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Elton Howard Waldal
It is with sorrow that the family announces the death of Elton Howard Waldal of Lanigan, which occurred on September 10, 1999 at the Lanigan hospital following a brief battle with cancer. He was 72 years of age. Elton was born on April 15, 1927 near Lake Alma, SK where he attended school. He spent his early years farming in the Lake Alma area. On August 9, 1952, Elton married Ione Grosenick. They lived briefly in Regina prior to moving to Colgate in 1953 where he was the school janitor and a bus driver. In 1966 the family moved to Esterhazy where Elton worked on the construction of the potash mine. The family moved to Lanigan in 1969 where he began his career at PCS, Lanigan Division which lasted until his retirement from the position of mill maintenance supervisor in 1992. He then took on a number of different jobs as Elton was "a jack of all trades." Elton coached baseball, hockey and the family slowpitch team. He spent many enjoyable hours in his gardens and in his shop. He enjoyed playing cards, especially smear. He thrived on keeping busy and hated his illness for robbing him of his ability to do so. Elton was honest, direct and worked efficiently and quickly. His sense of humour was maintained until the end. Elton is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ione (nee Grosenick) Waldal, eight children, 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild: Sandy (Randy) Ewert and family, Geoff, Jodie and her daughter Taylor, and James all of Saskatoon; Barb (Dale) Tait and their family Rebecca, Victoria and Elizabeth, all of Regina; Wayne (Charlene) Waldal and their family Stacey, Jennifer and Samantha, all of Calgary; Pam Schmidt (Bill Nikolaisen) and her family Melanie and Kent Schmidt, all of Saskatoon; Shelley (Neil) Ewen and their family Erin, Kari, Jesse and Danny all of Drake; Rodney Waldal of Lanigan; Odin (Tammy) Waldal of Calgary and Barry (Susan) Waldal of Lanigan; seven sisters and four brothers: Sylvia (Bud) Bloor of Weyburn; Estelle (Mel) Johnson of Saskatoon; Thorine (Orville) Olson of Estevan; Thor (Florence) Waldal of Lanigan; Ione (Roy) Wanner of Brooks, AB; Ken Waldal Saskatoon; Inis (Art) Marcotte of Torquay; Casper (Loret) Waldal of Regina; Wally (Marcella) Waldal of Calgary; Mavis Schnell and Janice Petterson both of Airdrie, AB; one sister-in-law Wilda Waldal of Calgary; mother-in-law Myrtle Grosenick of Radville; brothers-in-law Gordon Grosenick of Beaubier, SK; Eldon (Yvonne) Grosenick of Regina; sister-in-law Joan (Dennis) Thue of Radville and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his father Olaf Waldal; his mother Anna (nee Vaksdal) Waldal; three brothers: Joyce, Owen and Mervin Waldal; a sister (in infancy) and his father-in-law Lawrence Grosenick. The funeral service was held for Elton from Trinity Lutheran Church, Lanigan, on Tuesday, September 14 at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Rick Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were sons-in-law: Dale Tait, Neil Ewen and Randy Ewert and grandsons: James Ewert, Kent Schmidt and Geoffrey Ewert and "all those who shared in Elton's life." Interment followed at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial donations directed to Lanigan Hospital Palliative Care Unit will be gratefully received by the family. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt.
John Donaldson Skuce
John Donaldson Skuce, a dual citizen of Brandon, MB and Stoughton, SK, passed away at Hillcrest Place, Brandon, on Sunday, September 12, 1999. John was born April 16, 1918 at his parent's homestead in Stoughton. He received his education at Walton School. During his lifetime, John farmed with his parents as well as in Northern Saskatchewan. He worked as a long shoreman on the Great Lakes and later served in the air force during the 2nd world war. John also trained as a mechanic and custom combined in the U.S. John operated a garage in Heward and Stoughton. He was employed as Shop Foreman for Augey Bus Co., Stoughton. John was a founding member of the Stoughton Lions Club. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Odd Fellows, United Church and was a Mason and 4-H leader. He enjoyed bestowing the skills he knew best on to his grandchildren. John is survived by his loving wife, Hazel (nee Short, Patmore); son James (Doreen) of Weyburn and his children Jarrad (Kristy) and Kyle daughter Mary Lou Foss of Montmartre and children Grant (Joanne) and Travis, and Jana (Tim) and Alayna; son Robert (Joyce) of Moose Jaw and children Teresa, Teena (Craig) and Rob. Also surviving are sisters: Helen Graham, Doris Damant and Lois Donnelly; sisters-in-law Alice, Nora and Bertha and numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his first wife Lorraine; son-in-law Garry Foss; parents Richard and Janet; brothers Lyle, Bill, Elmer and Allan; sister Bernice; nieces Katherine and Joan; brothers-in-law Alex Graham and Bill Damant. A memorial service was held at Grace United Church, Stoughton, on Friday, September 17 with Rev. Jann Sampson officiating. All in attendance were considered honorary pallbearers. A private interment followed in the Stoughton cemetery. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon.
