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Obituaries

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2012-01-18 - Braun, Cornelius

Cornelius Braun
March 22, 1930 –
January 18, 2012
Cornelius Braun was born March 22, 1930 to Helen Zacharias who married John D. Braun and adopted Dad as his son.  He was the oldest of seven children.  He grew up in the Blumenthal area and moved to Swan Plain in his younger years. He was baptized upon his confession of faith in August 1952, then married Susie Goertzen on October 19, 1952.
In 1956, Dad and Mom and family moved to Barnwell, AB where he worked on a farm until 1959. Then they moved back to Swan Plain to start his own farm. He had various jobs including  working at a sawmill and community pasture. Dad farmed until the summer of 1976.
They raised a family of eight children. They moved to the Hague area in 1976 where he held a variety of jobs.  On January 8, 2001, Dad suffered a debilitating stroke and over time he had subsequent strokes that required hospital care.  This affected his health to the point where he required more care than Mom could provide. This resulted in Dad moving to the Rosthern Nursing Home where he resided until God called him home January 18, 2012.
He is survived by his wife Susie, and children Bill (Liz), Mary (Ben Fehr), John (Iris), David (Theressa), Martha (Jerry Thiessen), George (Heather), Lilly (Brad Miller) and Linda (Darrell Wiebe), 20 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and five foster grandchildren.  His brothers and sisters Anne (Fred Edwards), John (Ann), Mary (John Kuntz), Tina (Rudy Horvath) and Dave.
In his last years, he found it interesting when he was able to meet his brothers and sisters from the Teichroeb family.  His communication was minimal but we sensed his excitement anticipating meeting some of them.  Dad also leaves to mourn those brothers and sisters.
He was predeceased by his parents John and Helen Braun, sister Helen and brother-in-law Art Minton, sister-in-law Helen Knibbs, brother-in-law John Dick, brother-in-law Len Koethler.
The funeral service and interment for Cornelius Braun was held at the Reinfeld Bergthaler Church on Monday January 23, 2012.

2012-01-18 - Reimer, David Nicholas

David Nicholas Reimer
August 2, 1950 –
January 18, 2012
David Nicholas Reimer of Saskatoon passed away suddenly at the age of 61, on January 18, 2012.
He is survived by his wife Edna, sons Vaughn (Tammy), and Sheldon, daughter Kammie (Jody), stepson Darwin (Kerry) all of Saskatoon, brother George (Nettie) of Warman, six grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Helen Reimer, brother Peter, sisters Margaret and Agnes, nephew Edward, and infant daughter Helena.
Dave spent many years as a drywall mudder and taper. He worked with family, and then went on his own with his sons Vaughn and Sheldon.
The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 10:30 am at Westwood Funeral Chapel (1402 20th Street West). Condolences may be sent to mail@westwoodfuneralchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Westwood Funeral Chapel, 653-3434.

