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Alvin Dugan
Passed away: August 16, 2008
Alvin Stanley (Bennie) Dugan, age 82, of Gull Lake, SK passed away on August 16, 2008 at the Gull Lake Special Care Center. Bennie was born on July 15, 1926 to William & Jane Dugan and was raised on the Dugan farm NE of Carievale, SK. Bennie took his school at the Empire School that was located near to the Dugan Farm. He started to play the organ at school, and when the school purchased a new piano, his piano playing ability took off from there. One teacher agreed to teach Bennie how to play the piano by notes from sheets, but after a few lessons she gave up and said it was hopeless as he did not know one note from another and she decided that the lessons may spoil his ability to play by ear. The rest is history as anybody that knew him, knows he could play the piano like no other. Bennie would often talk about his days growing up on the farm, his time attending class at the Empire School as well as the times he spent working at various jobs, Study Supervising at rural school near Redvers, Wheat Pool, carpentry, ranches and farming. It was interesting to listen to him as he always had the humor side of most stories. Growing up on the farm through the depression years was tough and there was lots of stories to tell, drought, grasshoppers, dust storms, and whatever was left, the gophers were there to clean up. Bennie spent some time as a Reservist in the South SK Regiment and was discharged at the end of the WWII. There were many things that Bennie enjoyed very much, but his love was playing the piano. He played the piano to accompany many young singers who sang in various competitions around the province and also accompanied singer Betty Birch when it was aired over the radio station CKRM in Regina. He received many standing ovations through out his life for his piano music. When he was working on a farm in the Ogema, SK area, Bennie started playing with a local family band. Thefamily had composed some music and had never gave one of the tunes an official title, so after Bennie had joined them, they named the music as the “Dugan Waltz”in honor of Bennie.It was a very nice piece of music to listen to, as well as all the other tunes that he played on his piano. A few years back, he had a request from Mary Jean & Glen to record some of his piano tunes onto a cassette recorder that he located on the top of his piano. The cassette music was then transferred to CD’s for better quality. Bennie would receive many standing ovations after playing, and he also received a “Certificate of Merit” from the Tompkins Legion for his wonderful entertainment over the years. Bennie was also involved with Tom Andreas and Fred Reinhart, bothfrom GullLake and named their small band, “Fat Chance”. Together they made a CD with 19 tunes, a very nice music album to listen to. Bennie also played a mean game of cribbage. In 1994, Bennie participated with others from the village of Tompkins Legion represented at the Provincial Cribbage Playoffs held in Nipawin, SK and they won that event. This qualified them to enter the “The Dominion Command Cribbage Championship” held in Saskatoon with 10 provinces in attendance. The Tompkins Team came in 4th in all three events. By that time, Bennie had been playing the cribbage game for 40 years and said that “It was the game of the day back then”. Bennie was very proud of his accomplishments. Bennie was very proud to have lots of nephew and nieces which in total is 29 and liked it very much when they would stop by and visit with him. Now we all have the privilege to remember Bennie as a good friend, person and a very good entertainer. Bennie leaves us all with memories to cherish, most of them are on the humor side and some of those we will never forget, so in the future we will all of a sudden break out with a big smile and a giggle by remembering his past and to those that did not know Bennie, they would not be able to appreciate and understand the same as those of us that did, so that makes all of us unique. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 2:00 pm from the Tompkins Community Hall, Tompkins, SK with Rev. Bev Diduck officiating. The pianist for the service was Millie Spagrud. The tribute of memories was shared by Paul Coon (nephew). The Legion performed the Memorial and the Honor Guard. The ushers were Peggy Willman and Rhonda Martin. The Interment Service was held at the Tompkins Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Perry Atwood, Howard Harder, Gord Young, Jim Craig, Gord Kozroski, and Dennis Kozroski. Donations made to the Gull Lake Special Care Center would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Ed Meyer
Passed away: May 7, 2008