Matthew (Matt) Jared Brent Kaufmann
Matthew (Matt) Jared Brent Kaufmann was born March 6, 1981 in Weyburn. Matt died in a car accident April 7, 1999. Matt was predeceased by his papa Omer Roysum on January 30, 1999. He is survived by his parents, Brent and Gwen Kaufmann, sister, Amy and brother Tanner (special friend Jodi Boers); grandparents Joseph and Nina Kaufmann of Weyburn and Lorraine Roysum of Beaubier; great grandparents Mert and Hattie Toso of Radville; aunts and uncles Patricia and Arnold Leatherdale, Brian and Sharon Kaufmann, Debbie and Kitch Milford, Garnet and Elaine Roysum, Gaylord and Kelly Roysum; cousins Chad, Riley (Elissa), Brandon (Joanne), Kirsten (Colin), Joey (Amanda), Cory, Shane, Megan, Halie and Logan; step-cousins Darren (Kelly), Deana (Bob), Devin (Amy), Tammy (Bruce), Angie (Rick) and Aunt Myrna. Matt lived life to the fullest. It seemed as though his cup was always brimming over. He was gentle, compassionate and caring. He was a good listener and generous with his time. Matt had the most wonderful sense of humour. He was intelligent, artistically and musically talented and a natural athlete. Matt's abilities led him to a13 year involvement with hockey, which he shared with his Dad and brother; football (Usher Unicorns) and participation with the Usher Collegiate Choral Group, which he shared with his sister. Matt's teachers and coaches often remarked to his parents that he displayed qualities of sportsmanship and respect for others. Matt loved to hunt and fish with his Dad, brother, grandpa, uncles and cousins. Matt was a confirmed member of Faith Lutheran Church. His faith was being carefully nurtured by his Mom, who freely shared her beliefs with her son. Matt had a legion of friends; a testament to the kind of young man he was. His death has left a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends. He is greatly loved and will be sorely missed. A prayer service was held on Sunday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Unser-Rise Funeral Home, 2080 E. Victoria Ave. The funeral service was held Monday, April 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Faith Lutheran Church, 370 McIntosh St. N., Regina with Pastor Dennis Fingas officiating. For those who wish to contribute, memorial donations may be made to the Matt Kaufmann Memorial Fund (cheques payable to the Regina Public School Board, 1600-4th Ave., Regina, Sask. S4R 8C8) or the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, 4101 Dewdney Ave., Regina, Sask. S4T 7T1. Arrangements in care of Unser-Rist Funeral Home Services, Regina.
Rosie Marie Schmidt
On Thursday, April 8, 1999 Rosie Marie Schmidt, late of Weyburn, passed away at Weyburn Special Care Home at the age of 92 years. Predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Emerance Melle; her husband, Jacob Schmidt in 1978; two sons: Joseph and William; two sons in infancy; and one granddaughter, Theresa. Rosie is survived by her children: Anton (Irene) Schmidt of Weyburn; Jacob (Audrey) Schmidt of Lethbridge, AB; Veronica Zorn of Creston, BC; Catherine (Maurice) Greer of Weyburn; Edward (Joyce) Schmidt of Cochrane, AB; Paul (Gertrude) Schmidt of Wetaskiwin, AB; Evelyn (Don) Corbin of Weyburn; Ann (Russ) Turner of Calgary; and Ralph (Sonia) Schmidt of Minton; two daughters-in-law: Helen Schmidt of Sechelt, BC and Verla Schmidt of Lethbridge; 42 grandchildren; 82 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Rosie was born in Tulsia, Romania on August 24, 1906. She came to Canada in 1913 with her family. She was raised on a farm and had to help clear the rocks on the farmland. She married Jacob Schmidt in Plentywood, Mont. on January 15, 1924. They lived on a farm in Minton then moved into the village of Minton in 1949. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1974. In 1985 she moved to Weyburn and lived in Bison Manor, Legion Towers and also Weyburn Special Care Home. Rosie enjoyed gardening, hooking rugs, quilting, canning and caring for her grandchildren. She was very interested in her church activities, and was a lifetime member of the C.W.L. in Minton and Weyburn. She loved visiting and playing cards with her friends. She was very involved in caring for her sick friends, keeping her family and friends company and visiting and giving them strong Christian support. Rosie travelled to the Holy Land in 1986 where she accomplished riding a camel. Over the last 15 years she attended three family reunions with all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Prayers were said Sunday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Father Francis Hengen presiding. The funeral mass was held Monday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, with Father Francis Hengen celebrant. Interment followed at Chapel Grove Cemetery, Minton. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were Cheryll Meredith, Randy Uytterhagen, Brent Schmidt, Brenda Saboe, Kevin Uytterhagen and Todd Schmidt. For friends so wishing donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Sr. Germaine (Sr. Benedicte) Delanoy
