Christian (Chris) Hertlein

Christian Friedrich Hertlein was born March 27, 1930, in Langenburg, Saskatchewan to John and Mary (Mund) Hertlein. He was the third of six children. He moved with his family to Inglis, Manitoba as a young boy. He attended school at Freefield School and Asessippi School, also working for Earl Jackson, a farmer at Inglis. He worked on the rail section and as a carpenter’s helper. Chris worked very hard to help sustain his family. In August 1956, he went to Snow Lake and worked in the gold mines for the Brittania mining company. In 1958 he came to Esterhazy and worked for Utah on the mine site, and also worked for AMC installing cast iron tubbing in K1 shaft.

Chris married Beatrice Dunn of Inglis, Manitoba, on July 2, 1960. They made Langenburg their home starting in 1962. Chris’ grandparents’ home was where they would raise their family.

Chris treasured his family, and made their lives the best he could with what they had. Chris and Beatrice took the kids on many camping and fishing trips, and truly enjoyed small-town life. They planned annual fishing trips to Buzz Lake in Northern Manitoba for all of the family to enjoy. Chris built a hockey rink in the backyard every year, for many years. There were many hockey games played on this rink, with many great memories. Chris spent many of his evenings driving the boys to hockey and ball, taking in their games, and just enjoying being there.

Although Chris may not have enjoyed formal schooling all that much, he was extremely gifted at creating and building equipment to fit his needs. Chris would often come home from work and go directly to his “shop” to start on his latest project. His thought was that he would rather build it than buy it.  He was always busy with something, and liked it that way. He loved fishing, cutting wood, gardening, building anything he possibly could, working with the horses, watching his kids and grandkids at their games, watching hockey games at the Langenburg rink, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Chris retired from IMC in 1992. After retirement, Chris and Bea loved going for day trips to do a little touring. There are so many memories of the neighborhood coffee and cake gatherings, card parties, supper dates, and enjoying many laughs with friends and family. The grandchildren then were their biggest priority. Grandpa would make his daily rounds to at least one of the households, always bringing a special “treat” for someone.

Chris moved to the Langenburg Centennial Care Home in January 2019, after his condition began to deteriorate. He settled into his new home and appreciated the care he received while there. He made the best of his new surroundings and all the changes. Chris remained a resident of the care home until October 9, 2019. Chris passed away on October 11, 2019, at the Esterhazy hospital with his family around him.

Chris was predeceased by: His loving wife of 53 years Beatrice Hertlein, his parents John and Mary Hertlein, infant sister Christina Hertlein, sister and brother-in-law Margaret (William) Mintenko, brother Jack Hertlein, father-in-law and mother-in-law Robert and Jessie Dunn, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mildred and Louis Berk, and stepson Larry Dunn Sr.

Chris is survived by his children:

Perry (Dorcie) and their daughter, Stephanie;

Randy (Linda) and their children Joey (Courtney) – Chelsea, Ziva; Scott (Missy) – Emily, Kallie, and Mayah;

Kelly (Geraldine) and their daughters Jessie and Sydney;

The families of the late Larry Dunn Sr.: Cindy Dunn, Larry (Richelle) Dunn Jr., and Gail (Robert) Young

He also leaves to mourn his passing his sister and brother-in-law Marilyn (Les) Richardson, sister-in-law Lucille Hertlein, and sister and brother-in-law Shirley (Harvey) Rudolph, as well as many nieces and nephews.