It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Andrew (Andy) Klapprat, in the presence of his family, on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the age of 76.
Andy was predeceased by his wife Alexandra in 2004. Andy met his soulmate on a blind date on January 23, 1969. He proposed on June 23 and they were married on August 23, 1969. They were happily married for 35 years before her passing. Not a day has gone by without Andy missing her dearly. On Saturday, they were reunited eternally.
Andy leaves to mourn his children Andrew (Janina), Andria (Troy) and Arron. He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren Stefan, Brett, TJ and Ryan.
Andy is survived by his brother Ray (Armande) and his sister Marilyn, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Amanda and Reinhold, sister Norma and brother Albert.
Andy is also survived by his sister-in-law’s, Karen (Don), Elizabeth, Mary and Corrine and brother-in-law Lorne (Florence), along with many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers-in-law Brian, Lawrence, Raymond, Desmond and Robert, as well as his sister-in-law Rayleen.
Andy was born in Beausejour in 1943. He lived on the farm with his family until the age of 13. He worked various jobs as a young adult and has regaled his family with colourful stories of his time spent working in the mines. Andy spent the majority of his career working for Manitoba Hydro (35 years). While his stories of working at Hydro were not quite as colourful, he definitely spoke with pride when discussing his time with Hydro.
Andy was a fabulous husband and a proud father. He worked hard for his family, especially after his wife took ill in 1982. He readily accepted the additional responsibilities of caring for an ill wife and his young family. Andy loved his grandchildren, gladly agreeing to babysit whenever needed. He enjoyed attending their sporting events, picking them up from daycare, and “teaching” them how to play video games when they were young. Grandpa was very much loved by his grandchildren and he will be sorely missed.
Andy was a helper by nature. He was always willing to step up and help out where needed. Many family members were moved into new homes with the assistance of our father and his van. He cared for his parents in their elder years and had also taken on the responsibility of caring for his sister.
Andy and his wife bowled for many years. After her death, Andy continued to enjoy bowling in a couple of different leagues. He loved the challenge of bowling tournaments, participating in as many as he could. Andy made new friends at his apartment block and enjoyed taking trips to South Beach with his new friends.
Andy was a long time Bomber season ticket holder, first attending the games with his sons and later with his daughter. Andy and his daughter watched the 2019 Grey Cup game on the tiny hospital TV and celebrated the team’s victory together.
A memorial service and celebration of life will take place on Monday, Dec 9, 2019 at 1:00 PM at St Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church, 2903 McPhillips St. Pastor Lynne Hutchison will preside.
A private family internment will follow.
