Search Archived Marriage Records
Edna Gertrude Stronge
On Monday, April 26, 1999, Edna Gertrude Stronge, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 74 years. Predeceased by her parents: Karl and Caroline Selzer; one son, Douglas Stronge; four sisters: Eda Hohn, Katie Walter, Millie Cowley and Ella Brodt. Edna is survived by her loving husband, Gordon Stronge, of Weyburn; one son, Scott (Wendy) Stronge of Weyburn; three grandchildren
: Derek, Heather and Kristen Stronge, Weyburn; four brothers, Rudy (Ann) Selzer of Regina; Louis (Kay) Selzer of Balgonie; Carl (Alma) Selzer of Balgonie; and Richard (June) Selzer of Vancouver, BC; two sisters: Bertha Sigmeth of Regina; and Freda (John) Turluk of Zehner, SK; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Edna was born December 5, 1924 on the homestead at Jameson, just south of Balgonie, the ninth child added to the growing family of Carl and Caroline Selzer. She and her sisters spent the summers herding sheep and the winters helping with dairy chores in between schooling and church and family celebrations. They were a musical family, with brothers Carl and Rudy playing accordion, Louis on the clarinet, and Dick of the guitar while the girls formed the choir. School and education were a big part of Edna's life. She started at Newton School in Jameson, then moved on to complete Grade 12 at General High School in Balgonie. After graduation from Normal school in Regina, she went teaching with her brother Rudy and sister Freda during the years of World War II, taking positions at Bethune, Milestone, Avonhurst, and Colgate. Here she met Gordon, and they were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Regina on October 18, 1952. Edna continued teaching at Colgate and Zehner until their first child was born. When Doug was about three, Edna returned to teaching at Braemar, where her sister Katie lived and helped with child care. Edna and Gordon made their home together on the old Stronge farm for several years, then bought the yard on the highway where they lived for over 35 years. They raised two sons on the farm, seeing Doug into university and then trying to cope with his death in a tragic motorcyle accident. Deeply affected by this grief, Edna and Gordon went on to raise Scott into marriage and an electrical career. They retired in 1991, and traded houses with Scott and Wendy and their growing family. Edna's life was filled with family, farm, community, and church. She served on the Library Board, representing Lomond R.M. and for many years with the Colgate Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed curling, square dancing, old tyme dancing, fiddler's contests and went to the polkafest at Grayson and Edenwold. She and Gordon did a lot of traveling together, twice to Europe, to Alaska, to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary, to Arizona with the family, Cuba, a Caribbean cruise, to the Maritimes, and last spring to Victoria on a bus tour. This was their last trip together, as a planned outing to Hostfest had to be cancelled for health reasons. In her spare time Edna pursued her artistic bent. She worked in ceramics for many years, producing some lovely pieces that grace their home. There are also a number of paper tollings framed in their home. And for her family reunion two years ago, Edna painted a large family tree, with the old homestead in the background. Planning and preparing for family gatherings like Christmas and Easter, weddings or anniversaries, was a big part of her life. She and Gordon became very involved with Zion Lutheran Church, attending Bible study and worship regularly. As it had during the difficult times before, her faith and the support from her church and friends were very important to her during her battle with lung cancer. When difficult breathing brought her daily walks to an end, she pursued the diagnosis. When she was told that the prognosis was bleak and that conventional treatment options held little hope, she pursued alternative therapies in the Bahamas to improve her life and provide hope for remission. Heart failure on Monday, April 26 brought this battle to a sudden end, and with Gordon by her side, Edna entered her rest. Funeral service was held Thursday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, with Pastor Ron Bestvater officiating. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Don Wicks, Lloyd Soroka, Carl Kelln, Dahlton Lewis, Alvin Dehnke and Willard Hamann. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Lawrence Gracen Woitas
Lawrence Gracen Woitas passed away April 25, 1999 at the age of 73 in Regina. Lawrence was born and raised in the Lake Alma area, one of 14 children, where his parents operated the family farm, on December 13, 1925. Following high school, Lawrence worked for several years in Sedley for an implement dealership and later in Regina for Firestone Tires. He then returned to Lake Alma to take over the family farm and was engaged in farming until his retirement in 1998. Through the years, Lawrence was very active in the church and parish family life. He had a long time, faithful record of service in the Knights of Columbus. He was initiated into Council 1247 in Regina in 1945 and later transferred his membership to Radville Council 3161. He served in virtually every office of that Council including the position of Grand Knight from 1974-1975. On June 21, 1950 Lawrence married Jean Baldock in Regina. He loved playing cards, was involved in the Lake Alma Elks, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree and coached minor ball. Lawrence was predeceased by his parents, Leopold and Anastasia Woitas; his wife, Jean; a son, Fabian, brothers and sisters: Catherine, Tom, Aloizy, Peter, Phil, Marion, Leone, Eleanor and Andrew in infancy; grandson, Jeremy Woitas. Lawrence is survived by five sons and one daughter: David (Helene), Lyle (Sue), Joseph (Gerri), Michael (Debbie), Grant (Louanne), Dianne (Archie) Foley; 20 grandchildren; one great grandchild; brother, Casper (Anne); sisters: Hattie (Merthen) Toso, Balbina (Rufus) Brilz and Cecilia (Bert) Eidsness; sister-in-law: Betty Woitas as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Prayers were said Tuesday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. from Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Radville. The funeral mass was held on Wednesday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. from Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Radville, with Father J. Mock celebrant. Lunch followed at the church with interment at the St. Blaise Cemetery, Lake Alma. Pallbearers were: Derrick Woitas, Brett Woitas, Natashia Woitas, Rodney Brilz, Leo LaBelle, and William Klotz. For friends so wishing donations may be made to the Radville Marian Health Centre Palliative Care Fund in his memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Brittany Ann McKim
Born on February 27, 1996, passed away on Sunday, April 25, 1999. She is survived by her parents Juanita and Barry McKim; her two sisters, Nadya and Nicole; her grandparents, Elda and Richard Kater, Phil (Shirley) Hala, Gladys and Ken McKim; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral service was held Wednesday, April 28, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. in Milestone United Church, Milestone, Sask., with Rev. Stewart Mills officiating. Interment in Milestone Cemetery. Flowers most gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre Pediatric Fund, 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, Sask. S4T 7T1. Arrangements in care of Speers Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Services.
Anina Lucia McWhinnie
On Tuesday, April 27, 1999, Anina Lucia McWhinnie, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 89 years. Predeceased by her parents, John and Eliene Von Sprecken; her husband, Levi McWhinnie; six brothers: Reimer Von Sprecken, Carl Sprecken, Cal Von Sprecken, Ervin Von Sprecken, John Von Sprecken and Ken Sprecken; and one sister, Margaret Crawford. Anina is survived by two sisters: Johanna McMahon of Swift Current, and Hertha Klappstein of Sherwood Park, AB; one brother, Hugo Sprecken of Griffin; two sisters-in-law: Florence Sprecken of Weyburn; and Audrey Von Sprecken of Fillmore; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as great nieces and nephews. Anina was born February 15, 1910 at Olin, Iowa, U.S.A. She was the eighth child in a family of 11 children born to John and Eliene Von Sprecken. She was brought up on a farm one mile north of Innes, SK. She walked to Dunreath School about 1-1/12 miles from home. She received her grade 12 and then went on to earn her teaching certificate. Anina lived on the farm at Innes with her two brothers, Ken and Hugo Sprecken. They travelled from Innes to many a hockey game in Weyburn. On August 30, 1961, Anina married Levi McWhinnie and they lived in Weyburn. They were steady customers at the hockey rink and they also housed several young hockey players and enjoyed their company. Anina looked after her mother and then also cared for Levi's mother. She liked to knit and crochet, and was an avid reader and could quote passages from the Bible. She was on the Ladies Auxiliary for both Weyburn General Hospital and for Weyburn Special Care Home. She was a member of the United Church in Froude as well as in Weyburn, and helped in the U.C.W. Funeral service was held Friday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn, with Bill Corkum officiating minister. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers, along with Betty Knibbs, Eleanor Roy, Yvonne Milne, Linda Calladine, Janice Bakken and Cecile Rasmussen. The active pallbearers were Dale Knibbs, Renaud Roy, George Milne, Al Calladine, Colen Bakken and Glen Rasmussen. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Weyburn Special Care Home or the Weyburn General Hospital Equipment Fund in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Arthur Theodore Dechant
On Thursday, April 22, 1999 Arthur Theodore Dechant, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 82 years. Predeceased by his father and mother, Reinhold and Hilda Dechant; two brothers, Walter and Carl; and one sister-in-law, Polly Dechant. Art is survived by his three brothers and one sister: Ralph Dechant, Ernest Dechant, Clifford Dechant and Grace Dechant, all of Weyburn. Art was born August 8, 1916, the first of the Dechant boys. Reinhold and Hilda had only recently come up from the States to homestead in the Francis area. Conditions were harsh, Art was born in the granary where they lived that first winter. They kept warm with a wood stove and Souris coal until spring, when a proper house was built and sod was turned and farming began in earnest. Art's life was the family farm. He attended the Diamond School, until the call to the farm took precedence and he stayed at home. Dad always depended on Art for farming, and Art always followed Dad's advice. They farmed with horses for many years, until Art got them interested in a Massey-Wallace, which soon was traded off for their first John Deere. From the humble beginnings in the granary, through to pitching bundles all day into the threshing machine, Art helped build the family farm into a three-combine operation that also included neighbour Allan McIver. Though Art loved the whole way of life, his favorite part of farming was the harvest. Art used to enjoy watching sports. He never missed the Colfax sports days, and always enjoyed listening to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the radio or watching them play on TV. He usually attended the old-time music dances at Diamond and Maxwell schools, with Leonard Linen's band playing the music. And there were many evenings over at neighbours playing cards. Art also liked to travel, and he went on every John Deere tour that Watson's had, twice by plane, and a few times with Bruno's by bus down to Detroit and Flint. He really enjoyed the Diamond School reunion a few years ago, especially the unveiling of the school marker and time capsule. Along with his brothers and sister, Art joined Christ Lutheran Church of Francis by adult confirmation with Pastor Berg officiating a ceremony held right on the farm. From 1983 until retirement in 1989 Art tried 'city farming' from 93 Scott Crescent in Weyburn. Lung and heart trouble slowed him down, so that a move to Parkway Lodge was necessary. Life there suited his good nature, and he took a lot of teasing. He became involved in a lot of things he'd never done before. He went on to the Parkway Lodge float in the parade last year, and really enjoyed the annual Twinkle Tour of Christmas lights. After his brother Carl's death just two months ago, Art's health deteriorated. On April 22 he passed away peacefully in his sleep. A memorial service was held Monday, April 26 from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Pastor Ron Bestvater officiating. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. Interment will follow at a later date in Regina Memorial Gardens. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice, in his memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Louis John Maas
On Saturday, April 17, 1999 Louis John Maas passed away peacefully at the age of 79 years. Predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Barbara (Mayer) Maas; Auntie Theresa Glass; three brothers: George, John and Tony Maas; nephew, Daniel Maas; two infant nephews; one great niece and a son-in-law, William John (Jack) Logel. Louis is survived by his wife Marjorie (Hyer) of Weyburn; daughter, Valerie (Gordon) Sinnett of Frankford, ON; son, Jimmie (Cathy) Maas of Regina; six step children, six grandchildren; his brothers and sisters: Lena (Howard) Giroux; Barbara Maas; Pete (Rose) Maas; and Joe (Eva) Maas, all of Weyburn; two sisters-in-law: Mary Maas of Stonewall, MB and Mary Maas of Weyburn; as well as numerous nieces, nephews great nieces and great nephews. Louis was born August 22, 1919 in Hungary, the second oldest son of Barbara and Joseph Maas. At the age of five, they immigrated to Canada and settled in the Ceylon and Pangman area. While attending school, Louis helped on the farm. In 1952 he moved to Lynn Lake, MB and started working in the mines. Later he was a cook in a logging camp. He returned to Weyburn in 1958 where he started work at Tournighy Dist. (John Deere). Although it was sold and became Watson Dist., Louis continued working there until 1981. He married Marjorie April 22, 1984 at Knoxville, Iowa, USA. Louis enjoyed gardening, his flowers and his grandchildren. Due to illness he sold the house on 2nd Avenue and Louis and Marjorie moved to Pioneer Place where he resided until his passing. Prayers were said Tuesday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Father John Mock presiding. The funeral mass was held Wednesday, April 21, at 10:00 a.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, with Father John Mock celebrant. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens. All those in attendance were considered honorary pallbearers. For friends so wishing donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Stained Glass Window Fund, in his memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Lorena Hills