2012-01-15 - Heinbigner, Lorie

Lorie Heinbigner
(nee Neudorf)
May 5, 1956 –
January 15, 2012
Lorie (Neudorf) Heinbigner was born May 5, 1956 in Rosthern, SK and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 15, 2012. She grew up on the family farm just outside of Rosthern, SK. Six months into this world, she was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Doctors predicted that she would only live until the young age of eight. In the following years, she underwent two surgeries by the age of 14 and defied previous doctor predictions.
Lorie attended school in Rosthern, SK and then went on to post-secondary education at Kelsey in Saskatoon.
On November 13, 1976, Lorie married the love of her life, Jim.  They resided in their home in Hague throughout their wonderful 35 years of marriage. On May 23, 1980 they were blessed with their first chosen daughter, Nicole Dawn and on March 17, 1984, they were blessed with their second chosen daughter, Megan Marie.
In the following years, Lorie held many secretarial jobs, primarily working for Marianne Kramchynsky, Rosthern Dental and David Jahnke.
Lorie spent many a night and weekends by Jim’s side watching him play hockey and socializing with the “hockey ladies”. She was his personal cheerleader and constant supporter, as was she in his everyday life. Lorie was also there for her daughters, if that meant watching them play ball or going to skating competitions. No matter how tired or exhausted she was, she made sure she was there for her family.
On February 18, 1999, Jim and Lorie were blessed with their first grandson, Trenton Michael. In the years to follow they were blessed with two more grandsons, Logan John (2003) and Austin James (2008).  On July 6, 2011, they were blessed with their fourth grandchild, Delaney Christine.  Although each grandchild was a great blessing, Lorie was super proud of her long awaited granddaughter.
Due to health concerns, Lorie decided to quit working and stay at home around 2008.  She went back to sewing and scrapbooking, coffee times at Nettie’s, working in the garden and around the yard, breakfast with her daughters, and daily visits with the grandchildren, either at home or the hockey rink.  She was, for the most part, able to now take more time for herself and more time with her husband.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband and best friend Jim Heinbigner, her oldest daughter Nicole and Chris, son-in-law Ron (Trenton & Logan) and youngest daughter Megan and Dan (Austin and Delaney).
She will also be remembered by her parents Jacob and Mary Neudorf and mother-in-law Martha Heinbigner; brothers and families Bob (Lisa), Don (Linda), Collin (Amber); and in-laws and their families Robert (Elaine), Glenn (Kathy), Brenda (Kevin) Neudorf. She is also remembered by many extended family and friends.
The Funeral Service was held Friday, January 20, 2012 at Hague Mennonite Church with The Rev. Michael Diegel officiating.
Pallbearers were Don Neudorf, Ron Neufeld, Glenn Heinbigner, Zachary Neudorf, Bob Neudorf and Kevin Neudorf.
Interment took place in the Hague New Cemetery.
Arrangements were in the care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.

2012-01-10 - Mariani, Denis

Denis Mariani 1950-2012
In loving memory
Denis Toussaint Mariani passed away in his home town of Prince George, BC on January 10, 2012.
Born in Duck Lake, SK, Denis lived most of his life in northern BC where he called Prince George his home for over 40 years. Denis had a passion for cars, racing, and most of all, friendship. His friends were near and dear to his heart and were truly part of his family. The world will be a quieter place without his laughter and a dimmer place without his smile.
Son, brother, uncle, and friend – you will be missed deeply.
Survived by his loving mother: Cecile Mariani, sister: Anne-Marie and Monty Smith, brother:  Philip and Lorna Mariani, nephew: Clayton Smith, and nieces:  Laurie Suchodolski, Kim Brown, and Francesca Mariani.  Pre-deceased by his father:  Paul Mariani (2011).
Graveside memorial will be held at the Titanic Cemetery, Saskatchewan in summer 2012.

2012-01-01 - Epp, Donald

Donald Epp
August 23, 1941 –
January 1, 2012
Don was born in Laird on August 23, 1941. He lived a full life for 70 years and passed away peacefully at Rosthern Hospital January 1, 2012.
From a young age, Don was involved with the family farm which he eventually took over. Health concerns later in life forced him to retire but his love of farming never left. He contributed to community life where he could. He was a trustee at the Laird Mennonite church, spent many years on the executive of the Laird Curling Club and was a board member of the Waldheim Conservation Development Area Authority for over 35 years, as well as a certified seed grower. In his younger years Don liked to go hunting and fishing as well as curling. Snowmobiling was one of his passions and he went on the Kelsey trail ride every year. When he could no longer ride, he would drive the truck.
He married Lillian Abrams in 1972 and together with their children Glen and Lisa loved camping. Family trip highlights included the Queen Charlotte Islands, Disneyland and mountain ski trips. Don and Lillian took some longer holidays to Hawaii, Mexico as well as California to Arizona but their best were low key trips in Saskatchewan.
Don had a quiet nature but he had deep feelings for his family, friends and loved his granddaughters very much. We will miss having him in our lives.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years Lillian (Abrams), son Glen (Lauraie) Epp – children Keira and Kellsea, daughter Lisa (Kurtis) Hinz -children Ainsley and Samantha; two sisters and their families: Marianne (Henry) Hiebert and Grace (Mel) Butt; brother-in-law Peter (Lynnda) Abrams and their family. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Nettie Epp.
Psalm 73:28 “But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all your works.”
The Resurrection Service was held Thursday, January 12, 2012 with Pastor Bruce Jantzen officiating.
Pallbearers were Daryl Hiebert, Brian Hiebert, Tom Ratzlaff, Gordon Schultz, Brian Braun and Curt Epp.
Interment took place in the Laird Cemetery.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.

2011-12-30 - Martens, Helen Fehr

Helen Fehr Martens
September 21, 1920 –
December 30, 2011
Helen Fehr was born on September 21, 1920, on a farm in the Hague district, the sixth of 14 children of Johan J. Fehr and Margaret Braun, of whom 11 survived past infancy. She was 12 years of age when her mother died in childbirth and her father re-married, and he and Helena Braun had six additional children, so Helen grew into adulthood as one of 17 surviving children in a farm family during the “dirty thirties” and World War II.
On July 11, 1943, Helen married Peter Martens, also of the Hague district.  In the early years, as they had their five children, they moved about, finding work in different parts of Saskatchewan, so that Adeline was born in Waldheim, Alma in Blumenthal, Harvey in Rosetown, Dorothy in Hafford, and Caroline in Rosthern.
In 1950, Helen and the family moved to Rosthern where they then lived for 50 years.  While Peter worked at Friesen’s Department Store,  Helen was very occupied caring for the children and managing the household. Together they became members at Rosthern Mennonite Church.  She was a woman of steadfast faith.  She loved God and served her church for years as an active member of the Ladies Aid.
Helen was a fine seamstress and sewed many pretty dresses for family and others. She had a green thumb and loved gardening. She enjoyed home decorating, quilting, hairdressing, needlework and ceramics. After the children left home, she and Peter spent many hours at their cabin at Waskesiu, and in a camper seeing Canada. They also began to travel to more remote destinations – Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, California, even Israel and Palestine which they called their “trip of a life-time”.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Peter Martens in 2007; her mother in 1933; her father in 1976; three siblings in infancy before 1933; 12 siblings and two half-siblings; two daughters in infancy in the late 1940s; and her son-in-law Lorne Bueckert in 2010.
She is survived by five children:  Adeline Bueckert, Alma (and John) Elias, Harvey (and Evelyne) Martens, Dorothy Martens, Caroline (and Bruno) Klassen; 11 grandchildren — Evan (and Georgia) Bueckert, Lani (and Steve) Carr, Kent (and Diana) Elias, Lorin (and Lana) Elias, Ian (and Laura) Martens, Erika Martens (and Mike), Craig (and Rachel) Funk, Adrienne (and Lyle) Hepp, Elliott (and Tracy) Worby, Jillian Klassen, Jessica (and Jeff) Klassen-Friesen; 17 great-grandchildren;  three brothers – George (and Agatha) Fehr, Aron (and Tina) Fehr, David (and Margaret) Fehr; three sisters – Justina Friesen, Sarah (and Jake) Fehr, and Nettie Fehr; and many other relatives and friends.
Helen’s life was a gift. She was a great mother, wife, friend and family member. She was strong and positive, and will be remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, and for her loving hands.
The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Rosthern Mennonite Church.
Interment will take place in Rosthern Cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (306-232-5245).

