Frederick J. Lindenschmidt

Frederick J. Lindenschmidt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frederick J. Lindenschmidt on October 24, 2018 at Red River Place in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Fred is survived by his wife Betty; children Fred (Marilyn), Richard (Diane), and Lisa (Rod); grandchildren Richard Brian (Dyana), Jennifer, Thomas, Stephen and Robert; as well as great-grandchildren Alyssa and Rayna – all of whom were always able to bring a smile to his face. Also surviving Fred is his brother Eric (Rita).

Fred was born on December 7, 1930 at home in Winnipeg, Manitoba to parents Maria and Fred Lindenschmidt. He always had very fond memories of visits to his grandparents’ farm in Barrie, Ontario. This is where his love of farming began.

Fred was a professional mechanical engineer, graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1954. He started working at Alpha Manufacturing, and in 1957 he became one of the founding partners of Chicago Blower Canada Ltd., now CML Northern Blower, retiring in 1986.

Fred and Betty started married life in a small apartment in the top floor of his aunt’s house on St. John’s Avenue, Winnipeg, in 1953. After Fred Jr. was born they built a home on McAdam Avenue in West Kildonan. Richard and Lisa soon followed.

Fred spent many long hours working to achieve his dream of owning a hobby farm. They found their ideal piece of land in St. Andrews, MB and, after several years of planting trees, moved there in 1968 when the farm started. Cattle, horses, chickens, geese, dogs and cats soon followed, and Fred had his on-site labor force to do the dirty work. That was his way of teaching his children and grandchildren a good work ethic (or figuring out how not to do it).

Then came his love of everything John Deere and many trips were made down back country roads to find yet another piece for his collection. Special trips to Rollag, MN and Austin, MB with his grandchildren are fondly remembered. Fred sure loved his country drives with his family, but what he loved even more was time at the cottage with his grandchildren. They still pine over the famed chocolate-filled donuts he would bring from Kenora. Many memories were made at this little piece of heaven.

He helped us immensely, always giving freely of his time and imparting many memorable words of wisdom, and for that we will be forever grateful.

We would like to thank the caring staff at Red River Place and Dr. H. Demsas for his care. There will be no formal funeral service; a private service will be held at a later date. If desired donations in Fred’s memory may be made to Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre (wildlifehaven.ca) or Selkirk & District Community Foundation (sdcf.ca).

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A. A. Milne

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