1936 ~ 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Erich Lindenschmidt on Friday, April 2 at the age of 84.
Erich was born in Winnipeg on April 11, 1936. After attending Machray School and St. John’s High School he enrolled at the University of Manitoba in 1954. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1957, majoring in German, his Bachelor of Pedagogy in 1958 and his Bachelor of Education in 1961.
In 1958-1959 he taught for the Federal Government of West Germany at the Gymnasium in Backnang, Wuerttemberg. Upon his return he taught at a number of different places: Edmund Partridge Junior High School, West Kildonan, Minitonas, Manitoba and Long Plain First Nation Reserve near Portage-la-Prairie.
In 1963 he married Rita Koehn whereupon they settled for many years in Beausejour, Manitoba where he taught at the high school with only a few interruptions until 1987. As a young couple with their son Karl they spent a year at Nelson House, Manitoba, where Erich was the principal. From 1970-1973 they moved together with their son and daughter to Baden-Soellingen, Germany where Erich taught at the Canadian Forces Base School.
For about ten years Erich served on the Manitoba Curriculum Committee of the Department of Education for the German language. He was very interested in furthering the learning of German in Manitoba. And to that end he served for a number of years in the Youth Committee of the German Club of Winnipeg, 1892, not to mention the years that he spent teaching German at the Edward Schreyer School in Beausejour in which he encouraged students to further their learning of German culture and language through study, travel and scholarship programmes. To that end he was also active in the Manitoba German Language and Essay Contest. He also taught German at the German Saturday School in Winnipeg.
After leaving Beausejour and moving to Winnipeg and then to his cabin at Red Rock Lake in the Whiteshell he taught at the Brightstone Hutterite Colony near Lac du Bonnet and substitute taught at the Whitemouth Collegiate.
Together with his wife Rita they spent 6 months in 1991 in Germany where Rita was a nurse at the Wartenberg Klinik near Munich.
Erich retired in the spring of 1991. Having retired to Whitemouth and then to Beausejour he could persue his hobbies and sports such as genealogy, fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking and gardening. He spent many memorable years with his children and grandchildren at the cottage at Red Rock Lake.
He leaves to mourn his wife Rita; son Karl (Marie) and grandchildren Erich, Nicole, and Tilman; daughter Karin (Daniel Bergen) and grandchildren Michael and Alexa; brother Fred (Betty) and nephews Dr. R. Lindenschmidt and Dr. F. Lindenschmidt and niece Lisa and their children. He was predeceased by his parents Fritz and Maja.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hastir, Dr. Papetti, and the doctors and staff at the Whitemouth Personal Care Home for their care and compassion.
As per Erich’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a service may be held at a later date.
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Grant and Judy Plohman
Rita, Karl, Karen and families,
So sad to hear of Eric’s passing. Eric was a respected colleague at Edward Schreyer School and will be missed.
Sincerely,
Grant and Judy
Marlene Szarka (Biedler)
Ruhe in Friedan Herr Lindenschmidt. From a former German student at ESS.
Melvene Hachkowski, a colleague
Rita and family
Eric was a gentle and kind person. RIP
Marianne Sarich
Condolences to Rita, Karl and family. I took 2 years of German in high school from your dad Jarl. Great man great teacher. Thinking of you at this sad time. Marianne Sarich ( nee Richards)
Cliff and Irene Rerick
Our condolences to you and your family.
Michael Czuboka
I served as Erich’s superintendent of schools in the Agassiz, now Sunshine School Division, from 1969 to 1990. Eric was highly respected by his students, his colleagues and me. I served with the Canadian Army from May to September, 1957, and I was impressed by German culture, science and music. As a result I appreciated Erich’s dedicated teaching of German. I send my very sincere condolences to Erich’s family.
Bob Grant
To Rita, Karl Karin and family
I was sad to hear of Erich’s passing. He was a kind and thoughtful man who really cared for his students. May his memory be a blessing to all of you and remember how many people he touched. Respectfully, Bob Granr
Bonnie Singbeil
My sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Lindenschmidt as I knew him, was my grade 7 and 8 German Teacher in Beausejour at the Edward Schreyer School. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Carol Ans
Deepest condolences to Rita and Family. You and Erich were a welcome addition to the Whitemouth Community, Remember the good times. Carol Ans
Margaret Boyko
I am so sorry to hear of Erichs passing. Although I hadn’t known him that long as a neighbor I found him to be the kindest most caring, gentle person. I know he will be sorely missed. May he Rest In Peace.
Fred P Rumak
My condolences to Erich’s family on his passing.
Mr. Lindenschmidt taught me grade 10 Literature and was a great teacher!
He encouraged me to study and become something as he did to all of his students.
Rest in Peace good Sir!
Fred Rumak P. Geol.
Calgary
Bonnie Trombo Stefansson
So very sorry for your loss.
Leon and Doris Tonn
We are saddened to hear of your loss, dear Rita and family.
Our sincere condolences to you. Erich was a wonderful man who was respected by all.