Joanne Mae (Verniest) Wytinck

Joanne Wytinck of Cypress River, MB, passed away surrounded by the love of her family at the Glenboro Health Centre on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the age of 71 years. 

Joanne leaves to mourn her passing husband Ron of Cypress River, MB, children Wesley (Lynne) of Cypress River, MB, Eric (Monique) of Ile des Chenes, MB, Keith (Erin) of Bruxelles, MB, Ian (Tara) of St. Alphonse, MB, Teryl (Real) Vallotton of Stockton, MB, and Janessa (Doug) Morrow of Noble Lake, MB, grandchildren Anika, Aria, Carys, Brody, Trenton, Isla, Keira, Kaylee, Emma, Aidyn, Eli, Owen, Ben and Alex, brothers and sisters-in-law Marjorie (Rene) Ricard, Lawrence Wytinck, George (Donna) Wytinck, Marilyn (Clement) Desrochers and Patricia (Dale) Fisher as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Joanne was predeceased by her parents Jerome and Katherine (nee Grift) Verniest, sister Christine Wytinck and parents-in-law Firmin and Alice Wytinck.

Joanne was born and raised on a farm near Pilot Mound, attending Floral School until grade 7 then continuing her education in Pilot Mound. After graduating from high-school, Joanne took a hair dressing course at Assiniboine College in Brandon, MB. Upon graduating college, she took on a position as a hairdresser in Treherne for two years.

Joanne first met her future husband through her sister Christine and brother-in-law Lawrence. After five years of dating, she married Ronald Wytinck on October 4, 1975, in Mariapolis, MB. They eventually took over the family farm from Firmin and Alice Wytinck. Beginning in 1977, they raised six children, starting with four sons, followed by two daughters. On their mixed farm, Joanne and Ron had dairy & beef cattle, quarter horses, dogs, cats, chickens, goats, pigs and at moments a home that could double as a petting zoo.

She often referred to the farm as “Old McDonald’s farm gone haywire.” In 2012, Joanne and Ronald made the decision to sell the dairy but continued with the grain and beef while enjoying their time with the quarter horses & working alongside a few of their children and grandchildren.

 Joanne and Ronald were once involved in old time dancing, being part of the High- Steppers dance group out of St. Alphonse. Joanne loved music, whether it was listening, dancing, or singing along with. In the last couple years, she joined the choir in St. Alphonse Church and was actively involved in St. Alphonse Parish and many community events. She also would come out annually to attend and work at the Cypress River Fair where she loved watching neighbours and family take part in the horse show. Eventually, she was even able to watch one of her own granddaughters up on a horse. Recently, she found a new love for Major League Baseball. While cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, she was often sending updates to her family and keeping them up to date on recent scores.  

 Joanne’s greatest love was her family. Holidays were always spent together, whether it was Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. During many of these occasions we would all gather at the creek in the back pasture and enjoy family time and fishing down near the riverbed, and roasting hotdogs on the fire. When Joanne cared for her grandchildren, they would be found in the barn helping grandma and grandpa with the chores; feeding hay or oats to the animals, filling pails of water and picking eggs. She would also be found encouraging her grandchildren at track and field meets, baseball, hockey, and ringette games and Christmas Concerts. If she was unable to attend in person, she would often follow along virtually. Joanne enjoyed having the whole family together even when we got loud and rambunctious. She had a unique and witty sense of humor, which she felt she passed on to her children/grandchildren.

She always lived with an open-door policy, inviting others in to join the family and make themselves at home. She will be remembered by all for her kindness, generosity and positive attitude which she kept even during the most difficult days. 

Prayers were held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Willmor Chapel, Glenboro, MB. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 2:00 pm at St. Alphonse Catholic Church with Father Jean-Marcel Kabongo as Celebrant. Interment followed in the St. Alphonse Parish Cemetery. Following the interment, a reception was held in the St. Alphonse Community Hall.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Friends that so desire, memorial donations may be made in Joanne’s memory to the Glenboro & Area Foundation, (Health Care Designation), Box 147, Glenboro, MB, R0K 0X0 or to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 1160 – 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

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