2010-08-25 - Letkemann, John

John Letkemann
March 11, 1927 –
August 25, 2010
John, son of Franz and Aganetha Letkemann, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home. He reached the age of 83 years.
John was born on March 11, 1927 in the village of Hochfeldt, west of Hague, where he grew up, and attended the Passchendale School. He was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Hague Mennonite Church. John also participated in sports, such as hockey, golf and curling. He also enjoyed singing in the church choir and men’s choir.
Following the death of his parents, John, along with his brother Dave, moved from the house/barn combination to a newly-built house on the farmyard in 1977. Then, in 1995, John and Dave retired to Hague where they stayed until John, after having suffered several strokes, had to move to PineView Manor in Rosthern. He also spent some time in Goodwill Manor, Duck Lake, and from there he came back to the Nursing Home in Rosthern, where he lived until he passed away.
John is survived by his siblings Betty Dueck, Abe (Mary) Letkeman, Mary (Laverne) Adrian, Nettie (Ed) Heinrichs; sister-in-law Tena Letkemann; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Frank (Nettie), Dave, Jake, infant sister Helen, and brother-in-law Dave Dueck.
We will miss you, John. May you rest in peace…The Family
The Funeral Service was held Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Hague Mennonite Church with Pastors Artur Esau and Henry Funk officiating. Pallbearers were Calvin Dueck, Eric Dueck, Rick Harris, Bruce Heinrichs, Keith Heinrichs and Dale Adrian.
Interment took place in the Hague Cemetery.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.
2010-08-20 - Underwood, Christina M

Christina M. Underwood
Christina M. Underwood (Gordon) went to be with her Lord and Saviour on August 20, 2010 at the age of 87 at the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home. A Funeral Service was held at the Strasbourg Alliance Church on August 24, 2010 with Pastor Glen Lonie officiating. Christina was predeceased by her husband, Tom Underwood and by her sisters Mabel, May, Violet and Hazel and brother Albert. She leaves to mourn her sons Edward (Kathleen) and family, Saskatoon; Clayton and family, Saskatoon; her daughters Elsie (Ramesh) Underwood Naraine, Toronto, and Cheryl (Lloyd) Schmidt and family, Rosthern; siblings Daisy (Van) Campbell, Cache Creek, Ivan Gordon, Strasbourg, Isabel (Robert) Barber, Strasbourg, Emily Campbell, Kamloops, and sisters-in-law Fern Underwood, Regina, and Kay Gordon, Ashcroft, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Christina was born December 15, 1922 in Kipling, SK. At eight years of age she and her family moved to the Nut Mountain District where she grew up and completed her formal education. In 1950 she married Tom Underwood of Strasbourg, SK and farmed with him until 1985. As a result of Tom’s failing health they moved from the farm into Strasbourg in 1993. Eight years after Tom’s death and as a result of her failing health Christina moved to Rosthern, SK in August 2008 to be closer to her daughter Cheryl Schmidt, and her sons Edward and Clayton in Saskatoon. She was warmly welcomed at the Mennonite Home For The Aged, and enjoyed living there until her recent passing.
As a young woman Christina gave her heart and soul to Christ profoundly impacting the rest of her life. She and Tom raised their children under the influence of Christian teaching and she supported the local and world church in every way that she could. Mom was a hardworking woman and was the driving force behind making the farm a success. She was a very social and hospitable person, and having lots of people around was a joy to her. Family was the most important thing in her life, and she loved large family and community gatherings. Mom also loved to travel and was able visit friends and family from coast to coast.
Christina will be remembered for her commitment to her family, her church and her community. Her home was open to friends and strangers alike and it can be truly said that “strangers were just friends she hadn’t yet met.” Her energy, her enthusiasm for life and her love for family and friends endeared her to everyone. Like dad, mom believed that “the Lord is near to all who call on him…in truth. He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him …My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” (Psalms 145: 18-21).
We would like to express our thanks to the Rosthern community for welcoming our mother here two years ago. In particular we would like to express our appreciation to the staff and residents of the Mennonite Home For The Aged, Rosthern Home Care staff, and the Rosthern Mennonite Church community for the care and friendship shown to her. Special thanks to the staff of Rosthern Hospital and the Mennonite Nursing Home for the care and comfort she received this summer until her passing.
2010-08-19 - Fisher, Norman

