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Inger Knox (nee Haldis Hvidston)
Inger passed away peacefully, with family at her side, in Vernon B.C. on October 18, 2009 at the age of 81. Her funeral service and interment were held on October 25, 2009 at the Pleasant Valley Funeral Home and Cemetery, Vernon B.C. The officiant, Brian Jackson, gave a very comforting service to everyone who had gathered together. Inger will be forever remembered and lovingly missed by her husband Clarence and her children Lloyd (Karen) Knox, Cochrane, AB; Ken (Kandice) Knox, Cochrane, AB; Colleen Knox (Ken Sampson), Oungre; Duane Knox (Marlene McCook), Calgary, AB; Sharon Knox (Philip Meeks), 100 Mile House, BC; Donelda (Anthony) Gamage, Vernon, BC; her brother Otto (Marlene) Hvidston, Lloydminster, AB, and her very precious 21 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Inger was predeceased by her parents Ole and Kristine Hvidston, oldest daughter Carol Williams in 1981, sister Ruth (Mark) Makelki, brother Gunnar (Mary) Hvidston, brother-in-law Lloyd (Gussie) Knox, sister-in-law Grace (Winston) McKague, brother-in-law Gerald Knox, niece Nita (Gunnar) Gunderson, great-nephew Kurt Gunderson, and nephew Keith McKague. Inger Haldis Hvidston was born January 27, 1928 at the Bromhead hospital. Inger was the third of four children in her family. Her parents and older brother Gunnar immigrated to Canada from Norway. Her Dad, Ole Hvidston in 1923 and her Mom, Kristina Hvidston and four year old Gunnar followed later in 1925. Joining two of her mother's sisters, Karen Johnson and Bertha Rasmussen and their families who had immigrated earlier. Inger's parents were farmers in the Oungre and then Hoffer districts of rural Saskatchewan. Her older brother Gunnar and her older sister Ruth and Inger started school at the Range View School south of Oungre. When Inger started school she could only speak Norwegian and had to learn to speak English. Her younger brother Otto was born while they lived by Oungre. Later the Hvidston family moved to a farm near Hoffer and then into Hoffer where they farmed and her Dad, Ole, delivered the rural route mail. After moving, Inger and her siblings attended school at Hoffer. Inger thought the world of her family. She was often heard saying, "My Dad was a great man." We all have wonderful memories of time spent with the Mark & Ralph Makelki, Hvidston & Knox families. With her school days behind her, Inger worked as a hired girl for the Victor Melby family by Oungre. Taking care of children and the household chores when Mrs. Melby had a baby. This is where Inger said she learned to bake bread out of necessity. This skill she honed to perfection. Oct. 6, 1948 saw Inger marry Clarence Damon Knox at the Hamar Lutheran Church at Bromhead. A reception was held at the Hvidston farm at Hoffer. And, later a wedding dance followed at the Bromhead Hall with the Stepp Orchestra playing. Clarence and Inger still have the list of gifts given to them that night. Then off to Plentywood for their honeymoon. They settled into married life on the farm south of Bromhead in the Knoxville District. The farm Grandpa Knox had homesteaded in 1909. Their marriage was blessed with seven children 4 daughters and 3 sons. Carol in 1949, Lloyd in 1950, Ken in 1953, Colleen in 1955, Duane in 1958, Sharon in 1961, and, of course our baby Donelda in 1971. Inger was 43 when she had her last baby already a grandmother of two grandsons Michael and Scott, Carol's boys. There were 22 years between the oldest and the youngest. A lot of years packing school lunches. When her kids attended Lyndale School, or rode on George Chapman's bus, they would sometimes trade their homemade bread sandwiches to other kids for purchased bread sandwiches. Thinking what a treat! Now, her kids would give ANYTHING for one more slice of their mom's delicious homemade bread. The crust of course! Being a mother and a homemaker was Inger's calling. She placed all her energy, her love and her kindness in taking care of her entire brood of children and her husband. "Their door was always open!" Over the years many hands of whist and other card games were played late into the night with family, friends and neighbours. Rummoli being a family Christmas favourite. As the kids got older Inger counted the shoes by the door to see how many would be there for breakfast. Inger loved to feed people. She was never happy until she could feed you "something." If you drove in our yard on the farm or in Vernon it wasn't long until you were sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a slice of fresh bread a piece of Inger's famous chocolate cake, a piece of pie or some delicious homemade treat placed in front of you along with a steaming hot cup of good Norwegian coffee. No matter how many people sat at her table, Inger always "somehow" had plenty to serve. Good, ordinary food!! She never complained. After a day of hard work she would look at her family and friends proud of her accomplishments. Feeding then not only food but also her love. She poured