2011-12-28 - Markwart, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Markwart
April 23, 1925 –
December 28, 2011
Elizabeth Markwart was born April 23, 1925 to Edward and Phillipina Markwart on their homestead at Arma, near Rosthern.  She attended Kenmare School. Elizabeth was baptized and confirmed in the Christ Lutheran Church in Rosthern. In 1956, she moved from the farm to Rosthern with her mother and cared for her until her passing in 1964.
Elizabeth worked in various retail stores in Rosthern lastly being the Bargain Shop, where she retired in 1990. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, which she was always happy to share with whoever would come over to visit. You would have to take something home if it were flowers from her garden or raspberries she had picked. In 1977 she won a trophy for the best vegetable garden in Rosthern. She was very proud of this award. Elizabeth loved to have her family over for meals especially at Easter and Christmas. She would take yearly trips to Vancouver to visit with Emil and Olly and Tilly and George. Elizabeth liked to colour and play games, such as Tile Rummy and Old Maid, with her nieces and nephews. After her retirement she joined altar guild at the church. Attending church services was very important to Elizabeth. She rarely missed a Sunday, until her health started to fail. She was admitted to the Rosthern Hospital in October of this year. She moved to the Mennonite Nursing Home in November where she resided until her passing December 28, 2011.
Left to mourn Elizabeth’s passing is her sister Elsie; sisters-in-law Verna Markwart and Olly Markwart;  nieces Phyllis Henschel, Hazel (Hugh) Dunlop, Jane (Dale) Neufeld, and Sharon Markwart; and nephews Nelson Markwart and Bruce Markwart. Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents Edward and Phillipina Markwart; brothers Emil, Ed (Anne), Ted; and her sister Mathilda (George) Wiess.
The Funeral Service was held on Monday, January 2, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Rosthern officiated by The Reverend Michael Diegel.
The Pallbearers were Otto Markwart, Otto Kerber, Bruce Markwart, Dale Neufeld, Steve Schuler and Kim Diederichs.
Interment took place in Rosthern Cemetery.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.

2011-12-27 - Martens, Anne

Anne Martens
January 2, 1922 –
December 27, 2011
Anne Martens passed away peacefully on December 27, 2011 at the age of 89, just six days short of her 90th birthday.  She was born on January 2, 1922 to Henry and Anna Harder and grew up on a farm just east of Rosthern.
Anne’s childhood consisted of attending school, doing chores and working hard which was typical of farm life in those days.  Growing up in a close knit family, Anne was surrounded by love and was raised with a strong faith in God. During her childhood Anne developed a passion for animals which continued throughout her life.
On May 28, 1954 Anne married John Martens. This marriage started a life of many moves which kept life interesting for both John and Anne. Their only child Greg was born on November 21, 1956. Anne cherished her life as a wife and mother. Although she devoted much of her time to John and Greg, she also had various jobs outside of the home.
Anne became a grandmother for the first time in 1976 when Mandy was born and again in 1978 after Corey’s birth. She loved her grandchildren dearly and would travel 900 miles to BC just to babysit them.  She spent many, many hours reading, sewing and doing crafts with Mandy and Corey throughout their childhood.
In 1982 John and Anne moved back to Rosthern to enjoy their retirement years.  In 1985 Greg’s family moved back to Rosthern as well, which gave Anne more time to spend with her beloved family. Anne enjoyed her life during this time.  Besides having her family close by, she enjoyed participating in church activities and doing volunteer work with John. She was a very creative lady and in her free time could be found enjoying activities such as painting, gardening, sewing and reading.
Anne is survived by her devoted son Greg (Penny Desjardins);  grandchildren Mandy (Dean) Heidt, and Corey (Jennifer Unger) Martens;  great-grandchildren Gavin and Kaiya Martens; her brother Peter (Joy) Harder; two sisters Agnes Dahl and Margaret Tremblay; sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Anne was predeceased by her loving husband John in 1998; her parents; her siblings Henry Harder and Katherine Hanson.
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at the Rosthern Mennonite Church officiated by Rev. Rudy Froese.
Interment took place in Bergthal Cemetery, east of Rosthern.
The Pallbearers were Corey Martens, Dean Heidt, Ed Penner, Peter Dykhuizen, George Hildebrandt and Henry Zacharias.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.

