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Olive Dunwald
Passed away: August 8, 2007
DUNWALD – OLIVE MAY (Formerly Blohm nee Merrett) Mrs. Olive Dunwald of Golden Prairie, formerly of Swift Current and Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 at the age of 90 years, at the Swift Current Hospital after a brief illness. Olive leaves to cherish her memory her children and step-children, Helene (August) Protz of Regina, Laura (Wayne) Dunwald of Moosamin, Dale (Sandra) Blohm of Glen Bain, Alan (Janet) Blohm, and Douglas (Colleen) Blohm, both of Swift Current, and Lyle Dunwald of Golden Prairie; eleven grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren; one sister, Irene Ullyott; and one sister-in-law, Reta Merrett; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Olive was predeceased by her first husband, William Blohm on March 28th, 1966; her second husband, Clifford Dunwald on December 25th, 2003; her mother, Louisa Merrett; her father, William Merrett; one sister, Gwen (Vic) Martin; and two brothers, John Merrett, and Ronald Merrett. Olive was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan on April 15th, 1917 and spent her childhood on a prairie pioneer farm in Southern Saskatchewan (Mankota). She loved to ride spirited horses and was a crack-shot with a 22. She taught school in the one room schools of that time. Olive married William Blohm on June 2nd, 1940. Together they farmed in the Glen Bain area for twenty-five years raising their family until the sudden death of her husband. Later, Olive became a local government administrator in the Glen Bain and Golden Prairie areas for fifteen years. Following her retirement she married Clifford Dunwald on February 25th, 1984 and they retired to Medicine Hat in 1988. Olive was well known for her devotion to her church and her love of people and their welfare. Olive enjoyed reading and writing poetry, sewing, gardening, cooking, ceramics, and painting. Her motto was "you can never learn too much". The Funeral Service will be held in SWIFT CURRENT FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 233 Lorne Street East, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, on Saturday, August 11th, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Rick Laurendeau officiating. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Family Plot at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy those wishing to remember Mrs. Olive Blohm Dunwald may do so with a gift to the Charity of One’s Choice. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to saamisfc@telusplanet.net, subject-heading Olive Dunwald. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, Medicine Hat, Alberta, 1-800-317-2647 and SWIFT CURRENT FUNERAL HOME, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, 306-773-8355.
Mary Klassen
Passed away: August 8, 2007
With her family at her side, Mary Klassen passed away peacefully on August 8, 2007 at Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. Mary was born on May 4, 1921 at Rosenort, Saskatchewan to Jacob and Elizabeth Wiebe. After completing grade 10 she worked as a housekeeper at the Healy Hotel and in various homes. Mary was baptized at the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church. Through her co-worker and friend, Mary met the love of her life. Mary and Edward Klassen had their first date on Valentine’s Day in 1954 and were married December 5 that same year in the Emmaus Mennonite Church. Into their home, filled with love, 5 children were born - Janice, Donald, Alan, Gerald and Kevin. Mary and Edward devoted themselves to their family, working together in providing and caring for their children until the untimely death of Edward in 1975. Mary drew from her faith and strength in the Lord and continued to devote herself to her family. In supporting her family, Mary worked as a drapery seamstress. Mary enjoyed sewing, quilting, baking for her family, scrabble, reading, crossword puzzles, playing games and especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren which gave her much joy. She poured her love into her family and blessed every life she touched. Mary is survived by her daughter, Janice (Cal) May; her sons, Donald (Janice), Alan (Adriana), Gerald (Debra), and Kevin (Janie); her grandchildren, Rebecca (Adam), Ryan, Dustin, Jarrod, Landen, Lauren, Mikhail, Alexandra, Gabriella, Victoria, Mattathias, Danielle, Stephanie and Vanessa; her great-grandchildren, Alexander, Grace and Dominic; her sisters, Sarah Krahn and Susan Wiebe; her sisters-in-law, Helen Wiebe, Ann (Neil) Tilitzky, Martha Wall, Bertha (Milton) Leischner, Nellie (John) Penner, Kay Klassen, Anne Klassen, Isabel Klassen; her brothers-in-law, Victor (Elma) Klassen and Jac (Mary) Martens; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Edward Klassen; her father and mother, Jacob and Elizabeth Wiebe; her father and mother-in-law, Cornelius and Anna Klassen; her sister, Elizabeth (Peter) Wall; her brothers, Jacob (Tina), Henry (Agatha), John (Margaret) and Nick; brothers-in-law, George Krahn, Irwin (Anne) Klassen, Dan Klassen, Peter Klassen, Elmer Klassen, Lorent Klassen, Dave Wall; sisters-in-law, Amanda (Ben) Giesbrecht and Eva Martens. Mary truly put God and family first with her love, gentleness, kindness, understanding and patience. Mary did not always need a lot of words, her life demonstrated with actions the goodness that so many people only talk about. Mary will be missed and lovingly remembered by her family and many friends. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. from the Alpine Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Alex Allan officiating. The pianist for the service was Sharon Penny with John Penny serving as welcome host. Scripture was read from Isaiah 40:28-31 with the congregation reciting the Lord’s Prayer. “It Is Well With My Soul” and “Amazing Grace” were sung by the congregation. The obituary was read by Peggy Bell with Grandchildren sharing tributes. Special music was brought by the Grandchildren accompanied by Janie Klassen singing, “The Rose”, a violin solo by Alexandra Klassen playing, “You Raise Me Up” and a recording by Bob Williston, “Welcome Home”. The ushers in the church were Russell Wall and DeAnne Crozier. The Interment was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Ryan May, Jarrod Klassen, Dustin May, Landen Klassen, Mikhail Moore and Adam Gmeinweser. For those wishing, donations made to World Vision would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Alberta Harris
Passed away: August 2, 2007
Alberta Lucille Harris (nee Woods), born on the farm near Wilmar, Sask., April 14, 1914, passed away quietly at the Cypress Regional Hospital on August 2, 2007. Alberta is survived by Les, her husband of 62 years; sons, Russ (Martie), Wayne (Sam); her grandchildren, Lisa (Shannon), Jeff, Kris (Zara), Brad (Sonya), Krista (Josh) and Shana; her great-grandchildren, James, Beth, Eric, Sarah, Jordan and Brandon; sisters, Edna Clark, Velma McAndrews; brother, Paul; sisters-in-law, Ada Woods and Esther Harris; as well as many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Forest & Zilpha Woods; a son, Andrew; her siblings, Maude, Wesley, Hazel and Floyd; brothers-in-law, Clarence Crosbie, Norman Clark, George Harris, Bruce Longstreet and Art Marsh; sisters-in-law, Martha Woods, Olwynn Woods, Edna Harris and Ruth Harris. Alberta received her schooling in Erin and Wilmar, Sask. She graduated from the Children's Nursing Hospital in Winnipeg in 1940, and came to Arcola Hospital in 1941, where she was a nurse, and later served as Matron. Following her marriage to Les Harris on July 4, 1945, she continued nursing on a casual basis, while raising their two sons. Alberta was active in Homemakers and Church, as well as taking an active interest in so many people who needed a little extra love in their lives. She took up oil painting in her early fifties, and painted for friends and family. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, August 6, 2007 at 11:00 am from the Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Bob Kuglin officiating. The pianist for the service was Gwen Kuglin with special music brought by Loretta Singh, singing “The Lord’s Prayer”. Scripture was read by Krista Docksteader with life history and tributes shared by Russell Harris, Shana Osborne and Rev. Don Anderson. “Softly and Tenderly”, “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Pastor John Regier. The ushers in the church were Gary Wiebe and Jim Glover. The Interment Service was held on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 1:30 pm from the Arcola Cemetery, Arcola, SK with Rev. Murray Lees officiating. Jeff Harris, Kris Harris, Josh Docksteader, Clay Chapman, Vince Flaterud and Doug Cooper served as pallbearers. For those wishing, donations made to the West Bank Bible Camp, Canadian Sunday School Mission or to the Rio Grande Bible Institute would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Evelyn Giem
Passed away: July 29, 2007
Evelyn Giem passed away in Swift Current, SK on Sunday, July 29, 2007 at the age of 86 years. Evelyn was born in Hirsche, SK on April 26, 1921, the youngest child of William & Mary Giem. Her early years were spent in Steelman, later moving to Estevan and then to Swift Current. Her career spanned years at Canada Post, operating her own Telephone Answering Service in Estevan and in Swift Current, and working for Les Leptick Construction. Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, William & Mary Giem; as well as by her siblings and their spouses, Clements (Katherine), Alice (Albert) Ching, Clifford, Beatrice (Gilbert) Dennistown, Mavis (John) VanMosch. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews, to whom she was affectionately known as ‘Aunty’. She also leaves many friends, especially the ladies of the CWL, the residents at the Bentley and her special friend, Edith Cote, whom she called her ‘adopted daughter’. At Evelyn’s request, there will be no Funeral Service. Swift Current Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Lester Olderness
Passed away: July 21, 2007