On Tuesday, May 4, 1999, Lorena Hills, late of Weyburn, passed away at Souris Valley Regional Care Centre at the age of 83 years. Predeceased by her father and mother, Ford and Ida Hillard; two brothers, two sisters, and by her husband, Ross Hills. Lorena leaves to mourn her loving family: two sons, Mel (Darlene) Hills of Grand Forks, BC and his children: Don, Charlene and Shelly; and Ernie Hills of Redcliff, AB and his children: Carla, Sandy and Bonnie; and a daughter, Marion (Bill) Pierce of Colfax, SK and their children: Ray and Rhonda; five great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Lorena was born June 7, 1915 at Swanson, SK. She was raised on her parents' farm in the district of Delisle, SK and received her Grade 11 education there. On December 20, 1935 she married Ross Hills at Delisle. They lived at Delisle, then Portreeve, SK until her husband's death in 1968. Lorena then moved to Swift Current and then to Medicine Hat for two years to live with her son, Ernie. In 1980 she moved to Weyburn. She belonged to the U.C.W. at Delisle and Portreeve, and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and watching TV. Her family was very special to her as she was to them. She will be dearly missed. Funeral service was held Friday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The interment took place Saturday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m. in Portreeve Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Michael (Mike) John Kaufmann
Michael (Mike) John Kaufmann passed away May 10, 1999 in the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Grande Prairie, AB. Mike was born near Pangman August 26, 1929 to Nicklous and Victoria (Eller) Kaufmann. He grew up on the family farm three miles east of the village of Pangman. This farm was in part, the original homestead of his namesake and grandparents who emigrated from Yugoslavia in 1902. He attended school in Khedive, Notre Dame College, Wilcox and Chicago School of Diesel Mechanics, Edmonton. Mike was an avid sports fan and a very competitive participant, playing baseball, hockey, curling and his later years developed a passion for golf. His fondest sport recollections included his tenure as the centre fielder for the Pangman All Star Baseball Club when baseball flourished in Saskatchewan during the late 1940's and early 1950's. Mike married his teenage sweetheart, Ruby Lillejord April 28, 1953. They lived in Pangman, Regina, Calgary, and in 1972 joined the Vulcan Equipment firm in Grande Prairie and was employed there until his retirement a few years ago. Mike was predeceased by a brother, Ernest, his mother and father, Victoria and Nicklous, and his loving wife, Ruby. Surviving family members include sister Evelyn, Khedive; John, Pangman; Bill, Calgary; and his much loved offspring: Debbie (and Jim), Calgary; Donna (and Tim), Rockyford; Dale (and Shannon), Red Deer; grandchildren: Tammy, Tanya, Amanda, James, Mitchell and great granddaughter Dallas, all of Calgary. Funeral service in celebration of Mike's life will be held Thursday, May 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church, 9614-108 Ave., Grande Prairie. The family expresses its appreciation to the staff of Unit "3 North" at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital for their caring and professional attitude. In lieu of floral tributes, the family gratefully suggests contributions to the Queen Elizabeth II Cancer Clinic.
Derek Lockyer
On Friday, April 30, 1999, Derek Lockyer, late of Weyburn, passed away at Souris Valley Extended Care Centre, at the age of 75 years. Predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Nellie Lockyer; one sister and brother-in-law, Paddy and Arthur Bell; one niece, Ann Baker; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Peter and Dreena Dobson; and one grandson, Will Glass. Derek is survived by his loving wife Jeanne of Weyburn; one daughter Heather (Brian) Glass of Weyburn; two sons: Keith (Barbara) Lockyer and Nigel (Sylvia) Lockyer, both of Hampshire, England; adopted son, Peter (Gina) Mansbridge of Surrey, England; grandchildren: Michelle Racinsky of Regina; Andrea (Richard) Berogna, Nicola (Derron) Christopher, Neal Dobson, Alastair Lockyer, Russell Lockyer, Kelly Lockyer (Richard Monkcom), all of England; one great granddaughter, Robyn Monkcom of England; one sister-in-law Muriel (Sam) Small; nephew, Trevor (Lorna) Bell, all of England; three nieces: Keay (Richard) Golletz, Ann (Doug) Hay and their son Adam, and Susan Dobson, all of Brandon, MB; as well as his special girl, Alisha Plonka of Weyburn. Derek Cecil William Lockyer was born September 7, 1923 at Linwood, Hampshire, England where he lived until the age of two, then moved to the village of Bickton and lived there until he was 12. He went to school in Fordingbridge, walking one and a half miles each way. When he was 15 he joined the Boys Service of the Royal Navy and at age 16 went to sea