In loving memory of Sr. Germaine (Sr. Benedicte) Congregation of our Lady of the Missions. Sr. Germaine was born April 16, 1909 in Belgium and passed away April 6, 1999 at the age of 89 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Hector Delanoy (Marie Van Exem); three brothers: George, Marcel, Jules (Irene Verhelst) Delanoy; two sisters: Marie, Josephine (in infancy). She leaves to mourn her passing her brother Gerard (Jeanne), Blandine Delanoy (sister-in-law), Radville; brother Leon Delanoy, CIMI, Dominican Republic, and many nephews and nieces. Sister Mary Benedicte joined the Sisters of our Lady of the Missions in Regina at the Sacred Heart College and later at the Sacred Heart Academy from 1928-1935. Following those years, she was at various Missions in Saskatchewan. In 1983, she joined the sisters in Winnipeg, MB, St. Edward Community, until her passing. While in SK, she taught organ lessons to grade one to five students (being very talented). In 1985, she joined the business world, taking many courses, such as typing, computer, banking and obtaining her diploma in each. She joined a seniors band to go and play for the seniors at many hospitals and homes. She undertook and completed the history of the Delanoy family in Belgium and Canada. St. Benedicte celebrated her 50th Jubilee in Regina in 1981, also her Diamond 60th Jubilee in 1991 of her religious life. St. Benedicte retired in December of 1991, when her health began to fail. She will be lovingly missed by all who knew her. Prayers and viewing took place Thursday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, with Father Deusdado Parrenas presiding. Mass of the Resurrection was held in St. Edward Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. April 9, followed by the burial in the Assumption Cemetery in Winnipeg. Pallbearers were Luc Delanoy, Saskatoon; Armand Delanoy, Weyburn; Norman Polintan; Leo, Yana, Jess Tesoro, and Al Castoo, Winnipeg.
Raymond William Gall
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother and friend in Minot, N.D. on Wednesday, April 14, 1999 at the age of 67 years. Ray was predeceased by his wife Bernice; his parents Frank and Angela Gall; three sisters: Jean, Ann and Rose; six brothers: Andrew, Louie, Frank, Aaron, Joe and Ben. Ray is survived by his best friend Christine Masniuk; four daughters: Sharon (Brian) McCarthy of Moosomin; Lee (Dwight) Kosior of Regina; Diane (Rick) Yzerman of Regina; Gloria (Brian) Rattray of White City; one son Brian Gall of Regina; grandchildren: Dan, Sean and Lauren McCarthy, Ben and Regan Kosior, Tricia and Blake Yzerman, Taylor and Kelsea Rattray, Dan Hutchinson and Brett and Tyler Gall. He also leaves behind his two sisters: Mary Jones and Marge Comaniuk; two brothers: Ed Gall and Tony (Mary) Gall; two sisters-in-law: Marlene Gall and Mary Gall; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was born in 1932 in Cedoux. He grew up on the Cedoux area. He and Bernice married in 1952 and farmed in the Cedoux area until moving to Creelman/Fillmore in 1963. They opened a Massey Ferguson dealership in Fillmore. Ray moved to Weyburn in the fall of '96 after the passing of his wife. Ray found such joy in having family and friends close by. He loved to fish, play the fiddle, travel, play cards and joke with everyone. He was a Lions member for many years. He faced his heart disease with courage, patience and humbleness. He touched the lives of many people in his gentle way. Ray will be remembered mostly for his love of the 'simple things' his kindness and his honesty. Prayers were said Friday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn. A celebration of Ray's life took place on Saturday, April 17 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, with Father Francis Hengen celebrant. Lunch followed at McKenna Auditorium, Weyburn. Active pallbearers were Carter Steer, Leo Kosior, Ray Borys, Ron Hart, Faron Comaniuk, Blake Yzerman, Ben Kosior and Dan McCarthy. Cremation will take place and Ray's ashes will be placed in Fillmore cemetery by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn. Special thanks to Dr. Gebhardt for all the years of helping Dad and to all his caregivers at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina and St. Joseph's Hospital in Minot.
