Monty Wayne Trelenberg

Peacefully, with his two daughters by his side, Monty Trelenberg passed away on June 2, 2024 at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 81 years old.

Monty was predeceased by his loving wife Jeanette in 2010, brother Bob, parents John and Ella, in-laws Walter and Dora Bertram as well as numerous close friends. Over the years Monty cared for and lost many pets (animal soulmates), most recently Nancy.

He will be lovingly remembered by daughters Julie (Greg) Roberts and Jodi (Danny) Sparrow, grandsons Marshall, Matt (Amanda) with great granddaughter Kennedy and granddaughter Lindsay (Carter), sisters Brenda (Jim) Trana and Judy (John) Peters, nephews Brad, Brian, Darren and Jason, niece Amanda. 

Dad was born in British Columbia on October 10, 1942. He often talked about the good times that he and his brother Bob had roaming around and fishing along the Fraser River, taking the bus to explore Vancouver city and just plain getting into trouble. 

In the mid 1950s his parents and family relocated to a farm in Langruth MB where he said they worked very hard. In the early 60s he met Jeanette Bertram and they married on May 16, 1964. Shortly afterwards they were joined by daughters Julie and Jodi. 

Dad had vast and interesting careers. He worked the nickel mines in Thompson, construction for Alvin Vust, sold shoes and then finally enrolled in the Psychiatric Nursing Program at the MDC where he graduated in 1969. He often reminded Jodi how he missed his graduation day due to her birth. In the early 70s he completed his degree in Social Work, which allowed him to branch into Community Mental Health. He and Julie had many interesting nursing discussions/debates over the years due to changes in the healthcare field. In 1986 Dad did a complete switch and joined the team at CFB Portage/Atco Frontec, where he was employed first as a grounds keeper and afterwards as a heavy equipment operator until retirement. These were his favorite years as he loved coffee with the guys and the heated conversations in the break area, working with big equipment and clearing the tarmac at 4:00 in the morning. 

Dad worked hard but there was always time for family and friends. He loved camping, fishing and snowmobiling. Anyone who knew Dad was aware of how he danced to the beat of his own drum. He was not a follower and would say it like it was. He was as honest as he was kind, willing to give the shirt off his own back, and his love of animals was legendary. Any stray animal would find that they had a homemade heated shed until they were tame enough to join the household. His dedication was truly unmatched as he nearly burned down his garage when the homemade cat house nearby caught fire. The Daily Graphic photo of the firemen was proof of that. Dad took pride in keeping his home and yard pristine, and routinely was outside at 6:00 in the morning shoveling, sweeping or raking before his morning trip to Macs. He was a constant presence in the neighborhood for the last 54 years, and has been described as the quiet soul that looked over the neighborhood of 4th Street S.E. with his watchful eye. Neighbors will certainly miss him.

Since 2010, a new tradition formed with Julie and Jodi with Saturday lunches while watching cooking shows. This involved countless hours of Dad’s critique of the judges and cooking techniques. Lots of remote control pausing so Dad could finish his point. This tradition will be missed immensely.

Grandkids Marshall, Matt and Lindsay have many special memories of fun times at the cabin at Clear Lake and the crazy antics at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. Monty never turned down the opportunity to play a prank on the kids. Going down to the basement on 4th Street continues to be a conversation piece as well as a challenge to this day. Monty was very proud of his grandkids. For Jeanette pranks included replacing fresh eggs in the bowl of hard boiled eggs before a salad was made and hiding puzzle pieces before a puzzle was completed. 

We will all miss his contagious laugh, his latest and wacky inventions, his gifts wrapped in tin foil and electrical tape, his dry sense of humor, showing up at his house to see what new thing was painted black or renovated and hearing stories of his life. Dad knew how to tell a very detailed story that kept things interesting. Greg and Danny enjoyed many interesting conversations with Monty. For Greg it was about old farming equipment and for Danny it was Monty’s childhood and years in Langruth. Monty was honestly a one of a kind.

As per Dad’s wishes, there will be no funeral. 

If friends so desire, donations in Monty’s memory may be made to Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12th Street N.E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4A2 or a charity of choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.   www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com