Juergen Reinartz

He was born in Saarbrucken, Germany in 1938 where he grew up in the family décor and painting business. Juergen immigrated to Canada in 1966. His journey took him from Montreal, Vancouver, the Yukon and finally, Calgary. He loved travelling and the outdoors.

His travels took him to Honduras where he met his wife of 38 years, Elvira. He loved his family, was devoted to them and wanted nothing but the best for them. Juergen had a kind and gentle spirit, was always a hard worker and instilled a hard work ethic. He also had a clever sense of humour and would often make people laugh.

Juergen is survived by his wife, Elvira; son, Martin; and daughter Renata.

Funeral Services will be held at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South, on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca.

ORDER OF SERVICE FOR JUERGEN REINARTZ FUNERAL

by Nanay Cowtun, Chaplain at the Peter Lougheed Centre

Processional:

Greensleaves

Opening Remarks

Good morning. We are gathered together to remember and to celebrate the life of Juergen Reinartz. [Ps 145]

Hymn:

Ava Maria by Schubert

We open this time with an orchestral classic, Ava Maria. As you’re listening to this song, I invite you to think about Juergen, all the moments you shared with him.

Scripture:

Psalm 23 The Shepherd Psalm

Elvira and the family have chosen the 23rd Psalm as the scripture reading for this morning.

Words of Comfort

This Psalm speaks of an intense relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. This is not the type of relationship we are used to having with other people.

When I met Juergen and Elvira, I think a couple of years ago, I was reminded that we are relational beings. We're made that way. We want to be loved, for only then can we give love away. We want to be cared for, for only then can we care for others.

When I met Elvira and Martin here on Tuesday, I was reminded that we are able to comfort one another even in our own sorrow. And sitting around a table in the back they both took turns sharing stories of their relationship with Juergen. There was an atmosphere of love and respect for him, as well as for each another.

The Scripture reading opened with the words, The Lord is my shepherd. Sheep trust their shepherd and totally depend on him for protection, provision, and restoration of health. God is the Good Shepherd, the One who tends His flock – you and me – with tender loving care. That kind of care takes a special relationship.

When I first met Juergen in the chapel of the Peter Lougheed Centre, I wasn’t sure whether he had an intimate relationship with the Good Shepherd. However, on Tuesday, Elvira proudly announced that Juergen had indeed invited Jesus in to his life sometime just before Christmas.

That relationship probably allowed him to live out the rest of his days with dignity.

An occasion such as this invites us to strengthen the relationships with our loved ones and friends.

An occasion such as this also invites us to strengthen or to enter into a relationship with the Good Shepherd. For that relationship will strengthen our human relationships. Why? Because God loves each on of us so much that He sent His only Son into the world that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. The Son did not come to judge and condemn us, but to save us.

God loves you just the way you are. And if you accept God's love for you, you will want to give it away to the people in your life.

Juergen knew that saving love in the end, and he loved the people in his life as only he could. Now, he is with the One who loves him more than he ever imagined. Juergen is with the Good Shepherd for eternity.

In Scripture we find these comforting words: In my father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3). Juergen, I believe, will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Special Music:

Precious Memories

We will now hear the song, Precious Memories. As you’re listening to this song, I invite you to think about Juergen. Who was he to you and how did he impact your life?

Eulogy

This is the time we set aside for the eulogy. Both of Juergen’s children will come up and share their father with us.

I invite Martin Reintarz and Renata Pasion to come forward to share memories about their father.

Martin's Tribute to his Father - It’s tough to put a lifetime of memories into a few minutes. One thing I will always remember is him telling me, he tried to provide for us and give us a better life than he had growing up.

He tried to instil hard work, honestly in hi children and encourage us to learn as much as possible. From encouraging me to swim (Which he and the rest of the pool guests found out I expanded my vocabulary at 5 years old).

Getting me involved in art and music, and even taking me to my first Flames (hockey) game. He loved to travel and explore the world. I am glad we were along for the ride. (From our trips to Germany, Honduras and many more)

Most of all he loved his family so very much; so thank you for being a father and a friend.