Meyer- John Edward (Ed) passed away at the Cypress Regional Hospital at the age of 92 years. He was born and raised in Rush Lake, Sask, where he met and married Frances Spady on September 17, 1944. He is survived by his loving wife, Frances, of 63 years. They were blessed with seven children, Sharon (Glendon) Beisel, Marion (Leonard) Beisel, Donna (Allan) Farquhar, Delores (Bob) Donnelly, Marlene (Ken) Broccolo, Brenda (David) Gielen, Keith (Cindy) Meyer; 14 grandchildren; and 8 great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by one son, Edward, in infancy; and 2 sons-in-law, Glendon and Leonard Beisel. He is also survived by 1 brother, Elmer (Edith) Meyer; 1 sister, Dora Sauder; and 2 sisters-in-law, Lena Meyer and Margaret Meyer. Ed was proud to serve his country during the Second World War from 1943 - 1946. He farmed in the Rush Lake area for 35 years. He was also a councilor and patrol operator for the R.M. of Excelsior #166 for many years, as well as an employee of the Turnhill Phone Company. Ed was an active member of the Peace Lutheran Church. Ed’s happiest times were when he gathered with his family and friends for a visit. He was very proud of the community and always enjoyed helping his friends and neighbors whenever he could. Ed and Frances sold their farm in 1973, and moved to Swift Current, where he was employed by Armstrong Implements for a number of years, setting machinery together. Ed was a loving and caring husband and father and he was always willing to help his children with anything. He will be greatly missed by all. The Private Family Graveside Service was held at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Prairie View, SK with Rev. Lew Booth officiating. A Special reading, “I’m at Home” was read by Sharon (Greg) Beisel. Those serving as pallbearers were Greg Beisel, Kevin Broccolo, Jason Beisel, David Meyer, Ryan Donnelly and Rick Duncan. A Public time of Remembrance and refreshments was held on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 1:00 pm from the Ashley Park Hall, Swift Current, SK. For those wishing, donations made to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Goldie Funk
Passed away: July 2, 2008
Goldie (Golda) Emily Funk, age 85 years, of Swift Current, SK, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2008, at the Prairie Pioneers Lodge, Swift Current, SK. She was born to Gerhard and Agatha Klassen (Heidebrecht) at Beaver Flat, SK on March 22, 1923. Goldie was raised in a strong Christian home. The family read the Bible and prayed every evening after supper. Turnhill Mennonite Brethren Church was the focal point where her father became the church leader and her mother baked buns and pies for church celebrations. Goldie sang alto in the church choir. She accepted Christ as her Saviour as a young girl and was baptized at Abe Wiebe’s dam. She memorized 500 verses from the Gospel of John during one summer. Goldie’s education included grade 8 from Beaver Flat School where she often brought her guitar to school by horse and studied music and art. She graduated from Millar Memorial Bible Institute, Pambrun, SK, with a 3 year diploma in Bible. Goldie’s work experience reveals her love of Church and home. As a young woman she did day work for several families on the farm and in Swift Current. She was a teacher for Crusade for Christ and the Canadian Sunday School Mission for children in northern Saskatchewan. She picked apples and tomatoes in Kelowna BC, one summer just after the 2nd World War. In 1974, she began work as a cook at Pacific 66 Restaurant and later at Carol’s Lunch in Swift Current. She retired from work in 1988. Goldie Klassen married Chester Funk, the love of her life, on August 3, 1947, at Bethania (Turnhill) Mennonite Brethren Church. They were married almost 54 years. Chester passed away on July 2, 2001. They had 5 children and farmed until 1974 in the Hovdestad School District. The highlights of Goldie’s family life were: taking the family to Church and Sunday School, taking the children to West Bank Bible Camp, having family devotions at breakfast and at bedtime, giving her children piano, violin, and singing lessons, encouraging her family to do their best in school and work, and playing music together as a family in many churches and community events. Goldie was a very active member in the Turnhill Church and served as church pianist, Sunday School teacher, Ladies in Mission president, singing duets with Chester, and playing accordion in the family orchestra. Goldie was a very gifted person. She played several music instruments - guitar, piano, accordion, violin, organ and sang. She knew how to knit, crochet, embroider and sewed many outfits of clothes for herself and her family. She loved to garden, can fruit, freeze vegetables, butcher chickens, and cook unforgettable meals. When Goldie and Chester sold the farm in 1974, she enjoyed her dream house at 409 - 15th NE, Swift Current very much. She had waited long to live in this house. She moved out of it in June, 