Regina Gietz

Regina Gietz

1940 – 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Regina Gietz, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, announces her unexpected passing on April 13, 2025. Regina succumbed to the effects of a choking accident and died peacefully with loved ones by her side. Regina leaves to mourn her son, Dirk Gietz (Sandra), daughter Sonja Meredith, sister Ellen Gebhardt (Otto), brother Ernst Jr. (Margaret), her grandchildren Diandra, Evan, Emilie, and Scott, and great grandchildren Orlaith and Oren. Countless relatives, friends, and acquaintances will also miss Regina for her love and caring of others.

The Gietz family would like to thank all those who came to Regina’s aid in her time of need, including the staff at Lion’s Place, EMS responders, and emergency and ICU personnel at the St. Boniface Hospital. Regina’s family appreciates the efforts and compassion shown by these very special people.

Regina Christiansen was born in Husum, West Germany on November 16, 1940, to her parents Ingver and Leni Christiansen. Growing up during the second world war was harsh and forever solidified Regina’s distain for war, conflict, and suffering.

The divorce of Regina’s parents brought on difficulties within the family and Regina and Ellen were split up between their parents. Even late in life, Regina would reflect on how the separation of the family had saddened her for many years. Ingver remarried to Maria, while Leni remarried to Ernst Hansen. Ernst Hansen Jr. soon joined the family.

Ernst Hansen (Sr.) was a caring man and raised Regina as his own daughter. Regina often recalled the good times the family spent together in Husum, and she cherished her parent’s love and their occasional visits to Canada.

At five years old, Regina saw the end of the war and would tell stories about her experiences. Soon after the end of the war, American troops rolled into Husum with humanitarian aid. Troops threw food items from moving trucks in the village square and citizens scrambled to gather what they could. Regina remembered snatching up a green banana and ate it whole, peel and all, because she was so hungry. It was illegal to cut public trees to heat your home. Regina’s mother would wake her up at 4:00am everyday so they could gather fallen twigs in public parks before others arrived and Regina needed to go to school. Regina grew up with very little and this shaped her appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. For the rest of her life, Regina was a resourceful survivor who had a deep love of family and sense of community.

In her late teens, Regina applied her talents in art and design to her training and certification as a barber and hairdresser. A trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1960 to visit her father, stepmother, and Ellen had Regina’s life take an unexpected turn. It was during her stay that she met her future husband Lucian Gietz, (1930-2011) at the German Club, where he was the lead singer and guitar player in the club’s house band. Lucian was the love of Regina’s life, and she devoted everything to him and the children to come.

Regina and Lucian were married on April 3, 1963. Times were tough for the couple, and both worked hard to make ends meet. Lucian worked in construction, while Regina worked as a hairdresser at Joseph’s Hair Salon on Vaughan Street. Regina fondly remembered the time she worked at the salon.

A son, Dirk, was born in 1965, and soon to follow was their daughter Sonja in 1966. Regina stayed home to raise the children and helped the family financially by doing hair in her make-shift salon. Regina was highly organized and ran a tight ship at home, so everyone’s needs were well taken care of.

Cottage life, fishing, gardening, and painting were among Regina’s favorite interests. In 1981 the family built a cottage at Beresford Lake where they enjoyed the company of close friends for many years.

With Lucian’s health starting to fail in 1992, Regina focused on his care and making him comfortable in his final years. Living alone was challenging for Regina as she always enjoyed social interaction. Every Friday, Regina happily recalled the games, activities, exchanges with friends, and the meal she enjoyed at Lion’s Place. Many thanks go out to Christine and Stephanie at Lion’s Place for giving Regina joy every week and going beyond the call of duty for their guests.

As per her wishes, Regina has been cremated, and a formal service will not be held. Regina will be remembered for her love of life, strength, and devotion to her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, Regina’s family asks that a donation be made in her honour to The Lion’s Place Adult Day Club as it held a very special place in her heart.

A special thanks to Jessica Sookermany at Korban Funeral Chapel for all her support.

Donations may be mailed to:

Lion’s Place Adult Day Club

Attention: Christine

610 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

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