Michael (Mike) Klepatz

Michael (Mike) Anthony Klepatz

August 9th, 1960 – April 27th 2022.

On April 27th our husband, dad and best friend Michael' s journey ended here on earth. He will be deeply missed by his wife Debbie; beloved daughter Nicole and son-in-law Justin Bedard. Mike was predeceased by his parents Ivan and Mary. Left to mourn are sisters Maria (Bruce), Andrea (Jim) and brother Joe (Tara); parents-in-law Ted & Lydia Manthey; sister-in-law Angela (Bob); brother-in-law Ron (Sara). As well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews (who will forever miss his “best hugs”)  

Growing up in Charleswood Mike enjoyed playing hockey in the winter, water skiing and fishing with his besties in the summer and tinkering with cars during the in between. He spent summers at the family’s cabin on Nutimuk Lake where he met the love of his life (Deb). In 1980 the two of them became three and the family adventures began. Camping, skiing and canoeing gave way to sailing and eventually building his own retreat at Hecla.

Mike’s career with Weights and Measures took the family to Regina, Calgary and back to Manitoba where he retired in 2015. He took pride and excelled in his career pursuing Fair Measure for All.  He joined Weights and Measures (now Measurement Canada) following his graduation from RRCC, where he studied Instrumentation Technology.  After refining his knowledge inspecting trade devices, gas pumps to truck scales and everything in between, across western Canada he went on to specialize in volumetric measurement issues. Amongst his accomplishments was the development and delivery of many national and industry training programs. Mike was respected by friends and colleagues across Canada, where his travels frequently took him.

Mike will be best remembered for his meticulous carpentry skills. He was a perfectionist- a 1/16 of an inch variance was unacceptable. The first boat he built was a cedar strip canoe, his last was a 26 foot trail able trimaran. The wide open Lake Winnipeg brought Mike and Deb to Hecla Island where his sailboat was moored and his next big project became building a house on the Island. Together they cleared the lot, laid the foundation and began to construct what is now their home. Mike built everything in it himself, from the kitchen cabinets to the beautiful deck overlooking the lake.

After Mike retired he and Deb became a part of the Hecla and surrounding community, attending the Nazarene Church in Riverton, enjoying Pickleball with friends and could be found walking the trails with their beloved dogs. Craving another new challenge he taught himself how to play the banjo just so he could learn “Dueling Banjos”. He was a devoted and loving father who taught his daughter all the best “blue job” skills but most importantly, how to hug like you mean it. Mike had a deep love for his family and will always be remembered for his big hugs, huge smile and that twinkle in his bright blue eyes that showed just how happy he was to see you.

Please join us for his Celebration of Life on Tuesday May 10th at 11:00 am at Hecla Village Church, located along Hecla Village Road   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gimli Humane Society

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael (Mike) Klepatz, please visit our floral store.