Renata's Tribute to her father - Dad I want to tell you that I love and miss you and feel so bad that you are suffering and going through such pain. I am sorry that I am not there now physically but know there is not a day that I do not stop thinking about you and hope you feel better. I am sorry when I was younger we were not close and I caused you grief. It was never my intention I think its just because I was such a free spirit. I do not want you worrying about me and know I am happy and am okay. I am very concerned for you which affects me but that is not your fault as we have no control over what god does.

I have been through so much pain these last couple years with my divorce and depression and mom that i'm trying to take the time to sort my life and be happy. I have come to the conclusion life is too short to not be happy and to do what makes you happy. We all do not know how much more time we have on this planet but I want to make the most out of it. Know that each day that I live I live for me and for you and am trying to live my dreams. At times I feel lonely and sad and wish I was married but I suppose for now that is not meant for me. I hope one day I do meet a nice man and settle down and have that fairytale happy ending. In the meantime though there is nothing to be sorry for as I am fortunate that god has given me this opportunity to sort myself out.

I am fortunate that mom and Martin are there to visit and take care of you. Just know just because I am not there does not mean I do not love you. As for now I am thinking of coming back to canada in march to avoid the winter months. I am sad that I can not talk to you but will try to call the hospital and see if they will let me. Dad please know I love you so much and I don't want you to be by yourself. I am torn and its hard for me to be away from you. At the same time I feel I can not go back to canada yet there is nothing there for me. So for now I travel but don't worry I am happy and safe.

I love you,

Your daughter,

Renata

Thank you Renata and Martin for sharing your memories of and feelings for your father, and allowing us to get to know him better.

Prayer

Will you now join me in prayer.

God of grace and glory, we thank you for Juergen, and what he offered and received by those who knew and loved him. We pray that no good thing in Juergen's life will be lost, that all that was important to him will be respected and that everything in which Juergen was great will continue to mean much to us now that he is gone from our presence.

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, deal graciously with those who loved Juergen. Surround them with your love and grant them confidence in your goodness and strength so they will not be overwhelmed by their loss, but will be able to meet the days to come. In your name we pray. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

And now, please join me in the Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

The power and the glory,

For ever and ever. Amen.

Video

Let’s take a moment to sit back and enjoy a video of Juergen’s life as put together by his family.

Announcements

We’re almost at the close of this service.

Juergen's family will leave the chapel in a few minutes. Please fall in behind them to exit the chapel.

The family invites you to join them for a light luncheon directly behind you.

This morning you have had an opportunity to reflect on your relationship with Juergen. The reception is a good time to share some of your reflections with Elvira, Martin, and Renata. It is in the sharing that the healing truly begins. As Juergen had an impact on your life, now you can facilitate the healing of his wife and children.

The Commendation

Please rise for the Commendation.

Into your hands, O merciful God,

We commend Juergen Reinartz,

One of your own created,

Who loved the life you gave him to live. Amen

Benediction

As we close this service, I want you to know that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons nor any powers, neither things present nor things to come, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen (Romans 8:38-39)

Recessional:

Air by Bach

Please remain standing while the family exits the chapel to Bach’s Orchestral Suite #3 in D, entitled Air. You may follow them into the reception area.

THE INTERMENT SERVICE

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ,

We commend to Almighty God our brother, Juergen,

And we commit his ashes to the ground;

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The Lord bless him and keep him,

The Lord make his face to shine upon Juergen and be gracious to him,

The Lord lift up his countenance upon him

And give him peace. Amen

Prayer

Let us pray.

God of grace, we thank you for Juergen Reinartz, who was so near and dear to us, and who has now been taken from us. We thank you for the friendship he gave and for the strength and peace he brought. We thank you for the love he offered and received while he was with us on earth. We pray that Juergen may go on living in his children, and his friends, in their hearts and minds, in their courage and in their consciences. We ask that those who were close to him may now be even closer to each other, and that we may, in peace and friendship here on earth, always be deeply conscious of your promise to be faithful to us in death. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

The Blessing:

May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen