- Canada, Newspapers.com™ Obituary Index, 1800s-current -
- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -
Lizzie Ann Johnson
Passed away: April 26, 2009
Johnson (Dickie) - Lizzie Ann Rebecca, Feb. 21, 1919 to April 26, 2009
It is with great sadness and fond memories we announce the passing of Lizzie Ann Johnson, April 26, 2009, at the age of 90 years. She is survived by her loving husband, Melvin and two daughters, Corliss (Tom) Horne and Janice (Brian) McCook. Liz was Grandmother to Barb (Mike) Fretwell, Cory (Laurie) Petersen, Tara (Jim) Sykes, Breanne McCook, Lindsey (Addison) Kowal and Great-grandma to Shelby Fretwell. Liz was from a family of 13. She is survived by her brothers Joe (Vi) Dickie, Dave (Billie) Dickie, Jack (Clara) Dickie, Dale (Lavina) Farnsworth, Roy (Norma) Farnsworth and sisters Evaline (Ross) Bell and Adelaide (Lyle) Nygard. She was predeceased by brothers Harvie (Edna) Dickie, Edward (Velma) Dickie, Ross (Jean) Dickie, Earl Dickie and sister Nellie (Percy) Spiker. Lizzie was a very vibrant, active and outgoing woman. Her life was fulfilled by spending time with family and friends. Many years of dancing, curling, golfing, camping and travel, gave her so much enjoyment. She was committed to serving the community through 40 years of the Legion Ladies' Auxhillary, and received her lifetime membership in the organization. She enjoyed being a member of the Oilwives Association of Canada for over 50 years and became a lifetime member. A service will be held for Lizzie on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the FirstUnitedChurch in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Internment will be held at a later date.
Anna Giesbrecht
Passed away: March 21, 2009
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.” Psalm 116:15
On Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 9:30 pm, our Mom, Mrs. Anna (Wall) Giesbrecht passed away and went to her eternal home to be with her Lord, reaching an age of 103 years, 8 months and 24 days. She was a resident of the Swift Current Care Centre for one year and eleven days. We are so thankful for the staff that always gave her unlimited loving care.
Anna was born on June 25, 1905, in Neuenburg, Manitoba, to Isaac & Anna Funk. She was the fourth child of a family of fourteen. The following year she moved with her family to the McMahon area in Saskatchewan. Only one sister, Suzie (Peter) Schlamp, and numerous nieces and nephews remain. Anna was baptized on June 25, 1925. On February 13, 1927, she married Gerhardt Wall who passed away, after 43 years of marriage, on May 5, 1970. To this union nine children were born, six are predeceased, all in early childhood. She leaves to mourn her three daughters, Annie (Jake - predeceased) Janzen, Mary (Jacob) Friesen, and Eva (Isaac) Janzen; as well as twenty Grandchildren (one predeceased); also numerous Great-grandchildren and Great-great-grandchildren. Anna remarried in November of 1972, to John Giesbrecht. With this marriage, Anna also became a stepmother to one daughter, four sons, their spouses and families. Her husband, John, passed away in 1982. In her younger years, Anna was always busy doing housework, gardening, and helping Dad with farm work. In her later years, she crocheted and knitted until a few months before her passing. We will miss her very much, but we know she is in Glory. It was her desire to go to be with Jesus. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 1:30 pm from the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church, Schoenfeld, SK with Rev. Abe Funk officiating. The ushers in the church were grandsons, Jake Friesen and Jim Janzen. The Interment Service was held at the Rosenhof Cemetery, Rosenhof, SK with the following grandsons serving as pallbearers, Ernie Janzen, Jacob Janzen, George Friesen, John Friesen, Ken Janzen and Gordon Janzen. In memory of Mrs. Anna Giesbrecht, donations made to The Gospel Message Radio Program (Box 1622, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3R8) would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Peter Harold Penner
Passed away: March 23, 2009
Peter Harold Penner passed away peacefully at approx. 3:00 pm on March 23, 2009 at the Palliser Regional Care Centre in Swift Current. He had celebrated his 63rd birthday just two weeks before on March 9th. He was the third child and first son born to Peter and Margaret Penner on March 9, 1946 in Herbert, Saskatchewan. Harold, as he was most often called, spent his childhood growing up on the farm at Gouldtown, just north of Herbert. He received his education at Big Coulee School, completing grade 8. From a very young age Dad was creative and had an inventive spirit. After leaving school, Dad worked for Jahnke Ranches and various other farmers. He also worked for a private telephone company, a road crew helping build the #1 Highway from Swift Current to Waldeck and roads in Thompson, Manitoba. It wasn’t long until Dad’s seemingly natural instincts would lead him to complete his GED and mechanic positions in Canadian Tire. Later he would work over 20 years for the Pioneer Co-op. After retiring from Co-op, he worked as a bank dispatch courier, until his health prevented him from doing so. He was gifted in many ways, particularly with electronics. Dad was witty with a keen sense of humor, liked to tease. When he laughed his eyes twinkled. He was soft-spoken and had a very kind heart. Dad was good at reciting and memorization. Although he didn’t like speaking in public, at Grandma and Grandpa’s special anniversaries he recited a German poem he’d learned as a child. That really pleased Grandma and Grandpa. Dad was a proud and loving father to Craig, Trevor, Kevin and Alexis. He spent many hours tinkering on our vehicles, saving us a lot of time and money which would otherwise have been spent in a garage. He enjoyed gardening and putting up the fruits and vegetables he’d grown. He is especially remembered for his rhubarb – sharing his fruit and splitting the plants for others. He baked bread and taught us how to cook. He liked to tinker and although he didn’t always finish the projects he started, he always had good intentions! Dad accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as His personal Savior and was baptized in 2003 at the Community Baptist Church. He loved music, enjoyed picking guitar and attending gospel jamborees. After Dad bought a computer he would spend hours downloading music, copying cd’s and giving them to family and friends. They are now a treasure to us. Our hearts are grieved at his passing, but we are thankful that he no longer has any pain. Many times in recent months he spoke with longing in his voice of going home and would point heavenward. Peter Harold Penner is survived by his four children Craig Penner, Trevor Penner, Kevin (Ann-Marie) Penner and Nickolas, and Alexis Penner Also survived by two sisters Margaret (Wes) Schapansky, Mary (Abe) Leiding and one brother Myles (Cindy) Penner, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his parents Peter & Margaret Penner The funeral service and celebration of Harold’s life was held Saturday March 28, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Community Baptist Church, Swift Current, with Pastor Joell Haugan officiating. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Swift Current Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Gerald Defosse
Passed away: April 2, 2009
Gerald Albert Defosse or “Jerry” was born on June 1, 1942 to Albert & Isobel Defosse. He had three sisters and one brother. He worked with his father, Defosse and Son’s Construction Company, a heavy equipment operation. By age 18, he was a crew foreman for his father’s company. In 1957 he married June Jenkins. By age 24, he had 5 children. In the 1970’s, he was owner of a shell gas station with repair shop and started his own Construction Company. In 1976, he married his second wife, Dianne Charbonneau. He went on to have 7 children, 23 grand children and 4 great-grand children of his own.In 1980, he traveled out west with the intention of relocating in B.C. On their journey, they visited Gull Lake and decided that this was the place to settle. He worked in oil rig construction, heavy equipment and trucking. He later went on to selling real-estate and planning for retirement. Providing quality of life for his family was important to him. He was a real story teller to children and could create an adventure out of anything.He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. A passion of his was racing. In the 60’s he was into drag racing. In the 70’s he was big into stock cars. His main passion was auto body and mechanics. He always had some sort of auto project on the go. Always busy doing something, he was known for his ingenuity. He was very proud of his Italian ancestry. It was important to him to be a great host. He frequently put on large meals, soup was always on. He loved to have a good time and share it with others.Over the years he created many great memories of social gathering and celebrations. Corn roasts, pig roasts and BBQs filled the summer. No matter what a person’s character, if they needed help, he would help them or take them in.Never passing judgment, his door was always open. He was a man of pride, great strength and tenacity. His words were“No matter what happens, when youget knocked down, stand up, shake it off and go on, never give up”. The Family would like to give thanks to the guys. Also a special thanks to Dan Hoffer. The life he shared with us and the memories he created will live in our hearts