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Sarah Loewen
Passed away: June 28, 2008
Sarah Loewen, died peacefully at the Prairie Pioneers Lodge on June 28, 2008. Sarah was born in Lowe Farm, Manitoba on March 3rd 1912. She attended school at Lowe Farm and Wymark. She married David C. Giesbrecht on April 2, 1933, at the Mennonite Church in Chortitz, and resided in Wymark. Besides caring for her 6 children, Sarah also had her own sewing business in her home. From 1974 to 1987 Sarah worked as an alterationist at the Pioneer Co-op store in Swift Current. Sarah was good at altering clothing as well as altering houses. She always had ideas and recommendations for improvements. She passed these gifts along to many of her children. Sarah enjoyed a wide range of needlework in her earlier years. She enjoyed reading and writing poetry and always had an appreciation for music. Sarah is survived by her children, Laura Reddekopp, Darlene (Paul) Freeborn, Wylie (June) Giesbrecht, Wayne (Shelby) Giesbrecht, LaVera (Dale) Schiele, JuVerna Katie Suttill; her grandchildren, Calvin Reddekopp, Brenda Martens, Emory Freeborn, Michael Freeborn, Patty McCann, Bill McCann, Donovan Giesbrecht, Rhonda Allen, Cindy Woods, Douglas Giesbrecht, Amber McLahlan, Robin Giesbrecht, Karen Giesbrecht, Candace Schiele-deVries, Angella Thiessen, Cory Schiele, Dannette Dueck, Denice Dueck; numerous step-grandchildren and great- grandchildren; and by her sister, Suzie Scott. She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Sarah Loewen; husband, David C. Giesbrecht; sisters, Elizabeth and Mary (twins), Annie, Katherine; brothers, Pete, Jacob, and John. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the care-givers at Prairie Pioneers Lodge for the incredible care given to our mother. They went above expectations and provided loving care during the time that Sarah was there. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Randall Krahn officiating. The pianist for the service was Delores Falk. “Precious Lord Take My Hand”, “Does Jesus Care”, “I’ll Fly Away” and “Beyond the Sunset” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Bill Martens. The ushers in the church were Devon Martens and Christopher Seed. The Honorary Pallbearers were “All of Sarah’s Grandchildren”. The Interment Service was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Emory Freeborn, Michael Freeborn, Cory Schiele, Cindy Woods, Bill McCann, Amber McLahlan and Dannette Dueck. In memory of Sarah Loewen, donations made to the Prairie Pioneers Lodge Auxiliary would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Cecile Sharpe
Passed away: July 8, 2008
Sharpe - Cecile Rita Sharpe passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2008. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Katherine; her sons, Kenneth and Kermit and their respective spouses; her 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, John & Loiselle Facette; her husband, Jim Sharpe; a son in infancy; 8 sisters; 2 brothers; and by a granddaughter. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2008 at the Church of the Nativity, Val Marie, SK at 2:00 pm. Cecile will be interred with her infant son in the Val Marie Cemetery, Val Marie, SK. A Fellowship lunch will follow at the Val Marie Hall. Swift Current Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Ben Dueck
Passed away: July 7, 2008
Benjamin “Ben” Dueck was born on June 19, 1938, at the family farm North of Main Centre, SK, to Franz S. & Katherina Dueck. He attended Lobethal School until grade 8, and started grade 9 by correspondence. Ben also received his Inter-Provincial Heavy Duty Mechanics ticket as well as taking a few years of welding. He attended Steinbach Bible School for two years as well. Growing up on the farm instilled a good work ethic in Ben. He said there wasn't any time for playing. He was always weeding the garden, gathering eggs, or working with the cows and horses. The hard work didn't end there, as he walked across Saskatchewan checking pipelines. After this, Ben worked at the horse plant, Cindercrete Block Mfg., and finally for over 43 years, at Delta Rock and Sand. Ben married Elizabeth Friesen on June 19, 1960. Two years later, she went to be with the Lord, but not before blessing Ben with a son, Barry. Ben remarried eight years later, on January 2, 1970, to Cheryl Anderson. Thirteen years later they had a son, Aaron. Ben went on to his heavenly home on July 7, 2008, after a quick bout with cancer. Ben leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, of 38 years; his sons, Barry & Bonnie Dueck, grandchildren Seth and Kaitlyn, of Swift Current: and Aaron & Kimberley Dueck, grandson, Ty Benjamin, of Rush Lake; his sisters, Mary (John) Hildebrandt of Blumenhof, Gertrude (Abe) Penner of Swift Current, Susie (Paul) Dyck of Herbert, and Elizabeth (Ben) Driedger of Rosenhof; three sisters-in-law, Tina Dueck of Saskatoon, Helen Dueck of Herbert, and Sarah Dueck of Swift Current; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Franz S. & Katherina Dueck; his first wife, Elizabeth; his sisters, Sarah in infancy and Anna Funk; and his brothers, Richard, John, and Frank. Ben was a man of few words, but what he did say was heartfelt. He took great pride in serving his church, doing any job to the best of his ability, and providing for his family. He enjoyed reading, ushering, fixing things, and even if he didn't admit it, he loved being at the farm. Ben was a great man and will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched. “I think Heaven is getting full…God needed another usher”
The Funeral Service was held on Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 2:00 pm from the Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor David Pollard officiating. The pianist for the service was Verna Martens. “The Love of God”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Because He Lives” were sung by the congregation under the direction of John Regier. The obituary was read by Aaron Dueck with a tribute shared by Bonnie Dueck. A PowerPoint tribute of Ben’s life was also shared. Special music was brought by John Regier singing, “My Home, Sweet Home” and a violin solo by Barry Dueck, “It Is Well With My Soul”. The ushers in the church were Dave Fehr, John Rempel, Don Gerlach, Vic Rempel and Frank Rempel. The Interment was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Abe Funk, Frank Funk, Willy Funk, Garth Dueck, Ken Dueck and Menno Driedger. In memory of Ben, 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.
Betty Campbell
Passed away: June 17, 2008
Campbell - Elizabeth “Betty” Mary Ann (Engler) of Swift Current, SK passed away peacefully at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK, on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at the age of 76. Betty was predeceased by her father, Tony Engler; and by her beloved husband and best friend, Courtland. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Scott (Katherine, Christian) of Edmonton, AB, Celeste (Jordon, Kyle) of Medicine Hat, AB, Donald (Gus) - Tracy (Kirtus, Donald, Kelly) of Swift Current, SK, Colette - Jamie (Diana, Jarrett) of Medicine Hat, AB; her mother, Mabel Engler of Swift Current, SK; her sisters, Peggy Stir (Steve) of Regina, SK, Maxine Ansell (Don) of Sidney, BC, Faye McKay of Swift Current, SK; her brothers, Donald (Terry) of Drumheller, AB, Max (Betty) of Dartmouth, NS; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Betty was born the oldest of twins (Peggy) on March 28, 1932 on the family farm at Lancer, SK. The family lived there until 1940, when they moved to Swift Current, SK where she grew up. Betty moved to Regina at the age of 18. She worked at various jobs. As the story is told in the family, she came home for a visit and her brother, Don, introduced her to a fellow co-worker, Court Campbell. Court literally charmed her and swept her off her feet. They became best friends, and as Betty always said to her children, “They were soul mates”. They were married in 1958 in Moose Jaw, SK where they started their lives together. Betty took a job at St. Anthony’s Hospital and worked until 1966. Betty and her family moved to Swift Current, Sk in late 1969. By 1971, they were settled in their family home. Betty enjoyed sharing time with family and friends. She always had an open door for anyone who might stop by. She had a knack for putting together a great meal, pleasant conversation, and a good cup of tea. Her hobbies included gardening, crossword puzzles and bingo. She enjoyed family fishing trips, camping and going for drives to the Sask. Landing. Her talents included sewing, knitting and amateur photography. Thank you to the Dr’s and staff at the Cypress Regional Hospital, as well as a special thank you to Tara and Susie in ICU. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 2:00 pm from St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Greg Kiel officiating. The pianist for the service was Jenice Neufeld. “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” were sung by the congregation. A tribute was shared by a grandson. The ushers in the church were Donald Campbell and Kelly Campbell. The Interment Service was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Jordon Marleau, Kyle Marleau, Jamie Osmond, Jarrett Kushner, Jim Stirr and Kirtus Andrejcin. In memory of Betty Campbell, donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association or to the CNIB would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Muriel Wales
Passed away: May 17, 2008
Muriel Minnie Wales passed away peacefully at the Melfort Union Hospital on Saturday, May 17th, 2008, at the age of 87 years and 23 days.
