- Canada, Newspapers.com™ Obituary Index, 1800s-current -
- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -
VANDERGRIFT – Helen Bell, age 97, passed away at Swift Current Care Centre on Friday, December 3, 2004. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. from the United Church in Morse with Sandra Sellers officiating. The interment took place at Memory Lanes Cemetery in Morse. Honorary pallbearers were all those who shared in her life. The ushers were grandsons; David Montgomery and Bradley Vandergrift. Helen is survived by two daughters; Lois Montgomery (James), Cynthia Miller; four sons: Floyd Vandergrift (Gladys), James Vandergrift (Joan), Robert Vandergrift (Eleanor) and Keith Vandergrift (Valerie). She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Horace Vandergrift in 1997, grandson Michael Vandergrift in 1980, son-in-law Terry Miller in 1986 and daughter Jean Hamm in 2004. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
COSSETTE – Rhonda Mae age 47 of Swift Current, SK passed away peacefully at the Regina Pasqua Hospital on Wednesday, Decemeber 8, 2004. A Memorial service was held on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Church with Reverend John Barker officiating. The organist was Marilyn King and a eulogy was given by Melinda Baum and Karen Wasylenka. The ushers were: Dave Deobald, Hugh Henry, Rob Baum, Paul Janke, George Comeau and Murray Quiring. The honorary pallbearers were all those who shared in Rhonda’s life. Rhonda is survived by her husband, Garry Chamberlin of Swift Current; her daughter Jenesse Chamberlin of Swift Current; her mother and father, Mavis and Armand Cossette of Swift Current; her sister Penny (Franklin) Carriere of La Ronge; her brother Garry (Donna) Cossette of Calgary, AB; her brother-in-law Randy (Gervaise) Chamberlin of Hodgeville; her sister-in-law Valerie (Wes) Walker of Regina and her beloved nieces and nephews. Rhonda was united in marriage to Garry Chamberlin on November 11, 1978 in Coderre, SK. She worked in the Department of Social Services at the Swift Current office for 25 years. Rhonda was an active member and volunteer in the First United Church in Swift Current. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, camping, and spending time with her family and friends. In her memory, friends may make memorial donations to the First United Church Memorial Fund. Rhonda will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit our website at parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
WENDLAND - Mr. Wayne Lee, of Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, aged 58 years, passed away on Monday, December 13, 2004. Wayne was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan but has resided in Gull Lake for the past 35 years. Wayne is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Linda Wendland (Erletz); his children: Lee (and Julia), of Kingston, Ontario, Lydia (Rae), of Saskatoon, and Scott, of Regina. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Bryton, Rebecca, Rylie & Kate; his brothers, Terry (and Vel), of Rocky Mountain House, AB, as well as Dale (and Hilda), of Saskatoon; and numerous nieces and nephews. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Reta and Albert Wendland, of Saskatoon. Wayne and Linda moved to Gull Lake where he began and concluded his 30-year Teaching Career. Wayne will sorrowfully be missed by all who knew him. The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. from the Elks Hall in Gull Lake with Deb McNabb officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Please contact 773 – 2931 or 1-8-00-719-6625 for any further information.
