Wilhelm Gortemaker

With sadness, his family announces that Bill Gortemaker was called home to his Lord and Saviour on April 28, 2015, at the age of 69.

Bill leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Grietje; nine children: David (Teresa), Theodore (Vanessa), Allan (Jessica), William (Shawna), Alisa (Kenneth), Celia (Brant), Edward, Irene (Daryn), and Peter; nineteen grandchildren; father-in-law Gerry Kuik; siblings Roelof (Nellie), Jan (Jannie), Alex (Monique), Willie (Sytze), Alie, and Frea Vos; siblings-in-law Fenny, Davida (Bruce), Henrietta (Bill), Jake (Carolyn), Ben, and Anita (Allan); many nephews and nieces. Bill was predeceased by his parents Egbert and Grietje, mother-in-law Johanna Kuik, and daughter Amy.

Bill was born and raised in the Netherlands. In 1968 he immigrated to Canada, settling in Hamilton, Ontario, where he met Grietje. In 1975 they moved to Winnipeg where they were married and were blessed with a large family. In Winnipeg Bill began his 39-year career with Premier Printing, where he eventually became a partner and president. Bill loved the Lord and was an active member in the church. He was also deeply involved in promoting Christian education and Christian engagement in the public square.

Visitation hours will be held, D.V., on Monday, May 4 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, Hwy. #1 East at Navin Road, Winnipeg. The funeral service will be held, D.V., on Tuesday, May 5, 11:00 a.m. at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave, Winnipeg, with interment to follow immediately at Green Acres.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cornerstone Christian Care Society, PO Box 367, Carman, MB, R0G 0J0.