Muriel was born on April 24, 1921, to Henry and Olive Wales at 12 - 41-19 - W2. Muriel went to the Lewis Lake School and remained in the Lewis Lake community. On June 6, 1940, Muriel married Clarence Wales of Lac Vert. They resided in the Lewis Lake community until the late 1980’s when they purchased a home in Naicam, SK, where she resided until she was hospitalized, due to a lengthy illness, on May 13, 2008.
Muriel was a great cook and baker. She made the best ever chocolate cake, buns and doughnuts. One of her hobbies was needlework, and it is quite evident around the house. Quilting, crocheting and embroidery work were also among her many talents which included sewing garments – with all the sewing being done on a treadle machine.
Muriel leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Clarence Wales; her daughter, Dora & Bill Reddekopp, Saskatoon, SK; her sisters, Lillian (Rod) Long, Airdrie, AB, Irene (Jack) Archibald, Melfort, SK, Marjorie (Bob) Bunnah, Innisfal, AB; sisters-in-law, Doris Wales, Linda Bradbury, Geraldine (Russ) McKone; brother-in-law, Stan (Lorretta) Wales; sisters-in-law, Florence Anderson, Kathleen (Robert) Christianson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry & Olive Wales; and by a brother, Cecil Wales.
The family thank you sincerely for sharing in their sorrow. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and will always be remembered.
James Wharton
Passed away: April 18, 2008
James Richard Hardy Wharton was born on November 3, 1925 to William & Etta Wharton of Vanguard, SK, the second of five brothers. Jim served overseas with the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II until he was injured in a blackout in Leeds, England. After returning home, he bought land in the Vanguard area and began farming and later took over the family farm. Over the course of several winters, he went to work in Ontario where he met Marjorie Packham who became his sweetheart. They were married on April 14, 1951 in Abington Church and they honeymooned near Marj’s home at Niagara Falls. Afterwards they spent summers on the farm and some winters in Ontario until the first of their eight children were school aged. They attended Millar College of the Bible together in the winter of 1952-1953. In addition to many happy years spent working on the farm, Jim also enjoyed working as a maintenance man at the Vanguard Hospital. Jim and Marj loved to travel and enjoyed trips to the Bahamas, Florida, Hawaii, USA and all over Canada. Throughout his life Jim was a very active Legion member and he served with several volunteer organizations including Mental Health Association, Vanguard Co-op board, RM Councilor, Christian Counseling Centre and various camp boards. Church was always a very important part of Jim’s life and he loved to attend any service or social activity he could. He loved spending time with any one of his fifteen grandchildren and he always had a treat ready for them. Jim and Marj moved to Swift Current in 1990, and he soon began working as a Wal-Mart greeter, a job that he enjoyed immensely. In 2006, health reasons forced Jim to move to The Bentley. In August of 2007, Jim moved to the Swift Current Care Centre where Marj continued to visit him daily and care for him until his passing on April 18, 2008. Jim went to be with his Lord at the age of 82 years and we rejoice that he is home in heaven. Jim will be remembered for his love of animals, his renowned hospitality, the kindness he showed to strangers and friends, his ability to visit with anyone, his sense of humor, and his love for his family. Jim leaves to mourn his loving wife of 57 years, Marj; his children, Donna (Henry) Goertzen, Winnipeg, MB, Richard (Norma) Wharton, Saskatoon, SK, Beverley Bailey, Saskatoon, SK, Sharon (Bill) Blinn, Beaumont, AB, Ross Wharton, Altario, AB, Nancy (Myron) Powers, New Sarepta, AB, Melody (Albert) Janzen, Rosenhof, SK, Janine (Bob) Rempel, Rhineland, SK; his grandchildren, Trina Mae Johnson, Kayla, Tiffany, Talita Wharton, Jonathan (Kristen) Bailey, Janelle Bailey, Nevada Blinn, Joshua & Jayson Powers, Ashley, Nathan, Dustin & Mattaus Janzen, Britney & McKinley Rempel; his brother, Fred (Betty); sister-in-law, Doreen Wharton; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents, William & Etta Wharton; his brothers, Wilfred, Edward and Billy.