2002, with great reluctance. Her last years were spent living in the Bentley with friends and neighbors. Then she moved into the Prairie Pioneers Lodge with health issues. She missed Chester immensely. She was a member of the Bridgeway Community Church. Our beloved mother is survived by her children, Faith (Peter Peters), Gilmour (Hannah Fehr), Phyllis (Leroy Schmidt), Janice (Jeff Fast), Cyndy (Phil Willms); her 9 grandchildren, Arlen Wiebe and wife, Heather: Adam and Ryan Schmidt: Joel, Aron, Naomi and Lucas Fast: Megan and Ashley Willms; and by a great-grandchild, Meredith Wiebe. We will miss you and think of you often. Thank-you for everything you have done for us! The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 1:00 pm from the Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Cliff Janzen officiating. The pianist was Leanne McConnell. Scripture was read by Adam Schmidt & Aron Fast from Psalm 46:1-3, Romans 8:35-39 & John 11:25-26. “When We All Get to Heaven”, “Take My Life and Let It Be” and “God Be With You” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Menno Martens. Special music was provided by Janice Fast & Faith Peters on the violin and piano, Pete & Leona Braun and Jake & Frieda Braun singing, “Precious Savior”, “My Latest Sun Is Sinking Fast” and “At Sundown”, and on CD by the Oakridge boys, “God Will Take Care of You”. The obituary was read by Faith Peters with tributes shared by Janice Fast, Cyndy Willms & Joel Fast. The Interment was held at the Turnhill Cemetery, Beaver Flat, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Phil Willms, LeRoy Schmidt, Aron Fast, Lucas Fast, Adam Schmidt and Ryan Schmidt. In memory of Goldie, donations made to the Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Diedrick Dyck
Passed away: July 3, 2008
Dyck – Diedrick, age 82, went to be with his Lord, with family by his side, on July 3, 2008, at Swift Current, SK, after a courageous 11 year struggle with cancer. Diedrick was born on January 25, 1926, northwest of Chortitz, SK. He attended school at Versailles, Lens West, and Falkland (McMahon) attaining an education of Grade Five. His favorite subjects were composition and math. During his school years he helped on the farm. When Diedrick was about 16, he along with his brothers, built a sod house for the family which became Diedrick and Irene’s home after they were married. He worked for various farmers for 50 cents a day, doing chores and field work. He was also employed at the horse plant in Swift Current. Later, he worked for Peter G. Martens. In order to supplement the farm income, he bought a truck to custom haul cattle and grain. Diedrick started farming in 1949, by renting land from Peter G. Martens. With the crop being poor that year, his wages and farm income did not cover the rent and the seed. He purchased his first property in 1951, the family farm at McMahon, and was married to Irene Lang on August 31st of that same year. They purchased the Billington farm in the Duncairn area in 1953. In 1954, their crop hailed out at Duncairn and two days later their crop at home was also hailed out. Diedrick continued mixed farming and did construction work for Pioneer Grain at McMahon and Neidpath. After this, he expanded the farm by purchasing land in the Braddock area and continued farming until 1997. Diedrick enjoyed working with cattle and horses, fixing the unfixable things, and going to auction sales. Diedrick and Irene took a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. They also vacationed in Hawaii and California, and enjoyed an Alaskan cruise. In 1997, they retired to Swift Current, SK. They spent many hours sewing quilt tops for the needy in third world countries, averaging about 110 quilt tops per year during the last 8 years. Diedrick served on various boards including: Daybreak Telephone Company at Neville, SK: McMahon Co-op Board: SK Wheat Pool Committee: Church Board of Trustees: church catering and kitchen committees: as well as ushering at their church. Diedrick is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Irene; his children, Lois (Gordon) Knelsen of McMahon, SK: Arverd (Roxy) Dyck of McMahon, SK: Orville Dyck of Swift Current, SK; his grandchildren, Myron (Amanda) Knelsen and Daillin and Brooklyn: Melissa (Denny) Willems: Marvin Knelsen: Craig (Jenna) Dyck: Allison (Curtis) Martens: Deloris Dyck (Dustin Funk) and Hope: Trisha Dyck (Tony Wernicke) and Tyrell, Tanisha, and Jocelyn. Diedrick is also survived by his sisters, Agnes Kuhn, Justine Mouland, and Mary Dyck all of Swift Current, SK; a brother, John (Marjorie) Dyck of Westerose, AB; sisters-in-law, Elda Dyck of Swift Current, SK, and Anne Dyck of Herbert, SK; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George & Aganetha Dyck; brothers, George, Peter and Jakie; a sister, Tina Eaton; as well as brothers-in-law, Johnny Kuhn, Red Eaton, Cecil Mouland and Henry Dyck. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at 2:00 pm from the Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Cliff Janzen officiating. The organist was Sheila Braun. “The Love of God”, “What a Friend”, “In the Sweet By and By” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Menno Martens. The obituary was read by Dyan Mouland with grandchildren sharing tributes and a PowerPoint presentation. The ushers were Dennis Werk, Gordon Lang, Shannon Bennett, Loren Lang and Darlene Lang. The Interment was held at the Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Wilf Dyck, Elmer Dyck, Jim Mouland, Darcy Wiebe, Ian Brown, and Marvin Schmidt. In Diedrick`s memory, donations made to West Bank Bible Camp or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Nettie Fehr
Passed away: June 12, 2008
Nettie Fehr, daughter of Daniel & Helena Olfert, and beloved wife of the late Jacob Fehr, was born in McMahon, SK on December 9, 1922. She completed elementary school at Iris School. Following her school years she attended Caronport Bible School. She also spent a winter working at a bakery in Vancouver. On October 13, 1947, she was united in marriage to Jacob Fehr. Their first year of marriage was spent in the Braddock area after which they moved to a farm west of Blumenhof. Six children were born to them; two died in infancy. Church attendance was always an important part of their family life, first attending church in Blumenhof and later at the Church of the Open Bible in Swift Current. Nettie served in the nursery and participated in various women’s Bible studies and activities. In 1971, the family moved to Swift Current and Nettie began her career in the Housekeeping Department of the Swift Current Union Hospital where she worked for many years. She retired in 1987. After her retirement she had time to pursue her other interests, including travel, crocheting, quilting, reading and jigsaw puzzling. Many families members have beautiful afghans that she created. She also loved gardening – vegetables to supply the winter pantry in earlier years and later beautiful flowers that graced her yard. Nettie’s health in recent years resulted in a constant struggle with pain. Yet she seldom complained and made every effort to remain independent. Her battle with pain ended on June 12, 2008. Left behind with many blessed memories are her children, Ruth and her husband, Jan Burgerhout, of Calgary, AB; Hannah and her husband, Gilmour Funk, of Swift Current, SK; Tim Fehr and his wife, Wendy, of Regina, SK; and Priscilla Fehr of Comox, BC. Also blessed with her support was her granddaughter, Jenita and her husband, Peter Naylor, of Callander, ON; and she was excited in the past few days by news of the birth of her great-granddaughter, Mikayla Naylor. She is also survived by one brother, John Olfert and his wife, Helen; and two sisters, Gertie and her husband, Abe Andres, and Lena and her husband, John Sawatsky. She was predeceased by her husband, Jacob, 1980; six brothers; five sisters; two step-brothers; two step-sisters; and by a daughter-in-law, Doris (Penner) Fehr. Nettie was looking forward to her home in heaven and we rejoice at her presence there. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 2:30 pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Phil Houston officiating. The pianist for the service was Beatrice Peters with soloist Lynette Dyck singing, “My God and I”. Scripture was read from Psalm 116:1-7, John 14:19 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. “A Wonderful Savior” and “When We All Get to Heaven” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Lynette Dyck. The eulogy and tribute were shared by Tim Fehr, Priscilla Fehr and Jan Burgerhout. The ushers in the church were Robert Klassen and Howard Heard. The Interment preceded the Funeral Service at the Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following nephews serving as pallbearers, Bill Braun, Harry Friesen, Art Olfert, Arnold Andres, Tom Olfert and Brian Peters. In memory of Nettie Fehr, donations made to the Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Olga Trumper
Passed away: July 19, 2008