PENNER - Mr. Diedrich. Dad was born in Main Centre, SK on October 8, 1926. He was the eighth of twelve children. Life on the farm in those days was very difficult. Before my father’s arrival, the family even lived in a sod hut for a time. All the children received their schooling at Cruikshank School, less than a mile from the family farm. He attended school until Grade 8 about when most children quit to help around the farm and/or work for a living. His first foray into the workworld led him to Beechy where he worked on a farm. After the summer he returned home and helped there. He continued this way until 1945 when he left to work on a farm near Arden, Manitoba. While stoking oat shelves he met a young woman, Justina Friesen, who became his wife two years later in a wedding ceremony held at her parents farm in the RM of Landsowne, Manitoba. They lived in the upstairs portion of her parents house until the spring of 1948. At that time a considerable number of individuals of similar faith decided to emigrate to South America. By train to Montreal and ship to Paraguay, they made the arduous 23 day journey weakened by sea sickness and tormented by the longing for the home they had left. Landing in Paraguay there still remained the journey inland by ox and wagon. Here, under the most primitive and unsanitary conditions they lived for nine months in tents. They had to carry their water from the nearby river, use unsanitary outdoor toilets and avoid the big, hairy spiders that loved to hide in their shoes. In late September of 1948 under the most difficult conditions a daughter, Elvina, was born. She brought some element of joy to their lives only to have it snatched from their grasp by malaria which struck 2 months later. After burying her in a nearby field, sickened by their loss they were determined to leave this godforsaken place. They pleaded with his parents back home to send money and shortly they were on their way back. After a flight from Assumcion to New York and a bus ride through Chicago to Winnipeg and a train ride they were home again with his parents in Main Centre, SK. They lived here until late 1949 when Dad got a job in the hatchery in Tisdale and Mom worked in the honey factory. After the births of the next three children (Allan, Louise, and Gordon), they moved to Herbert where Dad worked for a short time at a garage until he was almost blinded by welding flashes. After a time of recuperation he ventured to Swift Current where he got a job working at the Research Station. Shortly thereafter, they built their first house in Swift Current. Their daughter Marlene was born in Swift Current in 1960. Mom and Dad lived in Swift Current for 46 years, moving to Gull Lake in the fall of 1999. Dad worked at the Research Station until retirement. To his job he brought many innate skills but he also trained himself in many other skills throughout the years. He built two homes in Swift Current; he became a proficient welder that many others would turn to for assistance; he became a skilled machinist under the tutelage of his mentor at the Research Station; and as a hobby, he was an intense repairman. His passion was garage sales and auction sales. All of us kids have memories of items he picked up this way and transformed them into treasured items. He had this uncanny skill of studying machines and then designing them for himself. He was a recognized design technician who made machines that found their way across Canada, into the States, Africa as well as India. Dad was a quiet person but enjoyed the company of others. He enjoyed visiting relatives, going for coffee and attending social functions. Dad loved to do things for family and help in whatever way he could. Dad died on Saturday, December 11, 2004 and will be sorely missed by his family, relatives and friends. Diedrich will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Justina, by son Allan (Linda) Penner and their children, Jilian (Murray) Radtke, grandchildren, Brylan and Daylan Radtke, James Penner, Brant Penner; daughter, Louise (Terry) Quaid and their children, Paul (Andrea) Quaid, their children Colin and Emma Quaid, Jennifer Quaid, Neil Quaid; son Gordon (Denise) Penner and his children Ursula Penner, Stuart Penner and her children Melissa and Ember, Colleen and Mackenzie; daughter Marlene (Bob) Rowe and their children, Sacha Rowe, grandson, Aiden and Scott Rowe. Also left to cherish his memory are his brothers Peter Penner, Abe (Gertie) Penner, Bernie Penner and John (Nellie) Penner; sister-in-law Agatha Penner and brother-in-law Gordon Spetz. He was predeceased by a daughter, Elvina who died in South America; sisters Agnes Funk, Manda Friesen, Alma Schultz, Linda Spetz and Justina Dueck; brothers Ed Penner and Henry Penner. A funeral service was held on Saturday, December 18, 2004 at Bridgeway Community Church with Pastor Cliff Janzen officiating. The organist was Sheila Braun and the ushers were Arnie Duke and Melvin Schultz. The pallbearers were grandchildren: Jilian Radtke, James Penner, Brant Penner, Sacha Rowe, Scott Rowe, Ursula Penner, Stuart Penner and Murray Radtke. The interment took place at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK. Donations in memory of Diedrich may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit our website at . The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
WIEBE – Ruben Wiebe, age 65, of Gouldtown, SK passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 17, 2004. Ruben was born in the Herbert Hospital on November 22, 1939; the third son to George and Susie Wiebe. He took his schooling at River Dell School. The journey to and from school, recesses, playing hockey, ball, ect.. took priority over his lessons, although once he memorized a recitation he never forgot it! Ruben felt a strong connection to the land right from his youth. He came to know his Lord and Savior on October 25, 1964 when he put on Christ in baptism. Many friends were made through the years at River Dell, and one friend in particular turned into his sweetheart. Ruben and Erna dated for a time and married on October 28, 1967. That first winter they lived in Swift Current, where Ruben was employed as a construction worker, building the Swift Current Comprehensive School. That spring Ruben & Erna headed to the farm. Those years of working together establishing their farm were precious years and soon a son, Bruce Derek, was born on July 26, 1968. What a joy for Ruben to have a son to farm with! Later Charlotte Joy was born, on April 25, 1972. Then came Carolyn Ann on January 28, 1975, and finally, to complete this little family, Todd Ashley, on June 5th, 1979. Ruben was a good father, who especially delighted in Christmas and spoiling not only the kids, but also Erna with surprise gifts in big boxes…too big to wrap. After living on the Seibel homestead for several years, Ruben and Erna bought their own farm, the “Janzen farm” and began a new chapter in life. We children can say with pride that we indeed were a part of the ‘pioneering era’, as we experienced life with no running water, outhouse and no telephone for a period of time, as our farmyard got established. Years went by and the opportunity to purchase the Seibel homestead presented itself, and so another move took place, where Ruben resided until his passing. Although Ruben struggled continually with asthma, he made the best of things and worked hard on the land, and with his cattle. It was with great satisfaction that Bruce came of age to share the responsibilities of the farm with his dad. This allowed for Ruben & Erna to become entrepreneurs of E & R Grocers in Gouldtown. This was the perfect job for Dad…. Coffeeing with neighbors, catching up on what was new, and maybe even selling the odd bag of groceries. The Community Hall, with it’s annual Christmas Program, was also a big highlight in Ruben’s life. What precious memories are held in those videotapes of mom and dad acting on stage, in the German language of course, to everyone’s delight. 1999 brought its own set of challenges, with Ruben suffering a life-threatening stroke on Erna’s Birthday. It was unclear as to whether or not Ruben would even recover; however, to everyone’s surprise he suffered no long-term effects, and even saw great improvements in his health. Grandchildren entered the picture, and this brought a new era of joy into Ruben’s life. These last years were a constant struggle for Ruben, not being able to work the way he used to, but he filled his days with his love for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Little House on the Prairie episodes, and his love for staying in touch with all those who meant so much to him, through the telephone. He will be sadly missed, but we take comfort in knowing that he has fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith; now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, has awarded him. Ruben is survived by his loving wife Erna, of 37 years; son Bruce (Natasha Johnson), daughters Charlotte Peters (Dale), Carolyn Brednich (Benjamin), and son Todd Wiebe; grandchildren, MacKenzie, Kalen & Camrynne Peters, Reece & Chase Brednich; brothers Abe (Helen), Ben (Chris), Philip (Connie), sister Olga (Ernie) Cornelson, sister-in-0law Elizabeth Sadowski and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruben is predeceased by his parents George & Susie Wiebe and his brother Jake. Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. from the Herbert Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Donovan Epp and Benjamin Brednich officiating. The interment took place at the Gouldtown Cemetery. Tributes were given by his wife and children. The eulogy was read by Natasha Johnson. Special music, Daddy’s Hands was brought by “All 4 One”. Ushers were Willy Funk, Elmer Wiebe, Darcy Seibel, and Jim Wiebe. Pallbearers were: Bruce Wiebe, Todd Wiebe, Ben Wiebe, Phillip Wiebe, Dale Peters and Wendell Cornelson. Honorary pallbearers were Abe Wiebe, Olga Cornelson, Corny Wiebe, David Seibel, Roy Seibel, Wes Seibel, Leo Seibel and all those who shared in his life. Memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House – 1011 University Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 0K9.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.