Olderness - Lester Roydon, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at the age of 72 years. Dad was born January 25, 1935 and raised on the family farm at Admiral, where he attended the local school. Dad was employed at the Co-op in Admiral until 1962, when he moved his family to Swift Current. Dad was employed at Thompson Auto Supplies (Napa) until his retirement in 1999. Dad’s greatest joys in life were fishing, a great game of baseball on T.V., cribbage with his many friends and a rousing game of Trivia Pursuit with his kids and grandkids. Dad was predeceased by his parents; a brother; two grandsons; one great-grandson; two brothers-in-law; and by numerous aunts and uncles. Dad was also predeceased by his faithful companion, Samantha, his beloved cat. Dad is survived by his son, Darrell (Cid); his three daughters, Deborah Cassidy, Donna Waiter, Laura Olderness; his eleven grandchildren; his two great-grandchildren; his three sisters, Olive Fortin, Vivian Torwick, Violet Sonen; and by numerous nieces and nephews. We’ll miss you Dad! The Service of Remembrance was held on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 2:00 pm from the Eagles Hall, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Mike Fedunec officiating. Tributes were shared by grandsons, Dale and Scott. Ushers for the service were Scott Cassidy and Jeff Olderness. In memory of Lester Olderness, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Sonya Martens
Passed away: July 20, 2007
Martens, Sonya Irene, aged 59 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 20, 2007 at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK with family and friends by her side. Sonya was born on January 12, 1948 in Swift Current, SK. During her school years, summer holidays were always looked forward to, whether they were spent riding to Stewart Valley with Ralph Schmiess and his dad with a load of wheat, walking up the hill to Mrs. Drummonds for tea, water skiing at Lac Pelletier with Uncle Ralph Marlow, or spending a summer at Southy with her Uncle Bernie & Aunt Goldie Helgeson. Handwork, playing the piano, watching the boys work cattle, and playing with her grandchildren were her favorite pastimes. She loved hearing her daughter sing or play the saxophone. Sonya worked most of her life for the Justice Department of Saskatchewan. Sonya was united in marriage to Gordon Keith Martens on June 28, 1969. To this union was born a daughter, Nancy (Armand) Lemay, Swift Current, SK; and a son, Hugh (Tanya) Martens, Swift Current, SK. She was blessed with 5 precious grandchildren, Destiny and Brock Lemay, Hannah, Tacey and Haley Martens. Sonya was predeceased by her parents, Clara & Sigard Boe; and her parents-in-law, Lydia & Eugene Martens. She is survived by her ever faithful, loving husband and constant companion, Gordon Martens; her children, Nancy (Armand) Lemay and Hugh (Tanya) Martens; her 5 grandchildren; her sisters, Grace (Harold) Herbel, Gladys (Irwin) Dahlke; along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Sonya had 4 very special friends whom she would try to phone daily, Linda Brichard, Carol Price, Sheila Sesula and Sheila Hildebrand. Sonya will be greatly missed by all her family and friends and everyone that knew and loved her. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 2:00 pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. The pianist for the service was Sheila Braun accompanied by Kerry Braun on the guitar. Scripture and prayer wad brought by Tony Martens. “When We All Get to Heaven” and “In the Sweet By and By” were sung by the congregation. Close friends, Linda Brichard and Carol Price shared tributes with Chad Martens presenting the life history. Special music was brought by Kerry Braun and Julie Chickoski singing, “In His Presence” and Irwin Dahlke singing a solo. The ushers in the church were Bob Neufeld, Donald Herbel, Leander Funk and Doug Welsh. The Interment preceded the Funeral Service at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Curt Chickoski, Ted Dupmeier, Chance Chickoski, Alvin Penner, Chad Martens, Lori Penner, Joe Martens and Ted Wiens. In memory of Sonya Martens, donations made to the Westbank Bible Camp would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Knelsen, Mary
Passed away: July 14, 2007
“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2, 3. Early Saturday morning, July 14, 2007, the Lord received Mary to Himself. With Abe at her side, and following a lengthy, courageous stay at the Palliser, the desire of her heart was granted. She reached the age of 87 years, 8 months and 17 days. Mary was born on October 27, 1919 at her parents family farm in Rosenort, SK. Being the eldest of a large family of 16 children, she left school after grade 6 to help care for the family. She enjoyed doing little “extras” for the younger siblings. Mary and Abe were married November 20, 1945. They lived on their family farm in the Bigford area until their retirement in 1987, at which time they moved to Swift Current. Mary loved God, her husband, her church, her extended family, her neighbors and their many friends. She had a special place in her heart for nephews and nieces and loved having them over for fun-filled summer holidays. She enjoyed gardening, especially the raspberries and strawberries, and canning. Many hours