The funeral service for Jim was held on April 21, 2008 at 3:00 pm at the Church of the Open Bible with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. Tributes were shared by Melody Janzen, Richard Wharton & Beverley Bailey as well by some of his eldest grandchildren. A video presentation was prepared by Nathan and Ashley Janzen. Special music was performed by David Pollard and Melody Janzen. The internment preceded the funeral service and was held at Burton Cemetery, Vanguard, SK. with the following serving as pallbearers, Albert Janzen, Bill Blinn, Bob Rempel, Myron Powers, Nathan Janzen and Jonathan Bailey. Honorary Pallbearers were Johnny MacKnee, Bill Colquhoun, Norman Gader, Cornelius Janzen, Ken Strauch, Howard Heard, Ed Parkin, Don McElheran, Bob Wharton. Ushers were Kalvin Schlamp, Gord Janzen, Rene Seemel, and Robert Klassen.
The family would appreciate any donations made to the Gideons International, Millar College of the Bible, CSSM camps, or the charity of the donors choice. The family would also like to thank the Swift Current Funeral Home for their help in making the funeral arrangements.
Edward Forge
Passed away: May 1, 2008
Edward William Forge, aged 88 years, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 1, 2008, with his daughters by his side. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 9, 2008 at 2:00 pm from the East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastors Kevin Snyder and Mike Fedunec officiating. The pianist was Marilyn Stevenson with John Regier serving as soloist. Scripture was read by Wendell Quincey. The ushers were Jim Appleyard and Harold Gray. The Interment was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Jack Wallace, Gord Christiansen, Ron Klassen, Stuart Smith, Pete Wiebe and Wayne Thick. For those wishing, donations to the East Side Building Fund, Eston Bible College or to Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. Ed was born on the family farm on August 7th, 1919, to William & Lillian Forge. He attended school in Beverly, SK. After completion of his schooling, he went to work at the Experimental Farm where he recalled pitching hay on hot summer days for 10 cents an hour. In 1935, Ed attended Bible School in Grenfell, SK. Between 1939 and 1941, Ed worked for the PFRA in various Saskatchewan towns. In 1941, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Newfoundland where he maintained the runways. He was discharged in 1945. In June of 1943, Ed married Marjorie Hollands. They resided in Swift Current for a time, and in 1946, the young couple moved to the Forge’s family farm in the Beverly district, where they continued to farm for 48 years. During this time, two daughters, Eleanore and Dorothy, completed the family unit. For many years, they shared all aspects of farming responsibilities, including taking the harvest off together. Community involvement included first and foremost his church family, serving on the church board and on the advisory board at the FGBI in Eston, SK. For many years, Ed was involved with the Beverly Rural Telephone Company, Community School Trustee Association and the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. Ed will be remembered for his love of people, his good sense of humor and his constant teasing. His passing will leave a large void in his family and in his circle of friends. Ed has touched many lives and leaves wonderful memories for his family. Ed’s faith in the Lord was constant and strong and his legacy will continue. Ed and Marjorie purchased a fifth wheel in the 1970’s, and spent many enjoyable summers traveling through western Canada with good friends. There were times when five trailers were in the convoy. Several winters were spent in Yuma and Mesa to escape the cold Saskatchewan winters. Hawaii was a favorite destination as well as trips to England, Korea and Taiwan. After retirement, Ed and Marjorie moved to Swift Current in the fall of 1994. Ed was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, in November 2001; his parents, William & Lillian; a brother, Roy, in childhood and a brother, Reg; a sister, Pearl; sisters-in-law, Gunvor Hollands and Doreen Hollands; and brothers-in-law, Jack Wiebe, Fred Meyer and Don Hollands. He is survived by his daughters, Eleanore of Swift Current, Dorothy & Don Armstrong of Saskatoon; his two grandchildren, Shelley Harries, David Armstrong and his wife, Nancy Fox; a great-granddaughter, Bronwyn Harries; his sister, Grace Meyer; brothers-in-law, Howard & Anne Hollands, Syd Hollands, Oliver Hollands; sisters-in-law, Joan Forge and Ilene Hollands; as well as by numerous nieces and nephews. The family extends their deep appreciation and thanks to Drs. Ron and Dee, Drs Gusbi, El Buni, Aboughouche and Khonje for all their kind and compassionate care. A special thank you to the Dr and nursing staff at the Emergency Room, to the nurses of Units 3 & 4 of the Cypress Regional Hospital, and to the Home Care staff for their care of our Dad. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Abe Knelsen