Norman Fisher
Norman Fisher passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday, August 19, 2010 at the age of 93.
Beloved husband of Helen Fisher for 66 years. Loving father of Dorothy Noble (Gregory), Gladys Fisher (Ross West) and Robert Fisher (Darla). Cherished grandfather of Laura O’Brien (Edward), Christine Colbey (Scott), Brandon Noble (Sue), Rebecca Jimenez, Leah Fisher (Justin Ryczko) and Martin Fisher. Great grandfather to seven great grandchildren. Survived by his siblings Clarence Fisher (Helen), Alvera Bartel and Ruth Fisher all of Saskatchewan.
Predeceased by his father John W. Fisher, 1979 and mother Marie Fisher, 1968.
Norman was involved in farming prior to his move to British Columbia where he was involved in bridge construction for a brief period of time. He next moved his family to St. Catharines, ON, where he was employed at General Motors until his retirement. After his retirement, Norman and Helen travelled extensively which included numerous different cruises.
Friends were received at the Butler Funeral Home, St. Catharines, ON, on Friday, August 13, 2010 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
A memorial service to celebrate Norman’s life was held on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Westburne Alliance Church at 11:00 am.
A private interment took place prior to the service with the following pallbearers: Martin Fisher, Brandon Noble, Laura O’Brien, Christine Colbey, Scott Colbey and Michael O’Brien.
2010-08-15 - Neudorf, Bernhard I

Bernhard I. Neudorf
April 30, 1926 –
August 15, 2010
Bernhard I. Neudorf was born to Bernhard and Gertrude (Zacharias) Neudorf on the family farm west of Rosthern on April 30, 1926. He died very suddenly due to a heart attack on August 15, 2010 at the age of 84 years. He had cerebral palsy, which handicapped his walking all his life. He was unable to walk or talk until he was five years old.
Ben attended the Friedensfeld School which was a one room school. It was two and one half miles from their home. Sometimes he and his brother and sisters drove horse and buggy and sometimes the neighbours took turns taking them to and from school. Occasionally they had to walk. His teachers were Isaac Elias and George P. Dyck. In 1948 the family moved to their grandparent’s farm which was three and one half miles northwest of Rosthern.
Ben was baptized in 1951 by Rev. John G. Rempel and became a member of the Rosthern Mennonite Church. He remained a faithful member all his life.
Ben helped his dad in the workshop by taking things apart for him to weld. His dad passed away in 1970, but Ben and his mother continued living on the farm until 1976. Then they moved into Rosthern. He started cutting grass and tilling gardens for other people. In 1979 Ben started working in the workshop at Valley Action. He also tilled gardens, cut grass on the school yards and put up round steel grain bins in town and on farms for Valley Action. He helped put up an outdoor kitchen at the Rosthern Regional Park. Ben helped his mother in the house by reading recipes to her. She lost her speech and ability to read in 1970 due to an aneurysm. In 1988, when she moved to the Home for the Aged, Ben moved to Wheat King Place and retired.
Ben had his first heart attack on December 8, 2005. On January 31, 2006 he moved to the Home for the Aged and lived there until his passing.
He was predeceased by his parents Bernhard and Gertrude (Zacharias) Neudorf, his brother Abram Neudorf and sister Doreen Neudorf.
He leaves to mourn his passing: his brother and sisters Bill (Irma) Neudorf, Elsie (Ambros) Siemens, Eileen (Menno) Thiessen; his good friend Darlene Friesen and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The Funeral Service was held Thursday, August 19, 2010 at Rosthern Mennonite Church with Pastors Wilmer and Barb Froese officiating.
Pallbearers were Mel Foth, Allan Neudorf, Melvin Siemens, Laverne Siemens, Wesley Thiessen and Lane Knorr.
Interment took place in the Rosthern Cemetery.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.
2010-08-09 - Gaudet, Ovide A

Ovide A. Gaudet
April 16, 1927 –
August 9, 2010
Ovide was born in St. Isidore de Bellevue on April 16, 1927. He married Laurianne in 1950 and moved to Duck Lake where he farmed for many years. In 1969 he moved into town where he worked for Jack Urton, as a farm hand and Eugene Vachon, delivering fuel oil in the Duck Lake area.
He retired in 1991 following the passing of his wife Laurianne. In 1999 he married Therese Tournier and moved to Prince Albert where they enjoyed visiting with friends and family until his peaceful passing on August 9, 2010.
He is survived by his second wife Therese; children Marilyn Fleming (Neil Craigie), Julie (Wally Fandrich), Della (Ron Minielly), Donald (Karen), Auguste (Glenda), Robert, Rupert, Andre (Aggie Bourassa), Janice Perrin; daughter-in-law Blanche Lussier; 17 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; three step-children Rose (Dale Rothenburger), Roger (Val), Ginette Tournier (Ken); nine step-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild; sister Rolande (Roger Gaudet) and brother Rev. Ghislain Gaudet.
He was predeceased by his first wife Laurianne; two sons Gilbert and Clement; grandson Ricki Fleming; parents Hector and Armandine Gaudet; five brothers Jean Camille, Henri, Emile, Alcide, Alain and Andreas in infancy; three sisters Marie-Ange, Noella and Anida; and three brothers-in-law.
A Prayer Service was led by Rev. Maurice Fiolleau on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Prince Albert, SK.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, August 13, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, Duck Lake, celebrated by The Bishop Albert Thevenot and Co-celebrants Rev. Cuong Luong, Rev. Nick Ferreras, Rev. Tuyen Vu and Rev. Roque Concepcion.
Interment took place in the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Cemetery, Duck Lake, SK.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern.
2010-08-04 - Simpson, John R