Alice Henderson
On Sunday, April 11, 1999, Alice Henderson, late of Weyburn, passed away at the Weyburn General Hospital, at the age of 82 years. Predeceased by her father, Charles Algren in 1938; her mother Ada Algren in 1949; her husband, Lawrence Henderson in 1980; sister, Lucill Bassman in 1982; and two brothers-in-law; Cyril Henderson in 1999 and Gordon Brown in 1993. Alice is survived by her children: Charles of Griffin; Sherman of Griffin; Kenneth of Pembroke, ON; Ada (Charles) Morton of Nepean, ON; Ruth (Lorne) Harman of Leross, SK; and Lucille (Joe) Legare of Assiniboia; grandchildren: Stewart (Brenda) Morton, Peter Morton, Barry Moron, Rhonda Morton, Doug Morton, Melissa Harman, Alison Harman, Larry Harman, Laura Harman, Tracey Cameron, and Trevor Henderson; great grandchildren: Trace Morton, Mischa Morton and Shalana Morton; one sister Ruth Brown of Campbellford, ON; niece and nephews: Vincent (Pat) Bassman of Windsor, ON; Alan (Megan) Bassman of Guelph, ON and Lauren (Ian) Howard of Oakville, ON. Alice was born March 28, 1917 in the R.M. of Griffin 27-8-11. Her father was a pioneer settler of the Griffin area. She was a school teacher during the depression. Alice belonged to the Griffin Northside birthday club. She loved to read, and do crossword puzzles. Alice loved her grandchildren dearly and always remembered their birthdays. Funeral service was held Wednesday, April 14, at 2:00 p.m. from the Church of Christ, Weyburn, with Pastor Russell Ferris officiating. Interment followed in Griffin Cemetery, Griffin. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were her grandchildren: Barry Morton, Stewart Morton, Larry Harman, Melissa Harman, Laura Harman and Alison Harman. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice, in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Bertha Lucille Adolphe
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the death of Bertha Lucille Adolphe. Lucille passed away peacefully following a brief illness at Foothills Hospital, Calgary on the 12th day of April 1999. She was born in Moose Jaw, SK on December 25, 1927 and went to Weyburn where she met her husband Lorie and resided until his death. She has resided at Kenosee Lake the past ten years. She was predeceased by Lorie in 1983 and her mother Dorothy Grainger in 1981. Lucille is survived by three children and spouses: Connie and Lyle McNair (Guelph, ON); Bev and Dennis Canning (Calgary); Wayne and Kim Adolphe (Calgary). Lovingly missed by six grandchildren: Avryll, Drew, Carissa, Julie, Zachary and Taylor. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society Research Division. At Lucille's request there will be no funeral service. Private family interment in Weyburn has been held.