Passed away: April 21, 2008
Abe S. Knelsen was born on November 27, 1913 to Abraham & Helen Knelsen. With Mrs. Warrens, a midwife, assisting - his birth took place in a lean-to on a barn in the McMahon area (land description NW23-13-12). At the young age of 5, he began questioning about how to get “up there”, pointing heavenward, but he didn’t receive the answers he needed at the time. Growing up as a farm boy he had many memories. In the winter of 1923, 6 foot snowdrifts encircled the farmhouse. Feeling somewhat mischievous, he took a yearling calf into the clearing between the drifts and the house and tied a sled to its tail. It took off in a flash giving him quite a ride…going round and round. Not knowing how he would loosen the sled, he leaned in toward the cribbing that surrounded the well and grabbed hold of it. He came to a sudden stop, and the calf was missing a fair bit of its tail. His education took place in Rhinefeld, at a German School. At the age of 11, he started doing field work with a harrow with 2 horses and a harrow cart. It progressed to 6 horses and a 2 furrow plow. Then to 8 horses and a 3 furrow plow. Next came the John Deere “D” tractor. In 1935, discers came out and seeding could be done with the tractor. Abe and his brother, John, both worked on this tractor day and night. One would fill the discer and the other would grease it. In 1936, he helped his father complete the seeding and on June 16, he moved out on his own (land description NW 32-13-11). John Bueckert worked for him for one and a half years. In 1937, the drought hit. The transition was made much easier because his family was very supportive and helpful. He gave his mom 4 bags of flour and she baked him all the bread he needed. His sisters did his laundry for him, first Helen and then Mary. After several years he bought his mom a power washer, with a gas motor, to make the job easier. In 1936, Abe was baptized by Mr. Dave Wall in the Sommerfeld Church at Schoenfeld, SK. On November 20, 1945, Abe married Mary Neufeld, and his life changed dramatically. Love will do that to you. In 1958, revival came to the area. Abe had always believed in God and in prayer, but after some counseling from Ben D. Reimer, he became a born-again believer and received assurance. This revival birthed the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Chortitz. By faith, an 80 x 40 foot building was erected. Abe & Mary were the first members. Abe always had a heart for people, and missions was most important to him. They spent 51 years on the farm. Then in 1987, they moved to Swift Current. Several years later they transferred their church membership to the Swift Current EMC. After moving into Swift Current, Abe & Mary enjoyed many good years together in retirement. Abe had fond memories of time spent fishing, traveling, visiting and playing games with family and friends. Abe was known to have a good sense of humor and more than one story included details of a fun filled prank. It was retold with a twinkle in his eye and a hearty chuckle. Abe was a farmer at heart, no matter what his age. Every spring and fall, he would go for a ride on the tractor or combine, to keep up with the current farming practice and to get a feel for the land. Even though he considered himself illiterate, he faithfully read the Western Producer. Abe loved God, his wife, Mary who predeceased Abe on July 14, 2007, his church, his family, his neighbors and his many friends. Abe is survived by his brothers, John Knelsen, Jake (Susie) Knelsen; his sisters, Helen Bueckert, Mary Olfert, Jessie Krahn; as well as his in-laws, Elsie Penner, Gertie (Dave) Dueck, Tina Froese, Lena Neufeld, Sally (Peter) Dueck, Herman (Helen) Neufeld, Jim (Chris) Neufeld, Susan Neufeld and Margaret Neufeld; and numerous nieces and nephews. We will miss Abe, his kindness, concern and sense of humor, but we rejoice that on Monday, April 21, 2008, he entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior.
