Michael Manfred Meissner

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Michael Manfred Meissner on October 15th, 2024 at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg at the age of 62 after a long courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on May 17th, 1962 in the city of St. Boniface, Manitoba to Rita and Manfred Meissner.

He began his education at River Elm School from K-grade 6. He played a wide variety of sports as a kid, including hockey and football at Chalmers Community Centre. He attended Elmwood High School graduating in 1980. He started working at the family business, Wittler Furniture shortly after graduation. An incredibly hard worker, owning and running his own business, INSA Distributors, for almost 30 years and retired in 2021.

He met Janet Cooper in 1990, and they were married in 1992. They had 2 children, Mitchell (1994) and Chelsea (1997). He was a devoted husband and the best father to his children.

He was an avid sports fan as both a spectator and player. He played baseball at Chalmers and played hockey for the Elmwood Edge in the Winnipeg Hockey League winning the championship in 1992. He loved the Bombers, Jets and the Germany National soccer team. He tried to go to as many Grey Cups as he could. He was there to witness the Bombers break their 22 year championship drought in 1984, and their 29 year drought in 2019. He also enjoyed playing soccer, and played both indoor and outdoor for many years as a member of the Elmwood Rowdies. He also enjoyed playing sponge hockey when he was younger, and took up golf regularly in his later years.

A lover of music, he was proud of being able to name songs after hearing the first few notes. Some of his favourite artists include Elvis Presley, Status Quo, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Clash. He loved making mix tapes, CDs and playlists for vacations, road trips and trips with friends.

He loved the cabin. He spent almost every summer of his life at Caddy Lake at his parents cabin, and in later years at West Hawk Lake with Janet and family.

Since being diagnosed with cancer in May of 2018, Michael never lost his optimism, his positive attitude or his huge smile…no matter how many curve balls he was thrown.

Michael is survived by his parents Rita and Manfred, wife Janet, brother Peter (Cathy), son Mitchell (Madeline) and daughter Chelsea. He is also survived by his very close cousin Ingrid Wittler, his in-laws and many nieces & nephews. He is predeceased by his grandparents, and his brother Andreas.

We want to thank the incredible doctors and staff at CancerCare Manitoba especially his oncologist Dr. Paul and Nubia for their amazing care throughout these difficult past 6-1/2 years.

A Celebration of Life is being held at the German Club (121 Charles Street) on Saturday October 26th at 2 pm. Please wear your favourite sport jersey to honour Mikes love of all sports!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michaels honour to Cancer Care Manitoba!

If you knew Mike, you knew he had the biggest smile, the loudest voice and the biggest heart. Family and friends were everything to him and he was one of a kind.

The world has gotten a little quieter since his passing. He will never be forgotten.