Obituary of Richard Earl Unger

Passed away peacefully with family by his side at The Village at University Gates, Waterloo on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the age of 92.

Survived by his beloved wife Margaret (nee White) of 66 years. Loving father of Colleen (and Mark) Dotzert, Douglas (and the late Sylvia) Unger, and Andrew (and Sandra) Unger.  Cherished grandfather of Hannah (and Aaron) Toman and their children Malachi, Samuel and Gloryanna; Stephanie (and Kyle) Hayward and their daughter Eleanor; Ruth Anne (and Corey) Peletier and their daughter Ayla; Peter Unger; Wesley Dotzert and his son Easson (and Emily Dotzert, Easson’s mom); Bret Unger; Conrad Dotzert; and Gretta Dotzert.

Dear brother of Howard (and the late Elizabeth) Unger, Raymond (and Isabel) Unger, and Orla (and the late Robert) Clendining. Beloved brother-in-law of Lillian Cornelius Warkentin, the late William Cornelius, and the late Peter Warkentin.

Predeceased by his parents Peter R. and Maria (nee Reimer) Unger.

Richard was born and raised on the farm in Steinbach, Manitoba, as part of a Mennonite community with a strong faith heritage. At age sixteen, he was deeply impacted by a Holy Spirit revival in the community. He soon moved to the city of Winnipeg, where he supported his younger brother, Howard, through high school. He attended Calvary Temple in Winnipeg where he met his bride-to-be, Margaret. After studying at Eastern Pentecostal Bible College in Peterborough, Ontario, he served as a pastor for three years in Brownsburg, Quebec. He then worked as an accounting clerk and supervisor for thirteen years with a large corporation, first in Montreal, Quebec, and then in Toronto, Ontario. Later, he moved his growing family to Kitchener, Ontario, where he transitioned into small business and sales ventures until his retirement.

Richard served the church in different roles through the years, including Sunday school superintendent, church treasurer, missions committee chair, lay seniors’ visitor, and Alpha co-leader. He fulfilled a lifelong dream by going on a short-term missions trip to Brazil when he was in his seventies.

A faithful man who loved his wife and family, Richard is remembered for his commitment to God and his gentle approach with others. He learned to work hard as a young boy on the farm and never forgot those lessons. He aspired to instill godly values in his children, and to be a loving example. He also enjoyed times of play and travelling with them. During their retirement years, he and his wife, Margaret, took great interest in their road trips together. He took delight in his eight grandchildren, and, as his diminishing health permitted, in his great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The funeral service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Cerena Browne and Pastor Jake Bersey officiating, followed by a reception in the Fireside Reception Room.  Interment at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the House of Friendship or Open Doors Canada may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com