Willie Brasileno Penalber

Willie Brasileno Penalber was born to Tomas and Trepina Penalber on August 27, 1933 in Calinog, Iloilo, Philippines.

Growing up quickly, under less-than-ideal circumstances, he found work, at the tender age of 15, at a logging company. There he developed a strong work ethic and skills that he would carry throughout his life. In 1958, at 25 years old, Willie reached a turning point in his life when he heard the Gospel message and gave his life to Christ. Through a missionary from the U.S., he met his wife Dulia and they were married December 27, 1966.

The couple took an opportunity to attend Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and while they were students, their son Jonathan was born in 1969.

A door opened for them to move to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in March, 1972. Dulia was a school teacher while Willie found work at a hardware store, and soon his skills and acquired work ethic from his youth were put to good use. Willie was a natural handyman and could renovate a house from the roof to the basement. By the early 1980s, he was restoring homes and managing properties. And then his “For Sale” signs began popping up in the community, as he transitioned into the real estate business.

In 1986, their family welcomed 7-year-old niece, Cherry, into their home and raised her as their daughter. Willie and Dulia loved camping, fishing and hunting in the Canadian outdoors. In addition to being active outside, the Penalbers were active members of Faith Baptist Church where they served using their musical talents. Willie and Dulia sang as a dynamic duo, and he would also lend his vocals as a member of a men’s quartet. Willie was nearing retirement when Dulia passed away in March, 2005.

After experiencing the pain of losing his partner and love, Dulia, Willie retired in 2007. However, he was soon comforted and felt fortunate to meet Rose Marie Martinez, who would become his second wife in March of 2008. The new couple eventually relocated to Duarte, California, where they enjoyed retirement in their new home and community.

After a series of age-related illnesses, Willie Brasileno Penalber passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, at the age of 93, at St. Boniface Hospital, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with his family by his side in his final hours.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Penalber; his children, Jonathan Penalber and Cherry Nixdorf (Brent); and his adult grandchildren Cade Nixdorf and Cody Nixdorf. He leaves to cherish his memory an extended family of siblings and in-laws, nephews and nieces, and friends, that span across the Philippines, California, Florida, and British Columbia.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Poseidon Care Home for their dedicated care of our dear dad. We are also deeply grateful to the staff in the Emergency Department at St. Boniface Hospital for caring for him in his final hours.

A funeral service will be held in Willie’s honor on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Green Acres Funeral Home, located at 1 Green Acres Lane, Navin, MB R5T 0H2. For those who wish to pay their respect to Willie, a public viewing will be available at 1:30 prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Willie’s memory to the Union Gospel Mission Winnipeg (PO Box 1073 STN Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2X4) or online at https://www.iatspayments.com/saaura/PACF849226ECFE0DAE