On June 13, 2025, Matthijs ‘Martin’ Jan Schimmel peacefully passed away to join his son Arie and grandsons Ethan and Daniel.
Our family was fortunate to spend Martin’s final days with him, enjoying his favorite music while sharing laughter and memories from the past. We believe Martin was listening to our stories with a smile on his face!
Martin will be fondly remembered by his loving wife Rae (Duffy) and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Don (Kathi) Hamm – son Geoffrey; Pam (Ken) Werbiski – children Lyndon (Alana), Bryce (Kellie), along with daughters Addy and Willa-Rae, Nate and sons Theodore and Oliver; Meredith Schimmel – children Mac Kenzie Mc Fadden (Caden) and Tie Mc Fadden; Leta (Rob) Douma – daughter Chantel Bruynson (Nik); Jana-Rae Schimmel (Greg) – children Rielle Wiebe (Sam), Rae Anna Wiebe, Madisyn Wiebe, and Ryker Williamson; grandchildren Austin and Attison Schimmel; as well as Elizabeth Hofer, children Nevaeh and Blake Maendel.
Born on November 28, 1943 in Ede, The Netherlands to Tuenis (Tony) Schimmel and Maria Wilhelmina Antonia Schimmel (Van de Wetering), Martin was the second of eight siblings. Five were born in The Netherlands while three came into the world in Canada. Surviving siblings Bep Hamer, John (Betty) Schimmel, Anne (Tim Ward) Ward Neville , Janet (Patrick) Loyer Schimmel, Jack (Phyllis) Schimmel, and Tony (Patti) Schimmel will hold onto their memories of him. His brother-in-law Ken Smith along with many nieces and nephews who loved him will also miss their conversations with “Uncle Martin”.
Martin is preceded in death by his dear son Arie, grandsons Ethan and Daniel, his parents Tony Schimmel and Maria Schimmel , mother-in-law Reta Duffy, sister Marianne Janz (Schimmel), brother-in-law Jack Hamer, as well as sister-in-law Pat Smith (Duffy).
A significant part of Martin’s story-and that of his entire family-comes from the courage displayed by his parents during WWII. Tuenis and Maria were deeply involved in the Dutch Resistance. They risked everything to help Jewish families escape Nazi Germany. Grandpa Tony baked bread for the “underground,” cleverly adding sawdust to stretch ingredients meant for German soldiers. It’s a remarkable legacy filled with bravery that we should all aspire to emulate.
The Schimmel family moved to Canada in 1952 when they arrived at Halifax aboard the “Zuiderkruis.” They landed at Pier 21 on February 19th when Martin was just eight years old. Aunt Bep recalls that the journey felt “too damn long!” due to a stormy five-day crossing. After traveling by train through Montreal where they stayed at the “Immigration Hall” briefly before heading off to Central Butte in Saskatchewan- they met their sponsor Jack Hamer at the station during a snowstorm. He arrived driving a half-ton truck expecting only four people instead of seven! And none of them spoke English-what an adventure!
After moving seventeen times over seventeen years-many spent opening Dutch bakeries across Western Canada-the family finally settled down in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba where they launched the “Dutch Bakery” in 1963.
This is where Martin’s love story with Rae began. Through Marianne’s friendship with Rae he met her-the woman he knew he wanted to marry-and so he did in 1967.
In 1970 Martin and Rae relocated to Hamiota, Manitoba where they opened up Schimmel’s Dutch Bakery which thrived until health issues led Martin to take some time off around 1985. They then established another bakery on Tupper Street back in 1986.
A talented baker himself there aren’t many who would argue that Martin’s cinnamon buns were absolutely “top shelf!” His donuts , apple fritters , beef rolls , among others were equally delicious!
Martin lived life fully alongside Rae-his partner for fifty-eight years-and their six kids built a life together that reflected their shared values.
Now it’s time for Martin to find peace …
“Rust zacht, Bakker!”
A private celebration for family will be held later on.
If you wish to honor Martin’s memory donations can be made towards Diabetes Canada.
A tree will be planted in his memory courtesy of Mc Kenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www. mckenziesportagefuneralchapel. com 204-857-4021
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