for ever. Thank you Dad. We love you. The Memorial service was held on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm from the Knox United Church, Gull Lake, SK with Rev. Bev Diduck officiating. The musicians for the service were Millie Spagrud as pianist, Sharon Dahl as organist and King Gin as saxophonist. “Just As I Am” and “Amazing Grace” were sung by congregation, with the choir singing, “It Is Well With My Soul”. Catherine Harrison (daughter) shared the eulogy with a granddaughter presenting a tribute and poem on behalf of the grandchildren. The ushers in the church were Norm Leduc and Jason Todd. The Interment of Cremains will be held on June 1, 2009 at Trenton, Ont. In memory of Gerald Defosse, donations made to the Lung Association or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Robert Hardie
Passed away: December 20, 2008
Robert (Bob) Edward Hardie died December 20, 2008 at the Palliser Regional Care Centre in Swift Current, SK. He was born February 12, 1935 in Pouce Coupe, BC. He grew up and attended school in Northern Alberta, primarily Fairview, Alberta. He worked most of his life in the oil patch for various companies and as owner/operator of his own company (Alpha Mud) until his stroke in 2001. In the mid-nineties, he was co-partner in a rare book auction business in San Francisco. He was a successful businessman and accomplished most everything he set his effort towards. When he dedicated himself to a goal, it was not always accomplished, but forever impacted by his vision. He also trained as an addictions counsellor at Hazelden in Minnesota and worked with Kelly-Luttmer (Calgary) and for the Swift Current health region in that capacity. Throughout his life he was passionate about all sports and loved playing Gin Rummy. He also loved books and was an avid reader. He had many interests in life but one of his greatest passions for the past 28 years of his life was his involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous where he committed time and energy to supporting many others in their recovery with alcohol addiction, and by sharing his experience, strength, and hope. He was committed to his own spiritual growth and was so grateful every day to God for his sobriety and release from the bondage to alcohol and self. Bob gave God credit for his life, his work, his accomplishments and his personal transformation through the AA program. He could not stress often enough the power of prayer in one’s life. Throughout his life and through AA he made many life-long friends and seemed to know people wherever he went. People were drawn to Bob - he was a friendly, genuine, intelligent, selfless and humble man with a wonderful sense of humour and a gentle and generous spirit. He met his soulmate, Maureen, at a retreat in 1999, and they were married in June 2000 in Swift Current where they resided. It was in also in 2000 that he made a public declaration of his faith and trust in Jesus Christ and was baptized. In 2002 & 2003, he fulfilled a desire of his to learn more about his God and how to live His Word by attending Briercrest Seminary with Maureen. He eagerly attended and audited almost every class with her provided unwavering support and encouragement to her and many others there. Bob is survived by his loving wife Maureen; daughter Melanie Hardie (Dan Tollefson) of East Bethel, MN ; four stepchildren: Leslie Aldridge and Mark Johnson of Calgary, AB., Mitch Boyko of Watson, Sk, Heather Brown (Travis) of Lucky Lake, SK and; three grandchildren: Chanel, Levi and Shay all of Lucky Lake; two siblings: one brother Doug (Amy) Hardie of Edmonton; one sister Karen (Verne) Goodings of Fort St. John, BC; and several nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his father Jack (1968), mother Irene (1990) and his oldest brother, John (1974). He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family and by the many good people he befriended throughout his life. Please Note: A memorial service will be held in Swift Current, Sk. on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Open Bible to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to Calgary Alpha House Society, Mustard Seed (Calgary) Street Ministry, The Parkinson’s Foundation of Canada, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, Sask. is in care of arrangements.
Heinz Bakus
Passed away: December 27, 2008
Heinz Reinhardt Bakus was born on August 6, 1922 in Stateen, Germany. Heinz immigrated to Canada with his father, Julius, when he was close to 2 years old. Heinz’s mother, Caroline, had immigrated 6 months earlier with their daughter, Hildegarde. Their first winter was on a farm north of Morse. From there, they moved to the McWilliam homestead. Heinz very well remembered the cold sleigh rides to school in the winter.