Rudolph Weise
On Tuesday, April 6, 1999, Rudolph Weise, late of Forget, SK passed away at Fillmore Health Centre, at the age of 86 years. Rudolph was born April 7, 1912 in Russia. Predeceased by his parents, Edward and Annie Weise, his wife Bertha Weise; brothers, Gustav and Joseph Weise; sisters, Tillie Weise and Martha Burkart; one grandson, Steven Jones; sisters-in-law, Louise Weise and Norie Weise. Rudolph is survived by one son, Larry Weise of Forget; two stepsons Adolph (Darlene) Fischer of Regina; and Herman (Joyce) Fisher of Regina; one stepdaughter, Hanna (Les) Jones of Kelowna, BC; three brothers: Ben Weise of Stoughton; Alex Weise of Eckville, AB; and Fred Weise of Stoughton; three sisters: Edith (Garret) Vandorp of Drayton Valley, AB; Ann (Lloyd) Clarkson of Ladner, BC; and Olga (Louis) Walbaum of Weyburn; one brother-in-law, Jack Burkart of Yorkton; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held Friday, April 9 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Woodley, SK with Pastor Heather Anderson officiating. Interment followed in Coimar Cemetery, Woodley. Pallbearers were Gerald Phillips, Randy Phillips, Albert Depape, Nevin Fischer, Ryan Fischer and Cary Fischer. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, in his memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Lilian Irene Ferguson
Lilian's family are deeply saddened by the passing of their beloved mother and very best friend at the Regina General Hospital on Sunday, April 18, 1999 at 2:30 p.m. Lilian was predeceased by her parents, Stener and Emilia Thompson, her brothers Henry, Albert and William (Bill), one sister Hilma and her husband Jack. She leaves to mourn her son John (Doreen), daughter Priscilla (Steve), sister Minnie, sister-in-law Pauline, granddaughters Margaret (Randall), Darla, Lorna Joan, grandsons Dan, Ian (Kirsten), Sean (Sherry), Will (Terumi), great grandchildren Aidan, Brynne, Barbra, Sam and Alexander, also numerous nephews and nieces and many friends. Lilian enjoyed many careers. She was a hairdresser, LPN or nurses aid and reflexologist with other careers in between. She sang in the United Church choir, was Past Noble Grand and pianist for the Rebekah Lodge and wrote devotionals for the Ladies Aid. She also enjoyed many hobbies and belonged to many organizations, her favourite being the Rebekah Lodge. Lilian believed in helping others, and did so with interest, compassion and caring. Funeral service will be held at Grace United Church in Weyburn, Friday, April 23 at 3:30 p.m. Arrangements in care of the Paragon Funeral Services of Regina. Lunch will be served at the Oddfellows, Rebekah Lodge Hall.
C. Brian Benning
C. Brian Benning passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on April 22, 1999. Brian was predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Clara Benning, brother Gerald in infancy, infant son Daniel in infancy, brother Henry Benning, sister Marion Skjonsby, brother-in-law Hans Reitler, sister-in-law Ingrid Benning, mother-in-law Laura Heisler and nephew Cody Benning. Brian is survived by Sandra, his loving wife of 33 years; his children Scott (Susan) Benning, Weyburn; Laura (Jack) Diede, Weyburn; and Grant (Nadine Perry) Benning, Weyburn; as well as his grandchildren: Emily and Jillian Diede, and Emily and Brooke Perry, all of Weyburn. Brian is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Wilma Reitler, Regina; Vera (Pete) Anderson, Weyburn; Ronald (Florence) Benning Weyburn; Patrick (Loretta) Benning, Weyburn; Jim (Pat) Benning, Regina; Clifton (Dorothy) Benning, Weyburn; Carolyn (Ken) Kennedy, St. Albert, AB; Greg (Bonnie) Benning, Victoria, BC; brother-in-law Wilf (Mariann) Skjonsby, Weyburn; father-in-law, Seb Heisler (Doris Meckum), Weyburn; brother-in-law Duane (Denise) Heisler, Weyburn; sister-in-law Deanna (Henry) Irwin, Macoun; sister-in-law Cheryl (Dave) Rommann, Weyburn; 39 nieces and nephews; 63 great nieces and nephews; as well as many, many good friends. Clarence Brian Benning was born February 21, 1945 to Lloyd and Clara Benning in Weyburn, grew up on the family farm south of Weyburn, and attended school at South Weyburn School and at Weyburn Collegiate. In1963 he met and fell in love with Sandra Heisler, and they were married on March 19, 1966. At this time Brian worked for Co-op Bulk, first in Weyburn, then Govan, SK, then Rivers, MB, then Wawanesa, MB. Brian and his family returned to Weyburn in the fall of 1970, and the following spring he started working for PanCanadian Petroleum as a plant operator. In 1978 he left PanCanadian, bought Andrews & Wilder's Sporting Goods and opened Benning Sport and Paint. In 1985 he sold the sporting goods business and moved the paint over to Railway Ave. where he operated Benning Paint and Paper. In 1991 the paint store was closed and he went to work for Watson Distributors Ltd. in Weyburn. Then in 1993 he joined Miles Agencies as an insurance broker, earning his C.A.I.B. designation in 1997. He enjoyed working there until he fell ill. Brian began coaching girls fastball in 1982, and continued coaching various age groups through 1997, taking only a one year hiatus during these 15 years. He coached his teams to five provincial championships, but these titles did not mean as much to him as the people on these teams. He was very proud of his home town of Weyburn and thought that there was no better place to raise a family. Part of his commitment to this city was shown by his involvement in various community organizations, including the Weyburn Young Fellows Club. Brian joined Young Fellows in 1971 and was a very active member of the club for 28 years. He loved gardening, and spending time in his yard entertaining family and friends. His faith was a very important part of Brian's life, shown by his involvement in the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul Parish Council. His family was central in his life, as was he in theirs, and he will always be remembered fondly, deeply missed, cherished, and very much loved by them. Prayers were Sunday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. and the funeral mass celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 26 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Celebrant Rev. John Mock, assisted by Rev. Francis Hengen, Rev. Norm Marcotte and Rev. Stephen Bill. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery. Pallbearers were nieces Karla Grisdale, Cathy Benning, and Natalie Holloway, and nephews Clif Anderson, Terry Benning and Rod Benning. Those wishing to express sympathy may donate to the South Central Health District Equipment Fund or the St. Vincent de Paul Church Stained Glass Window Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher's Funeral Chapel, Weyburn.