KLASSEN – William (Bill) went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at the Herbert Nursing Home. Bill was born in Russia in 1911 and came to Canada that same year with his parents, John and Sarah Klassen. They settled on a homestead north of Herbert, SK. Bill came to know the Lord as a young teenager. He attended Winkler Bible Institute and enjoyed teaching the Scriptures, especially in Sunday School, throughout his life. On November 19, 1931 Bill married Eva Wohlgemuth and they raised a family of 13 children. They moved to the present farm site in 1934 where they built the barn and house and replaced all the old buildings. They also planted many trees and developed a farmyard where family and friends enjoyed many barbecues and picnics. He loved farming and it was an excellent environment to raise a family. In addition to serving in the Church as Sunday School Superintendent, elder and teacher, he also contributed to the community acting as Director on the School Board for a number of years. After retirement, Bill and Eva traveled to Japan, Australia, Israel, Alaska and other parts of the U.S. and Canada, which they enjoyed very much. Bill is survived by Eva, his wife of 73 years, and 11 children: Ruth Zacharias, Bill (Marj), Norman (Laura), Robert (Alice), Art (Ruth), Margaret (Cliff) Scott, Peter (Linda), Esther Klassen, Philip (Patti), Joseph, James (Pam). He was predeceased by sons, Cornelius and John and son-in-law Abe Zacharias. He delighted in his expanding family and is survived by 41 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and on great-great grandchild. He was also predeceased by his grandsons, Nathan Scott and Darren Klassen and his sister Sarah. Bill is also survived by his sisters Tena Rode, Anne Wiebe and brothers, John, Peter and Jack. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Gideons or to the Canadian Cancer Society. A funeral service was held on Monday, January 24, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Herbert Evangelical Free Church. Bill’s family took part in performing the service with son Norman Klassen leading the service with a greeting and opening prayer. The message was given by Pastor Rick Arkell. Special music was performed by Alice Klassen and her daughters Cindy and Nancy; Cliff Scott and Alison Klassen. Tributes were given on behalf of the grandchildren by Gilbert Klassen and a tribute was also given by Art Klassen on behalf of Bill’s children. The obituary was read by son Bob Klassen and scripture was read by Gene Zacharias. The pallbearers were all Bill’s sons. The interment took place at the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.
WALLACE – Allan Leslie (Les) – passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2005 at the age of 88 at the Regina General Hospital with his family by his side. Les will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy; his children, Joan (Cam) Pelletier of Regina, SK, Audrey (Dale) Fleury of Calgary, AB, Bob (Heather) Wallace of Swift Current, Lorne (Rita) Wallace of Tyner, SK and 10 grandchildren: Pierre (Kasandra &children) Pelletier of Nanimo, BC; Petrina Pelletier (Tim Gunter) of Edmonton, AB; Angela Fleury of Toronto, Ont; Jason (Dana) Fleury of Calgary, AB; Grant Wallace of Regina; Janna Bishop of Vancouver, BC; Derek Bishop of Swift Current; Jeff Wallace, Lindsay Wallace and Brian Wallace all of Medicine Hat, AB. He is also survived by one brother, Raymond (Evelyn) Wallace of Tyner, SK. Farming was Les’ whole life. He grew up on the family farm at Tyner, SK and continued to farm until the time of his passing. The harvest of 2004 marked the 76th consecutive harvest in which he actively participated. In his earlier years, his commitment to the community was evident by his involvement on the municipal council, hospital board and various other boards and committees. He was a skilled mechanic, welder and carpenter who never hesitated to lend a helping had to his friends and neighbors. At Les’ request, no funeral service will be held. Instead his family invited his friends to attend a reception in remembrance of his life, which was held on Friday, February 4th, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Activity Centre, 68 Central Avenue North in Swift Current, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Regina General Hospital, SICU c/o Brenda – Finance Dept. 1440 – 14th Ave Regina, SK S4P 0W5 or to the Dr. Noble Irwin Health Care Foundation PO Box 1706 Swift Current, SK S9H 4G6 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.