Heinz was predeceased by his parents, Julius & Caroline Bakus; a daughter, Mary Ann; his sister, Hildegarde; six brothers-in-law; and by three sisters-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Lena, of 63 years; four sons and their spouses, Ken, Robert, Rod and Randy; eleven Grandchildren; ten Great-grandchildren; and by his sister, Dorothy Kinnebrew. Heinz farmed all his life and raised registered polled Hereford cattle. Many years ago, he also belonged to a horse club. He was a co-leader with the Ernfold 4-H Club. Heinz also served on the Lutheran Church Council for many years. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 2:00 pm from the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Herbert, SK with Rev. Lew Booth officiating. The organist for the service was Margaret Haubrich. “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Just as I Am” and “Amazing Grace” were sung by the congregation. The ushers in the church were Rudy Pipke and Marshall Mauer. The Interment was held at the Memory Lane Cemetery, Morse, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Ward Bakus, Aaron Bakus, Devron McLeod, Brent Pinel, Curtis Wells and Regan Wiens. In memory of Heinz Bakus, donations made to the Herbert Nursing Home or to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Herbert. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Bill Spencer
Passed away: December 22, 2008
The family of Bill Spencer sadly announces his passing on December 22, 2008 at Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, Sk. Bill was born in Abernethy, Sk. on March 27, 1922 to William & Ellen Spencer who had come from England in 1912 to work on a farm there. He was born 15 years after his sister Gladys so was a miracle baby .Bill moved with his parents and sister to SW2-17-16W3rd - the Percy Lines farm at Success, Sk. in Dec.1925. Bill attended school at Orillia from 1928-1939 and took Grade 9, 10 and 11 by correspondence course. In his teen years he worked for Tom Garland for $1.00 per day and $5.00 in harvest time. He worked for the RM#168 picking rocks and building roads for 50 cents an hour as well as helping on his Dad’s farm.Bill enlisted in the army in Feb.1943 and was sent to Victoria, B.C. for basic training in S1-CC and A.A.A.S (Canadian Coast and Anti Aircraft Artillery School. He trained for one month and then got Scarlet fever and was in hospital 6 weeks celebrating his 21st birthday in Victoria Military Hospital. He went home on a month’s sick leave and on returning was placed on staff working in Central Registry where he handled all incoming and outgoing mail. The camp was closed down on V.E. Day and he was sent to an Artillery Battery where he was fuse commander in charge of a group of 6-10 men on a gun. Bill was discharged in Feb.1946. After coming home he purchased 3 quarters of land under the Veteran’s Land Act and farmed with his Dad. In 1949 he met Joan Rush who was teaching at Orillia school and they were married on Dec.22, 1950 at First United Church in Swift Current by Rev. Bell. Joan taught until 1954 when she was expecting their first baby and became a full time partner on the farm. As the family kept growing from 1959 to1964 Bill added two additions to our home doing all the work himself, even building the cupboards and doing the plumbing and wiring. Bill was a quiet, devoted, kind and loving husband and father. His family and his farm were his life. He got great satisfaction walking through the fields and watching his crops grow. He was a good steward of the land. He so enjoyed playing with his children, helping them with their homework and teaching them how to ride bikes, play ball, snowcruise, curl, toboggan, swim, and practicing for field meets and 4-H projects. They even had fun hauling bales and I have the videos to prove it! He always enjoyed it when the kids came home for visits and special occasions-especially his birthday! Bill farmed with John for 25 years. Bill enjoyed being the fixer and the gopher, while John did the field work. He looked forward to John’s daily visits and card games with Will, Katie and John. He was very proud of his kids knowing they were carrying on his traditions and are hard workers and good honest citizens. For the past four years Bill had been on peritoneal dialysis (4X a day) at home and had several operations but was always hoping for the best and thankful for the years we had together. He and Joan usually had a Scrabble game every morning and played cribbage and rummy a lot. Bill worked hard in the community (Orillia & Success) throughout the years. In the 50’s and 60’s we had ball games every Sunday in our pasture and everyone came and had fun. We visited back and forth so much then and had snowmobile and skiing and skating parties on our backyard rink. Bill was secretary of Success Hall and Sports Association for 13 years. It was a Co-op then and he spent many hours doing the necessary book work. Between working at the hall, shingling, adding on, fixing up the basement, and the Sports grounds he had little spare time off the farm. He canvassed the country to get farmers to donate grain so they could buy a matched set of curling rocks for Success Curling Rink and then went and delivered the grain to the elevator. He spent a lot of time flooding and preparing the ice each year and repairing the building. We curled from 1949 until closure of the rink and of course before that Bill and his folks had curled for years. Bill loved curling and had a family rink for many years and enjoyed taking in bonspiels with his friends. We had so many wonderful neighbors and everyone helped each other. Bill and Joan were truly grateful for them .Bill was a great Bronco fan and held season tickets for a long time and had our names put on a seat. He was also an ardent Roughrider fan. We attended the game at Expo in 1986 and took part in the half-time show! We also enjoyed two trips to Hawaii in 1988 and in 1990 for our 40th Anniversary. We took a Western Caribbean cruise on the Sun Princess during their national “Love Boat” cruise in 1996 and renewed our marriage vows with Gavin McLeod and Dr. Ruth. On the way home we visited Disneyland. Bill was predeceased by William (1978) & Ellen (1965) Spencer, sister Gladys Johnson (2001) and nephew Theodore Johnson (2008). Cousins Edith Webster (2007) & Gwen Brindley (2003) in England. Bill is survived by loving wife Joan, Daughters Suzanne Giroux (Roland); Sandra Dwornik (Wayne); Sons John (Kellie), Joseph (Janice) and Jim. Grand children-Shane Giroux & Chantelle Vandenberg; Spencer & Brittany Dwornik; Will & Katie Spencer; Nicole Baker; Diana Clark. Great Grandchildren-Cayden Clark; Efrayim Baker; Jayden Vandenberg. Special Cousins Tessa Chalmers in Ont. and Norma Drake in England. Special thanks to Brittany Dwornik who was her Gramps “SPECIAL” nurse, staying at his bedside for five weeks. We truly appreciated all your love and care. “Rest in peace My Love. I’ll be seeing you.” At Bill’s request no public funeral will be held. A private family Memorial Service and Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on his birthday, March 27, 2009. Memorial donations to Success Community Hall or the Kidney Foundation will be gratefully accepted by the family.