John R. Simpson
On August 4, 2010, at the age of 67 years, John passed away suddenly at the Health Sciences Centre. His legacy of wit and humour will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is predeceased by parents Robert and Evelyn Simpson.
Survived to cherish his memory is his wife of 42 years Linda (Watson), his beloved children Timothy (Andrea) and Lindsay Swanson (Darren), sisters Katherine Tomyn (William), Patricia Shepherd (James), sister-in-law Wendy Brunelle (Frances) and nieces and nephews.
John was born in Toronto, ON and lived in Rosthern until he entered university.
In 1965, John graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a B.A. then an LLB in 1966. He articled with the Saskatchewan Attorney General’s Department and Barr & Morgan until 1971 when he joined the CNR/Air Canada Legal Department in Winnipeg. In 1984, he joined the law firm of Morkin, Hayes & Dobrowolski. Later, he established his own law practice.
He was a past member of Regina Wheat City Kinsmen, Winnipeg Kinsmen and Charleswood Rotary and a current member of South Winnipeg Slo-Pitch, secretary/treasurer of the Manitoba Senior Slo-Pitch Tournament League and Rockwood ANAVET’s.
John thoroughly enjoyed sports, including football, golf, hockey and baseball and was an avid travel enthusiast.
A celebration of John’s life was held on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Club, Unit 303, 341 Wilton Street.
2010-08-01 - Hlady, James
James Hlady
March 2, 1936 to
August 1, 2010
James Hlady was born March 2, 1936 at Rosthern, SK. He passed away while visiting his brother William at Beaver Mines, AB on August 1, 2010.
The cause of death was heart failure.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be arranged. Cremation has taken place.
2010-07-30 - Fast, Larry Albert
Larry Albert Fast
Larry Albert Fast age 74, passed away on the morning of July 30, 2010, at Peace Arch hospital in White Rock, BC.
Larry was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan.
He was predeceased by his father Albert Alexander Fast and his mother Mildred Edith Fast.
Larry is survived by his wife Lillian; daughter Elodie; uncle Charlie; son Elton, his wife Christina and their children, son Quinn, five years and daughter Emilie, two years.
Internment will take place at Rosthern Cemetery on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 1:30 pm. Alternate arrangements at the Lions’ Hall.
2010-07-22 - Giesbrecht, Mary

Mary Giesbrecht
August 6, 1916 –
July 22, 2010
Mary (Driedger) Giesbrecht passed away peacefully on July 22, 2010 at Central Haven Special Care Home in Saskatoon, SK. Mary was born August 6, 1916 on a farm near the Village of Rheinland in the Osler district.
Mary was predeceased by her parents John R. and Aganetha (Wiebe) Driedger; first husband Isaac Guenther in 1950; second husband Herman Gossen in 1983; third husband David Giesbrecht in 2008; three infant sons; son Garry Guenther; and four brothers Jake, Abe, Henry and John.
She is survived by son Elmer (Anne) Guenther and their children Sheldon (Jackeline), Cheryl and Marion; daughter-in-law Doris Guenther (friend Irwin Wiebe) and her children Darren (Leanne) and Brenton (Sharla); six great grandchildren Sebastian, Sofia, Tasha, Kaitlyn, Kailey and Sierra. She is also survived by step-children Mabel (Art) Dirks, Doris Hadaller, Alice Berg, Laverna Gossen, Bill Teichroeb, Gordon (Jay) Magnasson; six sisters Annie (Jake) Guenther, Nettie Friesen, Lena (Peter) Thiessen, Tena (Ed) Busenitz, Peggy Neudorf, Eva (Eldon) Pankratz; and three brothers Cornie Driedger, Peter (Helen) Driedger, Dick (Susan) Driedger; and sister-in-law Mary Loewen.
Mary married Isaac Guenther in 1937. They farmed at the Village of Rosalind until Isaac’s death on June 14, 1950. With her two sons Garry and Elmer, she moved to the Village of Osler in the fall of 1950. For the next eight years she worked hard at keeping boarders and sewing for others. Then in 1958 she met and married Herman Gossen from Waldheim, acquiring an additional eight children and numerous grandchildren who were good to her. Together with Herman she got to do some travelling in Canada and the US. In her new life in Waldheim, she was always active in the church and made many new friends. Two years after Herman passed away, she married David Giesbrecht, also of Waldheim. In 2002 they moved to Bethany Manor, enjoying the fellowship of many new and old friends. She remained at Bethany Manor until April 21, 2010 at which time she was hospitalized for one month and then was moved to Central Haven Special Care Home.
As a family, we wish to thank the staff at Bethany Manor and Central Haven for the compassionate care they gave our Mom in the last days of her long life. May she rest in peace.
The Funeral Service was held on Monday, July 26, at 11:00 am, at Bethany Manor Fellowship Hall, Saskatoon, with Esther Patkau and Henry Block officiating.
Pallbearers were Russel Gossen, Murray Gossen, Ken Berg, Tony Berg, Gerry Friesen and Cordell Neudorf.
Interment took place at Osler Cemetery.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.
2010-07-13 - Epp, Edmund John