her love into everything she prepared. This was Inger's way of loving us. In 1975 Inger and Clarence and three kids Duane, Sharon and four year old Donelda moved off the farm to Vernon, B.C. Their oldest son Lloyd & Karen took over the farm. Inger loved her new house in Vernon, proudly keeping it spotless. She settled into city life. When asked if she missed the farm she responded, "The years on the farm were good and it was a great place to raise our kids but I don't want to go back." She continued working hard gardening, taking care of her flower beds and the rose bushes she loved, canning lots of fruit and vegetables and still baking her own bread. Donelda always had lots of her friends over - sometimes without notice. When the kids showed up at the door, Inger wouldn't blink an eye. She just went to the kitchen and baked a cake or some cookies. This was her "Prairie hospitality"! Donelda's friend Franky loved to come over when the smell of fresh bread baking drifted out onto the street hoping for a slice. One day while visiting with Inger and Clarence, Franky said how sorry he was that Donelda's family was so poor they needed to bake their own bread asking for another slice. The smell of bread baking when her kids got off the school bus will always be a favourite memory. Inger always had lunch ready for her hungry kids as soon as they went through the door. Inger and Clarence were blessed with 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Grandkids could always bring a sparkle to her eyes. Grandma's legacy will live on through all of you. She always said, "You were her favourite and when you were with her, you were her favourite!" She loved all of her grandchildren. Inger had a special bond with her youngest grandchildren Adam, Victoria & Ryan and her great grandchildren Gordan and Mykah, because they lived close to her and saw her lots. You could see how happy she was whenever they spent time together. Grandma loved all of them so much. A phone call in the middle of the night changed all our lives forever. Tragedy struck their family on Oct. 5, 1981 when Clarence and Inger's oldest daughter, Carol, died in a car accident at Bromhead. Carol was 32 years old. Having three young children at home Michael, Scott and Brianna. A pain and suffering that never goes away. Carol will always be loved and missed by her entire family. When Clarence turned 65 in 1990, Inger and Clarence hit the road in their motor home enjoying many destinations in Canada and the USA including a trip to Alaska. After many enjoyable years of travelling in their motor home they purchased a park model home in Arizona, where they spent two wonderful winters. In 1993, they enjoyed a vacation to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They made a point to visit the graveyard just outside London where Clarence's brother Lloyd was buried. For their 50th anniversary, they went to Hawaii. Inger's health started to decline, her memory slowly fading. Robbed of her memory, she learned to cover by saying she knew you were someone very special even though your name evaded her memory. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Clarence cared for Inger and the house doing his best. In March 2008, Inger entered the hospital having fallen and broken a rib. From there she moved to Noric House then to Heron Grove to receive constant care. Clarence faithfully visited Inger every day. She received excellent care from the staff at both homes. Even in days when her memory was failing her and memories of the past took over, she still said "I lived my life for my kids and for my husband. I miss my parents." She also frequently mentioned her two brothers Gunnar and Otto and her dear sister Ruth, saying she missed them. In recent years Inger started calling Clarence her boyfriend and said she hoped to marry him someday. Well Inger, your dream came true as you and Clarence were married 61 years on the 6th of Oct. Inger was a precious gift. She was a wife, a mother, a grandma, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin and a friend. Her memory will be cherished forever. Her family all loved her so much. WE LOVE YOU MOM! Pallbearers were all her Grandsons; Michael Williams, Scott Williams, Evan Knox, Nathan Lafoy, Josh Knox, Thomas Thorn, Alan Thorn, Adam Gamage, Ryan Gamage, Cody Reykjalin and Ben Lawrence.
A wife, a mother, a grandma too,
This is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and what was right,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one-way or another,
Not just as a wife, not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you've earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.
On behalf of the Knox family we would like to extend a heartfelt Thank-you to all of Inger's old neighbours, family and friends for all the flowers, food, cards, phone calls, visits, words of encouragement, hugs and generous donations made in her memory. We appreciate the good community we live in, and know that Inger also loved this community and the friendships she shared over many years.