on his first ship "H.M.S. Aurora." Much of Derek's life was spent at sea, and much of that time in the midst of some of the dramatic sea engagements of WWII. He was at Spitzbergen when the Russians and the Norwegians had to be evacuated; he was at North Cape, Cape Town, Sierra Leone, the Battle of Malta and the invasion of Oran. Derek was a member of the ship's company on the Aurora which was providing escort for the aircraft carrier "HMS Victorious," and witnessed the "Hood" going down after being attacked by the Bismark, and later watched as the Bismark sank. In December 1944 Derek returned to his family in England who were by then living at Hayling Island, Hampshire. On May 29, 1945 Derek married Jeanne Dobson and almost immediately was back to sea again, this time serving in the Mediterranean and Malta, where he was when the war ended. After leaving the Navy Derek worked as a bus driver for a year then in a bakery for a short time. After that he worked in a grocery store and then returned to bus driving. He was recalled to the Navy in August 1950. Derek received his final discharge from the Navy in 1952. In March 1952 Derek resumed his job as bus driver, this time doing long distance trips to Yorkshire and daily tours of various parts of England and Wales and monthly trips to Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland. In 1968 he was promoted to Depot Regulator with the duty of dispatching over 180 buses daily. Derek and Jeanne immigrated to Canada in July of 1970 and lived in Kenora, ON where Derek was employed by Modern Dairies (later Beatrice Foods) until 1972, then in Sioux Lookout for one year, then back to Kenora until his retirement in 1982. Derek joined the Royal Canadian Legion in Sioux Lookout then transferred to Kenora where he served as Sergeant-at-Arms for 14 years. He was a long time member of the Masons, and was past Master in 1987 in Kenora, and a member of the International Peace Gardens Lodge, the Eastern Star and the Independent Order of Forresters. In March 1989 Derek and Jeanne moved to Weyburn to be closer to their daughter and her family. In May 1995 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Derek received six medals for his time of Service. He loved life, his family and people. His big smile and cheerful nature endeared him to many people. Even as his health declined in the past few years, that smile and sunny disposition seldom left him. Funeral service was held Tuesday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Len Hamill, Sandy Wyness, Murray Spearman, Dave Baht, John New and Clarence Goebel. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, in his memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
James Johnstone
On Sunday, May 2, 1999 James Johnstone, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 80 years. Predeceased by his wife, Irene (Bloor) Johnstone; father and mother, George and Jean Johnstone; two brothers: Thomas and Wilson Johnstone; and one sister, Marion Small. James leaves to mourn two sisters-in-law: Phyllis Johnstone of Weyburn, and Zita Johnstone of Veteran, AB; nieces and nephews: Murray (Carole) Johnstone; Jerome (Judy) Johnstone; Harvey (Sandra) Johnstone; Jean (Robert) Dovis; Stuart Small; Lynn (Bill) Johnstone; also numerous brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. Jim was born November 3, 1918 on the Johnstone farm, 10-01-12, in what later became the Oungre area. His school years were spent at Range View School and one year at Central Collegiate in Moose Jaw. They lived a typical farm life with mother and dad, brothers Wilson and Tommy and sister Marion. When growing up he and his brother Tommy did a lot of singing at different functions. Later he enjoyed dancing, golfing and playing crib. He was also an avid TV sports fan of baseball. He married Irene Bloor on May 30, 1942 at Estevan. When just married, they bought a small house and moved it to the Johnstone yard, then they moved it 1/4 mile south and built on. Late in 1942 he joined the Army and spent some time in industrial staff in Prince Albert. He went overseas in 1944 and was there until the end of the war. He was baptized into the United Church and took further instructions while in the Army. When he returned home from the war, he took an active interest in community affairs. He became a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 306 and was an active member for many years. Jim really enjoyed visiting with company. They continued to farm until moving into Weyburn in 1975, to #3 Hartney Bay. In 1997 Jim moved to the Julianna Apts. after Irene's passing and lived there until his passing. Funeral service was held Thursday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. from Silver Heights Bible Church, Weyburn, with Pastor Larry Rempel officiating. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Stuart Bloor, Kevin Bloor, Ronald Eddy, Murray Johnstone, Jerome Johnstone and Bill Johnstone. Those wishing to express their sympathy may donate to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn.
