Matthijs “Martin” Jan Schimmel
Peacefully, on June 13, 2025, Matthijs ‘Martin’ Jan Schimmel passed from this earth to join his son Arie and grandsons Ethan and Daniel.
Our Family was blessed to be able to spend Martin’s last days by his side, listening to his favourite music while reminiscing and laughing about times gone by. We’re pretty sure Martin was listening to the shenanigans-smiling as always!
Martin is lovingly remembered by his cherished wife Rae (Duffy) as well as children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Don (Kathi) Hamm - son Geoffrey; Pam (Ken) Werbiski - children Lyndon (Alana), Bryce (Kellie) and daughters Addy and Willa-Rae, Nate and sons Theodore and Oliver; Meredith Schimmel - children MacKenzie McFadden (Caden) and Tie McFadden; Leta (Rob) Douma - daughter Chantel Bruynson (Nik); Jana-Rae Schimmel (Greg) - children Rielle Wiebe (Sam), RaeAnna Wiebe, Madisyn Wiebe and Ryker Williamson; grandchildren Austin and Attison Schimmel; and Elizabeth Hofer, children Nevaeh and Blake Maendel.
Martin was born into what would become a large family on November 28, 1943 in Ede, The Netherlands to Tuenis (Tony) Schimmel and Maria Wilhelmina Antonia Schimmel (Van de Wetering). He was the second of eight siblings, five of whom were born in The Netherlands and three in Canada. Martin will be fondly remembered by surviving siblings Bep Hamer, John (Betty) Schimmel, Anne (Tim Ward) Ward Neville , Janet (Patrick) Loyer Schimmel, Jack (Phyllis) Schimmel and Tony (Patti) Schimmel. Memories of Martin will also be reminisced by brother-in-law Ken Smith and so many nieces and nephews who loved him and will miss chats with “Uncle Martin”.
Martin is predeceased by his beloved son Arie and grandsons Ethan and Daniel and his parents Tony Schimmel and Maria Schimmel , mother-in-law Reta Duffy, sister Marianne Janz (Schimmel), brother-in-law Jack Hamer, and sister in law Pat Smith (Duffy).
A proud part of Martin’s legacy - and that of his entire family - is the bravery of his parents, Tuenis and Maria, who were entrenched in the Dutch Resistance during WWII. They risked their safety and lives ensuring the safe passage of Jewish families who were escaping the grip of Nazi Germany. Grandpa Tony baked bread for the “underground “. He got the extra ingredients by putting sawdust in the bread intended for the German soldiers. It is a legacy of immense courage and character and one to which we should all aspire.
In 1952 the Schimmel family of 7 emigrated to Canada. They arrived in Halifax via the “Zuiderkruis”, a ship which landed at Pier 21 on February 19th. Martin was just eight years old. According to Aunt Bep the crossing was “too damn long!” because it was such a stormy 5 day crossing. The family travelled by train to Winnipeg, through Montreal where they stayed at the “Immigration Hall” for a few days before heading to Central Butte, Saskatchewan. They were met at the station by their sponsor, Jack Hamer (who would later become Martin’s brother-in-law) during a snow storm . Jack arrived in a ½ ton truck as he was expecting a family of four, not seven! And no one spoke English - imagine the adventure!
After 17 moves in 17 years, with many of those years opening Dutch bakeries across the Western Prairies, the Schimmel family settled in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba opening the “Dutch Bakery” in 1963.
This is where Martin and Rae’s love story began. It was through Marianne’s friendship with Rae that Martin met the gal who he knew he was going to marry. And so he did, in 1967.
Martin and Rae moved to Hamiota, Manitoba in 1970 and opened Schimmel’s Dutch Bakery, which they successfully operated until 1985. Health concerns forced Martin to take time off, but they opened the second Schimmel’s Dutch Bakery on Tupper Street in 1986.
Martin was a skilled baker and there are not too many who would argue that Martin’s cinnamon buns were “top shelf!” (as were his donuts, apple fritters, beef rolls and on and on!).
Martin had a life fully lived. With Rae, his wife of 58 years and their 6 children, Martin and Rae forged a life they could call their own.
Finally, Martin can rest in peace …
“Rust zacht, Bakker!”
A private family celebration will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of Martin may be made to Diabetes Canada.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.
www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021