Kenneth Eugene Torkelson
Kenneth Eugene Torkelson of Radville passed away Saturday November 14, 2009 at the age of 92 years. Kenneth was predeceased by his wife Ruth Torkelson, his parents, Ole and Selma Torkelson, two brothers, Odin and James Torkelson. Kenneth is survived by his son, Randy (Rita) Torkelson, Weyburn; his daughter, Cerise (Ken) Zaren, Regina; his two grandchildren, Tyrone Torkelson and Tanya Torkelson; two sisters, Edith Reibetanz, Edmonton, AB and Jeannette Marshall, Saskatoon along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was born to Ole and Selma (Christensen) Torkelson on September 7, 1917 in the Torkelson homestead farmhouse, Dr. James Brown attended. He was the middle child with two older brothers and two younger sisters. As a small boy he enjoyed playing with the cats, dogs and baby chicks. Once, while helping his mom with a hen and chicks, he remembers being attacked by a protective mother hen who flew up at him! He helped his mom all the time; planting and tending the garden and helping with their orchard. The orchard provided cherries, plums, raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries and also had rhubarb plants. He often babysat his two little sisters, Edith and Jeanette. From age 6 to 13 Ken was rather small and sickly, but after an appendix operation, his appetite increased (Ken always loved his food), he became healthy, he grew physically and even his school grades improved. His teacher recorded his height and noted that he grew 12 inches in 15 months! As a teenager Ken began to help with the farm work and he became the shepherd to a flock of 300 sheep that he would herd on the prairie as he rode his pony. He'd take them out at 6:30 in the morning, bring them back around 11:30 just before lunch, then he'd nap as ordered by his mom. From 3:30 until 10p.m. he'd be back on the hills again with the sheep. Ken loved riding his ponies, starting with a Shetland, then graduating to a horse named Lady that was left at the Torkelson farm by Elmer Hillstead. Ken rode that horse for years. He hunted muskrats and weasels and sold the hides for around $2.50 each. In 1934 Ken joined a group of people in the community for a huge rabbit drive that resulted in the capture of over 3,000 rabbits in a corral near Sandoff Lake! In 1924 Ken became a student at Valheaven School located 1 1/4 miles east of the Ole Torkelson farm. He and his siblings would either walk to school, ride a horse, or take a buggy. When the students arrived at the school on cold mornings, Ken would take turns with Kiwa Zalick in lighting the school wood and coal furnace, warming the school building before the teacher and students arrived. This was his job for several years. In 1935 students went to Lake Alma to attend grade 9 to 12 but Ken did his high school by correspondence. On May 15, 1942 Ken left the safety of his farm to join the Canadian Army and became a Radar Sargent. Because he wasn't in the best of health, he was never deployed overseas but remained on the Eastern Coast of Canada to guard the Gulf of St. Lawrence from enemy intrusion. He was stationed along the St. Lawrence River in Gaspe, Quebec, Cape Breton Island, and was in Halifax in 1945 when the war ended. He watched, but was not involved or impressed by the celebratory destruction he witnessed! He returned home and was discharged in October of 1945. Once back on the farm he decided to help there once more and farming became his life long career. He eventually bought the land from his father and over the years bought more land surrounding the original homestead. Ken was a very successful grain farmer and cattle rancher. He raised Short Horn and had Charlais Bulls and in 1970 he imported cattle from France and raised some beautiful Main Anjou Bulls. Ken was a very politically minded person and his hero was Tommy Douglas. For eight years he served as a Saskatchewan Wheat Pool delegate for his area. It was a lot of work and there were a lot of meetings to attend but he loved it immensely! In 1947 Ken met Josephine Ruth Pokorny who was visiting her sister Lidia and brother-in-law Jim Pattison at their farm near Beaubier. Ken was "struck" on their first meeting. It took a lot of coaxing and long distance correspondence but Ken was persuasive and on September 27, 1948 they were married in Ruth's hometown of Outlook. Together they operated a very successful farming operation, raised two wonderful children, and remained on the farm until 2002 when the moved to Weyburn. Prayers and visitation were held on Tuesday November 17, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. from RD Family Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK. Funeral Service was held Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Martin Olson officiating. Internment followed at the Beaubier Cemetery, Beaubier. Active Pallbearers were Tyrone Torkelson, Russ Torkelson, Ken Hutt, Kirk Torkelson, Paul Chiddenton, Neil Evert. For those so wishing, donations in memory of Kenneth may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of SK, 279 3rd Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2H8. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK (848-0333, 1-888-848-0333). If so desired, expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com "Our family serving your family".