August 15, 1947 –
July 13, 2010
Edmund John Epp passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2010 surrounded by his wife, his sons, daughters-in-law, brothers and sisters. He was just a few weeks shy of his 63rd birthday. He knew since he was a young boy that he’d be in heaven with Jesus someday.
Ed was born in Rosthern on August 15, 1947 and was the second child of Helena and John Epp. In the years that followed, Ed and his older sister Frieda were joined by siblings Phil, Elvira, Alvin, Louise, Carl, Verna and David.
He attended the one room schoolhouse in Rosthern until Grade 8 because that’s as high as the education system went there. He worked hard on the farm with the rest of his family raising animals, farming and being a part of the local community.
Ed had a love of many things. These included hunting, fishing and unbeknownst to many, even cooking. Making soup was a pastime for him and you would often see quart after quart of soup stashed away in the fridge ready for faspa for another day.
In his 20s, Ed obtained his GED and then attended Kelsey in order to obtain his Farm Machinery Mechanic papers. It was shortly after his schooling that he met and married Mary Friesen. They were married October 4, 1975. It didn’t take long for them to add first Lowell and then Lyndon into their little family. Ed and Mary have now been married for nearly 35 years.
Ed farmed for several years with his brother-in-law, Harry Friesen, while Lyndon and Lowell were young. He also spent most of his working years in Gouldtown and Watrous as a mechanic. Eventually, when the boys were older and on their own, Ed and Mary moved to Waldheim and settled there for the last 14 years. They finally had a place to establish some roots, make some close friends and have a loving and supportive church to be a part of.
Ed and Mary have four grandchildren: Lowell and Kristin have Gaige (age three) and Blake (age one). Lyndon and Candace have Kianna (age six) and Spencer (age four). Ed’s face would just light up whenever speaking about his grandkids to anyone who would listen. He loved taking them for rides on his garden tractor and being Grandpa to them.
Over the years, Ed could be found fixing farm equipment for nearly anyone. He was the guy people would call if they needed a hand or opinion in that area. He was also heavily involved with the Gideons and enjoyed the work he did with them. The church choir was also important to him and he was faithful to attend choir practice every week.
A highlight for Ed in the last 10 years was going up to Pinehouse to fish with his brother Carl. He loved sitting in the boat trying to catch “the big one”, but what he truly loved about being on the water with his rod was the visiting that could happen between him and Carl.
Ed is predeceased by his parents Helena and John Epp as well as his brother-in-law Jim Rempel.
He is survived by his wife Mary, two sons and four grandchildren: Lowell and Kristin (Gaige, Blake), and Lyndon and Candace (Kianna, Spencer); siblings: Frieda Rempel, Phil (Shirley) Epp, Elvira (Bernie) Theissen, Louise (Bob) Friesen, Alvin (Norine) Epp, Carl (Naomi) Epp, Verna (Joe) Hucul, David Epp; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service was held Monday, July 19, 2010 in Mennonite Brethren Church, Waldheim, SK with Rev. Jake Pauls and Carl Epp officiating.
Pallbearers were Phil Epp, Alvin Epp, Carl Epp, David Epp, Anthony Epp, Alden Epp, Caleb Epp and Jeremy Epp.
Interment took place in the Waldheim Cemetery.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.