Trumper: It is with great sadness that the family of Olga Elena Trumper, announce her passing after a lengthy illness, on July 19, 2008, at the Cypress Regional Hospital. Olga was born on the family farm north of Shaunavon, SK to Ole & Hilma Christianson, on April 8, 1918. She married George Harold Trumper on June 18, 1943 in Shaunavon, SK. During the past 65 years, they lived in several places - Climax, Medicine Hat, Maple Creek, Simmie and Shaunavon. Since November 2000, they have resided at the Prairie Pioneer Independent Housing in Swift Current. Olga’s greatest joy was sharing what she had learned from the Bible with others. She displayed good artistic abilities and had many other talents as well. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, cooking and gardening. She was known for her generosity and hospitality. Olga was predeceased by her parents; eight brothers; and four sisters. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, George Harold; as well as many nieces, nephews, their extended families and many friends. The Memorial Service was held on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 2:00 pm from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Swift Current, SK with William Burgess officiating. The Interment Service will take place at the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Swift Current at a later date. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Martha Koop
Passed away: July 20, 2008
Martha Koop, age 97, of the Herbert Nursing Home and formerly of Blumenhof, SK passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2008. Martha is survived by her brother, Paul Koop, of the Herbert Heritage Manor; a niece, Janice (Lloyd) Clothier, of Blumenort, SK; a great-nephew, Byron Clothier, of Lethbridge, AB; a great-niece, Carmen Clothier, of Redlands, California; and a great-great nephew, Jesse Clothier-Emrich, of Redlands, California. Martha was born on May 24th, 1911 in Steinfeld, South Ukraine. She came to Canada with her family in 1924 and settled at Kelstern, SK where her father was a minister. The family moved to Blumenhof, SK in 1927. Aunt Martha worked for many families as household help throughout her younger years. She purchased land with her brother and sister south of Neville in the mid-forties and shared the cooking duties. She remained a resident of Blumenhof until her move to the Herbert Nursing Home where she resided until the time of her passing. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Martin Harder officiating. The pianist was Faith Krahn. Tributes were given by family members. Special music was provided by Martin & Anne Harder. The usher was Marvin Allan. The Interment Service was held at the Blumenhof Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Lloyd Clothier, Abe Ens, Barry Hildebrandt, Byron Clothier, Les Fehr and Randall Krahn. In memory of Martha Koop, donations made to the Herbert Auxiliary for the Homes would be appreciated to the family. Swift Current Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.
Cornelius Wiebe
Passed away: July 7, 2008
Cornelius (Con) Wiebe was born on June 9, 1930, at Hopefield, SK, to Klaas & Helena (Krahn) Wiebe. Con married Ann Fehr and they resided in Swift Current, SK. Con worked at the Swift Current Union Hospital and the Palliser Regional Care Centre until his retirement in 1993. He also worked as an Ambulance attendant. He received numerous awards and achievements some of which were the Emergency Medical Assistant, Fireman’s Certificate and The Navy League of Canada. He enjoyed doing volunteer work at the Reserve Army & Cadets as well as at the Salvation Army. Con passed away on Monday, July 7, 2008 at the Gull Lake Special Care Home, Gull Lake, SK. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ann; his children, Sharon Kidd, Vancouver, BC: Donna (Murray-predeceased) McGillivray, Vancouver, BC, granddaughter ~ Rheanna & David Price McGillivray, great-granddaughter ~ Kaitlin McGillivray, grandsons ~ Murray Scott McGillivray and David Powell: Linda & Barry Simpson, Vancouver, BC, granddaughter ~ Danielle Simpson and grandson ~ Jesse Simpson: Larry & Susan Wiebe, Rosetown, SK, grandson ~ Eric Wiebe and granddaughters ~ Stephanie and Vanessa Wiebe: Shelly & Brian Campbell, Swift Current, SK, grandsons ~ Daryn and Bryan Skillstad and Kyle Campbell; his brothers, Ben and Ike; a sister, Helen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Klaas & Helena Wiebe; his brothers, Klaas (Nick), Peter, George, John, Jake; and by his sisters, Helena, Maria, Anna and Tina.
The family wishes to thank the Gull Lake Special Care Centre for the level of care and attention given to their Dad. It was appreciated by Con’s family very much. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 2:00 pm from the East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Kevin Snyder officiating. The pianist was Grace Herbel accompanied by organist, Jim Neufeld. Scripture was read from Matthew 11:28, 28:20 & 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5. “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Bob Jamieson. Tributes were shared by family members, Linda Simpson, Donna McGillivray, Larry Wiebe and Shelly Campbell. The usher in the church was Ed Parkin. The Interment was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Murray Scott McGillivray, David Powell, Bryan Skillstad, Daryn Skillstad, Eric Wiebe and Mel Friesen. Donations in Con’s memory, made to the Gull Lake Special Care Centre Auxiliary or to the Arthritis Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