Delia Mary Rodine Alexander (nee Langman)
A loving and generous life came to an end November 14th, 2009 with the passing of Delia Alexander, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, of Weyburn in her 91 year. Dee will be lovingly remembered by her husband Gerald Alexander, son Derrell (Joyce) Rodine, daughter Linda (Maurice) Hilderman, son Brad (Amber) Rodine and sister Phyllis (Jack) Walrath. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Heather Persson, Leah (Tim) Carlson, Craig (Erin Vogelsang) Rodine, Christy (Colin) Zacharias, Carrie (Dustan) Hlady, Pam (Chad) Goll, Barclay McIvor, Niki Rodine and Brodie Rodine; Gerald's four children: Grant, Betty, Barb and Kathy and their families. She also has six great grandchildren: Kylie and Cole Zacharias, Madison and Charlie Goll, Samantha and Solomon Carlson. She was predeceased by her first husband, Harold "Bud" Rodine, her daughter Karen McIvor and her sister Ruth (Lloyd) Cornish. Born July 8th, 1919 to Garrow and Alice Langman, Dee attended school at Ingleford, Delight and Welwyn. She was active in school and church, and used her rich, alto voice singing on the radio with Evelyn Alexander. After graduating Grade 12, she attended Briercrest Bible School and was in the first class of Moose Jaw Bible College, where she was courted by Harold Rodine. They married in 1943 and lived at Griffin on the farm, then on the grounds of the Saskatchewan Hospital farm, and then on Birch Drive in Weyburn. She then moved to the Condo on 8th Street. An accomplished homemaker, Dee also worked first as a receptionist and then as an occupational therapist at the Saskatchewan Hospital which was a perfect outlet for her caring nature and her talent with arts and crafts. She knew how to make life sweeter whether it was by remaking a simple dress in order to make it stylish, by beautifully wrapping carefully chosen gifts or cooking fantastic spreads for her family on the holidays. It is impossible to write about her life without speaking of her strong faith in God, which led her to become a person who was dedicated in prayer, study of the Bible and service to her church. She did everything from teach Sunday School to act as church librarian to decorate the altar with flowers. Dee dealt with the hardships of her life including the deaths of her husband and daughter and her significant vision impairment with resilience and determination. An example of this strength can be seen in her decision to found a grief support group in Weyburn when she recognized a need for just such a service in the community following the death of her daughter. In 1995 she married Gerald Alexander, who was a friend from childhood. This new relationship brought her much joy and strength in the final years of her life. In July, for her 90th birthday, her family and friends gathered for a party celebrating her life. The words "love, laughter, creativity, strength and faith" were used over and over again. The words of a song she chose for her funeral sum it up well: "More than anything else, she loved". Funeral Services were held Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from Weyburn Free Methodist Church, Weyburn with Pastors Jay Mowchenko and Wade Fitzpatrick officiating. Tributes were given by her granddaughter, Heather Persson and by her son, Derrell. Ministry in music was by her granddaughters, Leah, Carrie, Heather, Christie and Pam, and by the Men's quartet. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. The Active Pallbearers were: Reg Chessall, Hule Rennie, Bryan Cornish, Alf Robinson, Les Sproule and Ron Alexander. Donations in memory of Delia may be made to the Weyburn Free Methodist Church or to a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn. (306-842-5432)
Arthur Wilke
It is with sadness we announce the death of our father, Arthur Wilke, who passed away peacefully on November 12th, 2009. Dad was predeceased by our mother, Huldine in 1988, his parents, Clara and Julius and siblings, Irene, Gerhardt, Alice, Clarence, Irwin and Margaret. Arthur is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Hannah, Ruby Wilke and Marjorie (Jim) Richards. Dad is remembered by his wife, Rena; his son, Ron (Jean) Wilke and daughters, Audrey Pearson and Carolynn (Alec) McPherson; grandchildren, Shannon (Todd) Maliteare, Brad Wilke (Katie), Dana Pearson (Lara), Caron Pearson, Darren McPherson (Krystal), Dean McPherson (Arita) and Delynn Benning (Kurt); six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also remembering Dad are Rena's children, Marion (Dale) Scott and Allan and Bob Robertson; grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad spent his early childhood living between Smithville and Montmarte. In 1925 his family took permanent residence on the family farm south of Yellow Grass. Dad married Mom in 1935 and they moved back to Montmarte. In 1944 they returned to farm north of Yellow Grass, then relocating to town in 