Merna Jane Lodge (nee Brandt)
Posted By Sobering Funeral Chapel On April 16, 2022 @ 2:02 pm In Obituaries | 8 Comments
Feb. 14, 1934 ~ Apr. 12, 2022
Peacefully, Merna passed away at the Pinawa Hospital knowing how much she was loved and with her eldest son at her side.
Predeceased by her husband Arthur of 55 years in 2014. Her parents were John and Cassie Brandt and her in-laws were Pat and Exilda Lodge. She was also predeceased by her siblings Bernice, Albert, Betty, and Darlene and her stepmother, Freda (Beck) Brandt.
Merna is survived by her four children and their families: Kenneth (Cindy) Lodge (Bryce & Alia- Bowen, Isla) (Brenden & Kayla); Karen (Carl) Nilsson (Laura & Marc) (Brenlee & Cody – Carson) (Dael & Clayton – Elias, Archer); Bryan (Christine) Lodge (Kerri & Brent – Blake) (Carley); Catherine (Ryon) Sellers (Lance) (Shane & Cherish). Merna will also be missed by family friend Dean Teten of Omaha, Nebraska as well as many extended family and friends in the U.S. and Canada.
Merna was born in Iowa and grew up helping on the family dairy farm near Council Bluffs. She was a polio survivor as a teen, which prevented her from graduating high school. While on a fishing trip with her parents in Canada, she met Arthur and they married Dec.27, 1958. After the birth of Ken, they moved to Glenwood, Iowa to be closer to Merna’s parents. Sadly, her Mom passed away when Ken was only eight months old. Over the next several years, Merna and Art added Karen, Bryan and Catherine to their family, all born in Iowa, and Merna’s Dad remarried after seven years. Merna’s wonderful stepmother Freda and her family fit right in. During their years in Glenwood, Art and Merna enjoyed 10-pin bowling and many Sunday dinners at the farm. Whenever possible, they would pack up the kids and head to Canada to visit.
In 1973, Art and Merna purchased his parent’s home in Lac du Bonnet and the family immigrated to Canada where Merna settled into her new life, busy with being a wife and mother. Her family always came first, and she made sure meals were always ready and everyone had everything they needed. She was a hard worker, doing part-time jobs whenever she could. She became well known in Lac du Bonnet and area through her house cleaning work for people and many years of calling Bingos. She and Art grew big vegetable and flower gardens, which led to freezing and canning the produce. She loved flower shopping at the greenhouse every spring. Merna was so happy to see her childrens’ marriages to wonderful partners and then to have grandchildren and great-grandchildren to love. (She was excited to hear Kerri and Brent are expecting in July.) Family dinners always included Merna’s signature sweet potato casserole, “Granny” beans, fruit salad, and of course her desserts! The little house always managed to accommodate the growing family.
When her first grandchild, Laura, was 5 months old, Merna cut back on some of her work so she could babysit. Later on, she enjoyed helping out at the recycling shop that Karen co-owned in Town, where exercise and good company were beneficial after her diabetes diagnosis. She and Art enjoyed going for short drives and out for suppers, and when visitors came, playing “crap” and “the marble game”. With Catherine and her family living in Alberta, Merna would occasionally hop on a train or bus sometimes with a grandchild in tow, to visit.
After Art’s passing, Merna wanted to stay in her home. She looked forward to all the phone calls and visits from family, friends and neighbors. Over the last seven years she had the companionship of two amazing cats (Fig and then Midnight) who she loved and enjoyed immensely.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Merna’s memory to any organization to help people of the Ukraine, the Pinawa Hospital, or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.
As per Merna’s wishes, there will be no service. Cremation has taken place.
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We are very sorry to hear of Merna’s passing. Art and Merna were our neighbors for a short time when we lived next to them. I remember the visits we had with them and one year I helped butcher and pluck chickens with both off them. I also worked at the recycling depot with her she will be missed by all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Josie, Bob and Marie Gebauer
Thank you for our many many good times together, I enjoyed every Friday’s knowing I was going to see you❤ I will forever cherish . Rest So Beautifully Merna Jamie Hallliday
God’s Grace and Peace to Aunt Merna’s family. She was the last of my aunts and uncles. I’d not seen her for many years, but have fond memories of her being my only playmate during my early years on the Brandt Farm. Despite the fact that she was 9 years older than me, she and I would color and play card games (mostly War). Back then (late 40s), going to town (Glenwood) on Saturday nights was a big weekly event. Before going to town, I remember one time when she placed 2 wooden crates, topped with round milk strainer filters, behind the bench seat of Dad’s Plymouth coupe, giving the two of us a comfy place to sit while riding to town. And more pleasant memories of times when I could see her and Art after they were married.
Bryan,Christine and family,
My condolences, your family was a wonderful support to Merna over the years.
Take comfort in the cherished memories.
Kristen Legrange
My condolences to the family. Merna was such a lovely gentle lady who will be greatly missed
Our families were forever blessed to have her as our Granny. Always looked forward to my visits to Manitoba and being able to stay there with her. The family suppers and games we would play always made her house the center of attention. When we were kids she would phone at night and tell us not to forget our teeth. Which will always be a saying I won’t forget. Cherish had got the privilege to meet her while moving from Ontario, to which I believe Granny had finally stopped shrinking in height. She will always be remembered and missed by us all.
Dear Ken & Cindy- Our sincere condolences to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
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I remember Merna fondly. She lived with us (her sister Darlene and husband Edwin) for awhile when she was a teenager.