2011-12-24 - Enns, Margaret Herta

Margaret Herta Enns
May 14, 1933 –
December 24, 2011
It is with sadness and gratitude that we announce the death of our mother and grandmother, Margaret Herta Enns, which occurred Saturday, December 24, 2011.
Margaret was born on May 14, 1933 in Dundurn, Saskatchewan to Henry and Margreta Toews.  Her family moved to Saskatoon when Margaret was three years old. Her childhood was a contented one. She spent many happy hours with her siblings, cousins and aunts and uncles. Her parents were very hospitable people and had many visitors in their home.  Some stayed for a meal while others were made welcome for much longer. Margaret was very much influenced by her parents’ example. After she and Beno were married in 1955, they became known for their hospitality in a wide range of situations – from meals after church and family reunions to welcoming refugees from other lands. Mom loved to be active. She attended Caswell School and then Bedford Road where she enjoyed playing basketball.  Her Grade 11 and 12 years were spent at Rosthern Junior College. Here she was part of the broomball and basketball teams. She also loved to play tennis which she enjoyed until well into her 60s. She loved to cross country ski and joined the whole family on trips to the mountains where she took on the new sport of downhill skiing.  As she became older she and Beno continued to go for daily walks.
Margaret was a gracious lady, taking everything in stride.  When she was told that she had Alzheimers she remained positive and was certain that it was best to be open about her disease. Margaret endured the relentless effects of Alzheimers for over 10 years. Even with the debilitating effects of this disease Margaret managed to look dignified until the end of her life.
Margaret was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She is survived by her children: daughter Janet (Rob Regier), Robbie, Jordon, Katie and Jayne, son Gordon (Lynne Driedger-Enns), Thomas and Luke, daughter Diane (Peter Hooge), Sarah (Lee Warkentin), Erika, Emily and Lauren, and daughter Elaine (Ched Myers).  Margaret is also survived by her sister Irmgard (Frank Gerbrandt), brother Cornelius (Norma), as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
The Funeral Service was held Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Nutana Park Mennonite Church, Saskatoon, SK officiated by Pastors Anita Retzlaff, Patrick Preheim and Vern Ratzlaff.
The pallbearers were the grandchildren.
Interment took place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon.
Arrangements are in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.