KRAHN - Agnes. Agnes Krahn (nee Pauls) passed away peacefully on February 9, 2005 at the Swift Current Union Hospital. Agnes was born January 30, 1912 in Reinfeld Yazykova, South Russia. Due to the Russian revolution and great famine, the Pauls' family came to Canada in 1923 and settled near Herbert, Saskatchewan. In 1930, Agnes married Jacob Krahn (born in Nickolaidpol Borissovo, South Russia) and together they farmed in the Herbert area.
Agnes is predeceased by her beloved husband Jacob Krahn (1901-1967) and son-in-law Victor Dombrowsky (1929-2003), as well as several brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. She is survived by children Lory (Victor), Ervin (Gloria), Jake (Linda), Ken (Alice) and Lawrence (Lois), 25 grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her sister and life long friend Susie Regier.
Agnes's early years were filled with her new country and her new family. While she developed a love of the Herbert area, and made many friends, she always maintained contact with her family settled elsewhere in Canada, and those in Germany. In her final years, Agnes enjoyed family visits, her friends and church, revisiting her heritage, handicrafts, watching curling and her Toronto Blue Jays.
Agnes strong faith and love of family kept her strong through the many miles she travelled and the many years she lived. Although she will be deeply missed by all her family and friends, Agnes' faith will lead her home to those who await at her final resting place.
Services will be he held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 12, 2005 at Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current with interment to follow at the Herbert Cemetery. Coffee at the Mennonite Brethren Church. Funeral arrangement entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Agnes' favourite charity Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Box 767, 400-280 Smith St., Winnipeg, MB (R3C 2L7) are gratefully acknowledged.
MOEN - Mr. Neil Carman, aged 74 years, a retired teacher, passed away on January 16, 2005 at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current. The funeral service was held on Thursday, January 20, 2005 at First United Church with Doris Watt officiating. The interment was held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The pallbearers were: Doug Tedrick, Arlen Tedrick, Wayne Spiker, Lyle Pyett, Terry Spiker and Garry Moen. Honorary Pallbearers were all of his friends and family. The ushers were: Lisa Schneider, Charlene King, Lynn Pyett and Allyson McCaw. The soloist was, Bill Pyett. He is survived by his daughter, Lynda (George) Opocensky, of Tecumseh, Ontario; son, David (Heather) Moen, of Calgary, AB; son-in-law, Neil (Pam) Gordon, of Oakville, Ontario; grandchildren: Maria Opocensky, Riley Moen, Lindsey Stricker, Megan Gordon, and Braden Gordon; his brother, Arley (Anne), of Stewart Valley; and sisters: Liane (Harry) Tedrick, of Swift Current, Lois (Bill) Pyett, of Thompson Lake, SK, and Phyllis (Ray) Spiker, of Pennant, SK; as well as many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his daughter, Laurel Gordon, in 1986. Neil leaves behind his special friend, Faye Sander, and her family, Penny (Murray) Janis, Shelley (Mike) Daniel, Scott (Donnette) Sander, and families. Neil was born on the family farm near Stewart Valley and took his schooling there. He attended Normal School in Moose Jaw in 1949 and completed his education degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1977. He taught for 32 years at schools at Jorgenson, Turnhill, Stewart Valley, North Landing, Shackleton, Eatonia, and Fort McMurray. Neil was a great teacher and had creative ideas for teaching math and science. He helped develop an outdoor education program for Junior High students in Fort McMurray and loved those winter camping expeditions. Neil retired in 1985 and returned to Swift Current where he could go for coffee at the Co-op and visit with his many friends and family members. Neil was an avid sportsman and played hockey and football with the Stewart Valley Rockets for many years. His love of curling started early and he continued to curl up until his last year of life. Golfing was his other passion and he was always on the look out for a golf course and a partner wherever he went. Neil was a warm and friendly man who always had time for coffee and a visit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Memorial donations may be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre or to the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
