi Morrison (Colton). Special grandma of Taya, Memphis, Khloe, Koda, Shelby, Jacob and Knox. Dear sister of Arthur Breault. Fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her parents Ronald and Muriel (Blouard) Breault and step-son Logan Clark. In keeping with Angela’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no visitation or service will be held. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to a charity of one’s choice appreciated by the family

October 18, 1960 - September 27, 2021 Don Green (Greeny) of Monkton, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by his family, at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Monday September 27, 2021 at the age of 60. Greeny was a very active member of the Atwood Lions Club. He was a Past-President of the Club and also received the Melvin Jones Fellowship award which is the highest honour given to a Lions member. He was a previous member of the Cattleman’s Association and a Gay Lea member. Greeny was a social guy. He was always asking you questions about your life and work and where you were going or where you have been. He loved to visit with everyone everywhere and always knew all the farm news. He could usually be found at the local coffee shop or diner, campfire or barn. He will be greatly missed throughout the community by family and friends. Beloved husband of Maria (Verkley) Green whom he married in 1981. Loving father of Wesley Green (Ted Kim), Tina (Jesse) Beirnes, and Jesse Green (Amanda Mallalieu). Special Papa of Parker, Beckett, Brett and Paxton Beirnes. Brother of Doug Green and brother-in-law of John and Patti-Joe Verkley, Anne Marie Verkley, Joe Verkley, Paul Verkley, Frank and Susan Verkley, Cecilia Verkley, Phil and Doreen Verkley, Ed and Nora Verkley, Tom and Cathy Verkley, David and Patricia Verkley, Jeff and Teresa Verkley. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his parents Alfred and Dorothea (Keith) Green and brother Dale (in infancy). Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories at the Elma Memorial Community Centre, Atwood on Thursday September 30, 2021 from 1-4:30 and 6:30-9 p.m. Masks are mandatory and social distancing must be respected. A private family funeral service to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Friday October 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Brian Hymers officiating. Interment in Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood. The service will be live streamed. Please click on the following link to view the service. https://youtu.be/iUjNfq1gdeU As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation, Atwood Lions Club or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre appreciated by the family. Special thanks to the staff at Listowel Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care of Greeny. Arrangements entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood (519-356-2382)

May 22, 1981 -September 25, 2021 Craig Pehlke of Monkton, passed away surrounded by his family at Stratford General Hospital on Saturday September 25, 2021 at the age of 40. Craig is survived by his young son Austin. Austin was the light of Craig’s life. He was so proud of him. Beloved son of Joanne (Mark) Winlaw and Brian Pehlke. Dear brother of Amy (Tim) Broda and Michelle (Marc) Langlois. Grandson of Larry Pestell (Arlene Riehl). Fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews Kaylynn, Natalie, Liam, Ryan and Louis and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by his grandparents Carolyn DeGruyter and Elmer and Beth Pehlke. Craig loved to create. He loved to draw. As an adult, he took great pride in working with his hands, construction, landscaping, air brushing, repairing bikes, restoring antique tractors, wood carving....Craig could fix anything. Craig also loved family traditions, and tried his best to keep them going. Growing vegetables, canning with his Mom, cooking favorite family recipes, Pehlke Sauerkraut Day, making gingerbread cookies at Christmas. Craig could see the beauty in anything antique. He treasured old tools. He appreciated the beauty that they could create. He was especially proud of tools that his Papa Elmer passed down to him. He loved to collect anything vintage. Craig recently had the opportunity to work alongside his Papa Larry. Days spent in the lawn tractor repair business. Hours spent together, bonding over a common love, of “fixing.” A private family visitation was held on Sunday evening at Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood. Cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment in Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, Monkton. Craig will be missed everyday by his family and remembered dearly. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Stratford House of Blessing or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

June 1, 1958 - September 7, 2021 It is with great sadness that the family of John Stephen Bancroft announce his passing on Tuesday September 7, 2021 at the age of 63. He leaves behind a legacy of a well lived life and great memories shared with his beloved wife of 38 years, Elaine (Aubry) and his children Michael (Kendall), Krista (Corey) and Kayla (John). Adored Papa John to Auston, Blair, John Henry, and Carter. He will be forever remembered by his father Murray (Jennet), his siblings Margaret (Bruce), Mark (Helen), and Peter (Kate), and the Aubry family. He will be sadly missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many family friends. John was predeceased by his mother Mary Bancroft and his parents-in-law Juliette and Gabriel Aubry. John is a graduate of Listowel District High School and The University of Guelph. After graduation, he joined OMAFRA where he took on many roles initially as farm management representative, swine and beef specialist, and finally as market strategy program lead. John also served as past president of the Ontario Pork Congress and chairperson of various swine conferences. John was a die-hard Chicago Blackhawks fan and loved reminding Habs and Leaf fans that his team had won 3 Stanley Cups in 6 years. After his retirement in 2014, John pursued a variety of different hobbies including carpentry, curling, barbecuing, reading, walking, and cycling. He was very proud to have recorded a total of 3759km with a daily average of 45.8km over the last 3 months. John’s children were certainly his pride and joy. He loved having the whole family and their friends over for supper where he always attempted to barbecue everyone’s favourite meal. In the last 3 years, John was thrilled to be called Papa John as he watched his four grandchildren grow. Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories at the Stratford Country Club, Curling Lounge, 53 Romeo Street North, Stratford on Friday September 10, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend the visitation must schedule a time by calling Brenneman Funeral Home at 519-356-2382 or by emailing brennemanfh@cyg.net. Masks are mandatory and social distancing must be respected. A private family service will be held with interment in Avondale Cemetery. The Bancroft family would like to thank the EMS and Stratford General Hospital staff for their compassion and care during a very difficult time. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory are asked to consider the Stratford General Hospital Foundation