were spent cleaning, cooking and baking. Among her hobbies were crocheting, entertaining and playing table games. Having a good sense of humor, she also enjoyed playing pranks on Abe. In the summer of 1958, during the revival that swept southwest Saskatchewan, Mary gave her heart to Christ and accepted Him as her personal Savior and Lord. Together with Abe, they joined the E.M.C. church in Chortitz in August 1958. She remained a member of the E.M. Conference until her passing. She was obedient in using the gifts God had given her - the gifts of helps, hospitality and prayer. Many a family was blessed by her meals and generosity. She faithfully prayed for the lost, for young families, for church leaders and for any special needs that she heard about. The Palliser staff noted that she had a spirit of gentleness and kindness. Mary was loved, and will be missed by her husband, Abe; her sisters, Elsie Penner, Gertie (Dave) Dueck, Tina Froese, Lena Neufeld, Sally (Peter) Dueck; her brothers, Herman (Helen) Neufeld, Jim (Chris) Neufeld; her sisters-in-law, Susan Neufeld, Margaret Neufeld; as well as Helen Bueckert, Mary Olfert, John & Nellie Knelsen, Jake & Susie Knelsen, Jessie Krahn; and many nieces and nephews. Mary is now one of “those who have gone before”, along with her parents, Abram & Sarah Neufeld; her brothers, Abe, David, Dave, Jacob, John, Peter; her sisters, Elizabeth, Helena; her brothers-in-law, Jacob Penner, Jacob Martens, David Froese, Aaron Bueckert, Corny Olfert and George Krahn. “You are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.” Hebrews 12:22. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. from the Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bryon Bezanson officiating. The pianist for the service was Trudy Olfert with special music brought by the Junior Froese Sisters singing, “He, the Pearly gates Will Open” and “Heaven” and by Peter & Sally and Jim & Chris singing, “Ich Werde Kein Fremdling Dort Sein” (“I Won’t Be a Stranger There”). The life history was brought by Pastor John Froese with Kathy Henderson sharing a tribute. “What a Friend We Have In Jesus”, “O, That Will Be Glory” and “Never Alone” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Pastor John Froese. The ushers in the church were Phil Henderson and Ron Olfert. The Interment Service was held at the Rosenort Cemetery, Rosenort, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Alvin Penner, John Penner, Jake Martens, Ernie Froese, Dave Ginter and Randy Giesbrecht. In memory of Mary Knelsen, donations made to the Canadian Food Grains Bank would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Velma Steinley
Passed away: July 8, 2007
Velma Kathleen Steinley (Funk) of Swift Current, SK went to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 8, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. Velma was born on November 21, 1936 in Rush Lake, SK to Catherine & Abram Funk. She received her education at the Donnellyville School. On April 16, 1955, Velma married Wilmer Steinley. At this time she stayed home on the farm at Rush Lake to raise their five children. She also loved to bake and can homegrown produce. In 1977, when Velma & Wilmer moved to Swift Current, she went to work at Woolworths and then at the Pioneer Lodge, where she worked until her retirement. Mom enjoyed a variety of activities. She loved music and singing with her sons. Playing cards and board games with her family was another favorite pastime. She also liked to fish, crochet, put together jigsaw puzzles, watch hockey and always loved a good joke. Velma leaves to cherish her memory her children, Brian (Liz), Loel (Glennis), Kevin (Lori), Sherry (Dave) Ramnaraine, Trevor (Anita); her ten grandchildren, Kirk, Tyler, Tara (Blair), Travis (Cherrill), Justin (Megan), Brendan, Aaron, Amanda, Alysha, Melissa; her three great-granddaughters, Madison, Emily, Brianna; a sister, Elsie Shultz; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Abe & Kay Funk; by her husband, Wilmer Steinley (2005); by a brother, Vern Funk; and by her twin sister, Wilma Heffley. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. from the Faith Evangelical Missionary Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Arnie Armstrong officiating. The pianist for the service was Grace Herbal with a musical selection, “Childlike Faith” brought by Loel Steinley & Kevin Steinley. “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and “In the Garden” were sung by the congregation. Tributes were shared by Kevin Steinley and Diane Herbal. The ushers in the church were nieces, Janice Heffley and Roxanne Clandinin. Honorary pallbearers were Jake & Margaret Dyck, Gerald & Deanna Thorson, Gordon & Margaret Beisel, Irene Wheeler, Dave Heffley, Elma Heffley, Shirley Deobald and Doreen Thompson. The Interment was held at the Rush Lake Evangelical Church Cemetery, Rush Lake, SK with the following grandsons serving as pallbearers, Kirk Steinley, Tyler Steinley, Travis Steinley, Justin Steinley, Brendan Steinley and Aaron Steinley. For those wishing, donations to the Kinsmen Tele-Miracle or to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