Edna Gertrude Stronge
On Monday, April 26, 1999, Edna Gertrude Stronge, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 74 years. Predeceased by her parents: Karl and Caroline Selzer; one son, Douglas Stronge; four sisters: Eda Hohn, Katie Walter, Millie Cowley and Ella Brodt. Edna is survived by her loving husband, Gordon Stronge, of Weyburn; one son, Scott (Wendy) Stronge of Weyburn; three grandchildren: Derek, Heather and Kristen Stronge, Weyburn; four brothers, Rudy (Ann) Selzer of Regina; Louis (Kay) Selzer of Balgonie; Carl (Alma) Selzer of Balgonie; and Richard (June) Selzer of Vancouver, BC; two sisters: Bertha Sigmeth of Regina; and Freda (John) Turluk of Zehner, SK; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Edna was born December 5, 1924 on the homestead at Jameson, just south of Balgonie, the ninth child added to the growing family of Carl and Caroline Selzer. She and her sisters spent the summers herding sheep and the winters helping with dairy chores in between schooling and church and family celebrations. They were a musical family, with brothers Carl and Rudy playing accordion, Louis on the clarinet, and Dick of the guitar while the girls formed the choir. School and education were a big part of Edna's life. She started at Newton School in Jameson, then moved on to complete Grade 12 at General High School in Balgonie. After graduation from Normal school in Regina, she went teaching with her brother Rudy and sister Freda during the years of World War II, taking positions at Bethune, Milestone, Avonhurst, and Colgate. Here she met Gordon, and they were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Regina on October 18, 1952. Edna continued teaching at Colgate and Zehner until their first child was born. When Doug was about three, Edna returned to teaching at Braemar, where her sister Katie lived and helped with child care. Edna and Gordon made their home together on the old Stronge farm for several years, then bought the yard on the highway where they lived for over 35 years. They raised two sons on the farm, seeing Doug into university and then trying to cope with his death in a tragic motorcyle accident. Deeply affected by this grief, Edna and Gordon went on to raise Scott into marriage and an electrical career. They retired in 1991, and traded houses with Scott and Wendy and their growing family. Edna's life was filled with family, farm, community, and church. She served on the Library Board, representing Lomond R.M. and for many years with the Colgate Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed curling, square dancing, old tyme dancing, fiddler's contests and went to the polkafest at Grayson and Edenwold. She and Gordon did a lot of traveling together, twice to Europe, to Alaska, to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary, to Arizona with the family, Cuba, a Caribbean cruise, to the Maritimes, and last spring to Victoria on a bus tour. This was their last trip together, as a planned outing to Hostfest had to be cancelled for health reasons. In her spare time Edna pursued her artistic bent. She worked in ceramics for many years, producing some lovely pieces that grace their home. There are also a number of paper tollings framed in their home. And for her family reunion two years ago, Edna painted a large family tree, with the old homestead in the background. Planning and preparing for family gatherings like Christmas and Easter, weddings or anniversaries, was a big part of her life. She and Gordon became very involved with Zion Lutheran Church, attending Bible study and worship regularly. As it had during the difficult times before, her faith and the support from her church and friends were very important to her during her battle with lung cancer. When difficult breathing brought her daily walks to an end, she pursued the diagnosis. When she was told that the prognosis was bleak and that conventional treatment options held little hope, she pursued alternative therapies in the Bahamas to improve her life and provide hope for remission. Heart failure on Monday, April 26 brought this battle to a sudden end, and with Gordon by her side, Edna entered her rest. Funeral service was held Thursday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, with Pastor Ron Bestvater officiating. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Don Wicks, Lloyd Soroka, Carl Kelln, Dahlton Lewis, Alvin Dehnke and Willard Hamann. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