William Charles Kirby
Passed away: December 13, 2008
William Charles Kirby, age 78, passed away peacefully in the Cypress Regional Hospital on December 13, 2008 with family by his side. He was born April 1, 1930 to William and Rosina Kirby, the eldest of two children. Charles grew up on the family homestead north of Tompkins, SK. He loved to farm and had a reputation of being a very hard worker. He married Shirley Hall nee Weeks on October 15, 1978. Charles and Shirley welcomed their daughter Tanya on January 11, 1980. They moved from the homestead in 1995 and bought an acreage in Beverly, SK. One of the highlights of Charles’ life was attending the international convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York City. It was at this convention, on July 30, 1958, that he dedicated his life to serve his Creator. He served as an elder for many years in the Gull Lake and Maple Creek congregations and served as a ministerial servant in the Swift Current congregation until his passing. He cherished the privilege of sharing with others his hope of living on a paradise earth under God’s Kingdom rule. He firmly believed God’s promise in Rev. 21:3, 4 that “death will be nor more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” This hope of a resurrection sustained him during his illness. Charles will be remembered by his family and friends as a very caring person. He had a great love for people, always willing to help anyone in need. He and his wife loved to invite their friends to the acreage for a barbecue, bonfire and singing. Charles will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley; daughter Tanya; stepchildren Theresa (Harley) Busse; John (Tina) Hall and daughter Alicia; Chris (Jody) Hall and daughters Tayler and Logan; Danny (Andrea) Hall and daughter Sylvia; his sister Shirley (Alvin) Eresman; his niece Sherree Eresman; his extended family and many friends.
Elisabeth Ens
Passed away: December 21, 2008
Mrs. Elisabeth (Peters) Ens, age 92 years, of Swift Current, SK, passed away on Sunday, December 21.2008, at the Swift Current Care Center, due to heart failure. Elisabeth is survived by a son, Isaak Ens; a brother, George Peters; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Peter & Helena Peters; five brothers, Jacob Peters and Cornelius Peters (both in infancy), Peter Peters, John Peters, Jacob Peters; and by three sisters, Margaretha Peters (in infancy), Helen Mah and Susan Peters. Elisabeth (Peters) Ens was born on May 23, 1916, in Blumenort, SK. Soon after, the family moved to Glenbush and later to Herbert. Elisabeth's mom passed away when Elisabeth was 16, and she became responsible for the housework and the care of the children. After her brothers and sisters left home, she stayed to care for her dad. In 1952, she married Isaac Ens and moved with him to Manitoba. There her son, Isaak, was born. Three years later, when her husband passed away, she and her son moved back to Saskatchewan, eventually settling in Wymark. In 1972, she moved to Swift Current and lived with her son, Isaak, until she entered the Swift Current Care Centre in October, 2007. Elisabeth was an optimistic person. Life was what life was. There were many things you could not control but you could always decide how you would respond to the things that happened. She decided to respond with a positive attitude. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, December 29, 2008 at 2:00 pm from the Zion Mennonite Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastors Ray & Sylvia Friesen officiating. The organist for the service was Grace Funk. “Amazing Grace” and “In the Rifted Rock” were sung by the congregation. The obituary and tribute was shared by Pastor Sylvia Friesen. The Interment Service was held at the Wymark Cemetery, Wymark, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Peter Wiens, Nick Wall, Peter Wiebe, Peter Dyck, Henry Froese and Gilbert Reimer. In memory of Elisabeth Ens, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Edward Wiebe
Passed away: January 24, 2009
Wiebe, Ed – It is with deep sadness that the family of Ed Wiebe announce his passing on January 24th, 2009 in Medicine Hat, AB. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 30th, 2009 at 11:00 am at the HillcrestEvangelicalChurch, 3785 13th Ave. S.E in Medicine Hat, with Pastor Bob McGougan officiating. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Swift Current Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