1948. Dad's winter months were spent curling and he and Mom would travel with friends. Dad served on various boards and his church was very important to him. Dad loved the farm and he loved to talk and ask about it. His last tour of the farm in September, 2009 and his opportunity to chat with the grandchildren delighted Dad. He believed land should have a purpose and enjoyed watching the crop or garden in progress. He loved gardening to the point that he had two gardens, one in town and one at the farm. Woodworking was a hobby Dad developed in his 70's. He enjoyed making all kinds of toys and gadgets. If you could provide him with a pattern, he would eagerly reproduce it. All the grandchildren received models of items used in earlier farm days. Dad was proud of his workmanship and after remarked he didn't realize he had that talent. Dad was a kind, giving and gentle spirit. He also had a strong work ethic. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad was blessed to have a kind and caring wife Rena who he shared nineteen years with. Dad was very appreciative of the care he received. Thank you to the staff of the Weyburn Special Care Home. Funeral Services were held Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from Peace Lutheran Church, Yellow Grass with Marg McLeod CLA officiating minister. Interment followed in Yellow Grass Cemetery, Yellow Grass. The Active Pallbearers were: Darren McPherson, Dean McPherson, Delynn Benning, Dana Pearson, Caron Pearson, Shannon Maliteare and Brad Wilke. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Arthur to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Yellow Grass United Lutheran partnership. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn (306-842-5432)
Lloyd George Caldwell
May 19, 1927 November 1, 2009
Lloyd was born May 19, 1927 in Radville, the fourth of six children born to George and Wilhelmina Caldwell. Lloyd was raised on the family farm south of Radville. He attended Great West School to the end of Grade 8, at which point he left school to help on the farm. In 1965, a schoolteacher, Rosalind Niblett, newly arrived from England caught his eye. He finally wore her down, or he went sore-footed and she caught him (depending on whose story you believe) and they were married July 10, 1967. Following their marriage, they built their house, where they lived for their entire married life. Lloyd loved farming, although he would have liked to have become a vet if he'd had the chance. He loved animals, as evidenced by the multitude of animals that could be found at the farm over the years. It was normal to have a variety of cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, greyhounds, ducks, turkeys, geese, chickens, peafowl, and even emus on hand. More often than not, these animals were all in attendance at roughly the same time. Some animals stayed longer than others; this was usually dependent on how much of Rosalind's garden and fruit trees they managed to eat. Lloyd lived for his children and grandchildren. One of the greatest joys for the grandchildren was going with Grandpa to haul tanks of water to fill the cistern. Everyone took second place for the grandchildren when Grandpa was in the room. The best seat in the house for the grandchildren was Grandpa's knee. Lloyd had a quiet strength that his family and friends knew they could always rely on. He also had a sly wit. Many times he would quietly stir up a ruckus by a quick-witted comment, then sit back and laugh his head off when his unlucky victim realized that they had fallen for it. He was the best father and grandfather that his children and grandchildren could have ever hoped for. He always maintained that he was the greatest gift that Rosalind ever received. Lloyd was predeceased by his parents, George and Wilhelmina; brothers, Lance and Ken; brother-in-laws Lyle Guest and Ted Turner; and sister-in-law Audrey Burton. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Rosalind; his daughter Mary (Jeff), and their children, Matthew, Keenan and Caitlyn, of Weyburn; his son David (Sherry), and their children, Samantha, Tyson, Jerriko, Amanda, Dyllan and Jellisa of Regina; his son Richard (Rayleen) and their children Emma and Greydon of Radville; his sister Inez Guest, Regina; his brother Allan (Karen) Caldwell, Weyburn; his sister Jean (Phillip) Stratulat, Radville; his sister-in-law Irene Caldwell, Weyburn; his brother-in-law David (Hazel) Niblett, England; his sister-in-law Jenny Turner, England; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lloyd passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, November 1, 2009, at the age of 82 years. It was Lloyd's wish that there be no funeral for him. He chose to donate his body to science in the hope that it may help someone else through medical advances. For friends and family so wishing, donations may be made in Lloyd's memory to The Radville & District Health Centre Foundation.