2011-12-16 - Ewert, Agnes Elma

Agnes Elma Ewert
March 9, 1907 –
December 16, 2011
Agnes Elma (Regier) Ewert was born on March 9, 1907 in Tiefengrund, Saskatchewan and died at the age of 104 years, nine months and seven days on December 16, 2011 in Rosthern.
She was the first child of Cornelius W. and Johanna Regier’s 17 children. She attended the German-English Academy (later Rosthern Junior College) for Grades 9 and 12 and Laird High School for Grades 10 and 11 so she could be closer to home to help with the younger children. After high school, she went to Normal School (teacher training college) in Moose Jaw and received her teaching certificate. This was unusual in that it was expected that, as the oldest, she would stay home to help with the family. However, her mother was determined that Agnes should have the opportunity to do what she wanted with her life. Agnes then taught school for five years, first at Snowbird near Laird for two years, and then at the Kansas school in Drake. It was there that she met Elmer Ewert, the secretary-treasurer of the school board who paid her salary, who she fell in love with and married on July 11, 1933.
Agnes and Elmer honeymooned in Waskesiu and then moved to the farm in Drake where they had planted a spruce shelterbelt and their first garden. They had seven children: Arlyn, Myrna, Lorna, Carol, June, Ellen and Randy. Agnes was an active farming woman, and was overjoyed when they purchased a new 1940 Dodge one-ton truck so she could haul grain in comfort to the elevator in town! Together she and Elmer raised chickens, cows and pigs, selling the eggs, milk, cream and butter to the store in town. In 1947 they moved into town but it wasn’t until 1948 that they moved into “the big house.” They farmed together from 1933-1970. Elmer and Agnes made many, many trips together all over Canada, the US and to Europe. Florida was their winter home for many years. They were also very involved with The Silver Sages in Drake where they were an unbeatable shuffleboard team.
Agnes moved to The Villa in Drake in 1992, after Elmer was hospitalized. After he died in 1993, she continued to travel, to Europe and the United States and to visit her children and grandchildren. She moved to Pineview in Rosthern in September 2010 and died at the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home on December 16, 2011.
Agnes was a long-time member of North Star Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. In fact, she taught Sunday School until she was 95, when she decided she wanted Sundays off! She was the secretary on the founding executive of Canadian Women in Mission, a position she held for 10 years, and continued to be involved in this organization both provincially and nationally. Agnes was an active supporter of the church, its schools and its institutions. She volunteered at the thrift store in Lanigan and sewed thousands of quilt tops for MCC, stopping only when she moved to Pineview at age 103. She expressed regret that the younger generations did not appear to give as freely as she had hoped and wondered what would happen to the poor of the world.
Music and gardening were very important to Agnes. She bought her first piano before she was married and played many, many songs from memory. She planted a garden of flowers and vegetables until she moved to Rosthern in September 2010, even planting gardens for her neighbours because they were “too tired.” Agnes enjoyed staying up late drinking coffee and playing Scrabble (or Rummikub or dominoes) with her children and grandchildren. She also loved holding all the new grandbabies and great-grandbabies and looked forward to more. Although she initially resisted the move to Pineview in Rosthern, she quickly acknowledged that she loved it there, and her last months of life were incredibly rich and full of energy, love and music.
Agnes is survived by: Arlyn (Arline) – Darwin (Krystyna); Denise (Ron) Corey, Kelsey.Myrna – Ward (Christine) Christopher (Crystal), Jessica; Trevor, David, Ryan; Ray (Deanna) Sarah, Katie; Krista (Craig) Tyler, Jake, Parker.Lorna – Tanya; Lisa (Neal) Olivia, Theo; Katherine (Matthew). Carol – Robyn; Kristina; Jay. June (Bill) – Lance (Emma) Sera; Mark (Michelle) Matthew, Melinda; Rhonda (Chris) Ava; William (Janis) April; Stewart (Cathryn) Nathan, Kylie; Dean (Heather) Mackenzie, Alexander. Ellen (Rob) – Natasha (Dave) Samuel, Rachel; Jason (Erin) Liam, Ainsley; Wendy (Rob); Christopher Kaelin. Randy (Sandy) – Geoff (Amanda) Ashley, Logan; Jodie (Blair) Taylor, Kyden, Jordice, Callum, Thadeus; James (Amber) Beckett, Finley.
She is also survived by her sisters Irma Nickel, Paula Dyck, Bernice Regier, Verna Klassen and Wilma (CJ) Dyck, brothers Don (Mary) Regier and Victor (Sarah) Regier, sisters-in-law Gene Ewert, Louise (Al) Friesen, Ethna Ewert, Margaret Ewert and Irene Ewert, numerous nieces and nephews and dear friend Harry Giesbrecht.
She was predeceased by her husband, Elmer Ewert, four sons-in-law, Stan Small, Rod Sawatsky, Reg Rempel and Ron Bartsch, three great-grandchildren, Ryan Rempel, Oliver Mundell and Christine Lacharite, four sisters, Frieda Dueck, Johanna Voigt, Edith Bergmann, and Anna Fast, five brothers, Peter Regier, Erwin Regier, Walter Regier, Harold Regier and John Regier and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Rosthern Mennonite Church with Claire Ewert Fisher officiating.
Pallbearers were Denise Dick, Krista Bailey, Tanya Sawatsky, Lisa Sawatsky, Katherine Sawatsky, Kristina Small, Rhonda Mundell, Natasha Krahn, Jodie Molsberry (granddaughters as per Agnes’ request).
Interment took place in the Drake North Star Mennonite Church Country Cemetery.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.