Category Archives: Obituary

Darrell Kerpan (1959-2023)

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Darrell Kerpan of Kenaston, SK. He was a beloved father and cherished friend who left a mark on all those who knew him. Darrell’s unexpected departure has left us with a profound sense of loss, but we find solace in the treasured memories we shared with him.

Darrell spent many years farming and was an avid motorcyclist, finding joy and freedom on the open road. He had a wanderlust spirit, exploring new horizons and creating unforgettable adventures through his travels. His tales of these journeys, delivered with a unique blend of humor and wit, captivated audiences and brought laughter to every gathering.

Darrell Kerpan will be dearly missed but forever remembered for his warm heart, boisterous laughter, and his ability to write entertaining stories about life.

Survived by son Wyatt (Summer); daughter Chelsey Weiler; grandchildren Sierra, Charity, and Dawson Kerpan; siblings: Karen (Wayne) Jess; Marg (Ken) Baird; Allan (Melanie) Kerpan; nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by parents Paul and Helen Kerpan, niece Danille Kerpan.

A memorial service will be held at Kenaston Place on July 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. In tribute, motorcycle riders are welcome to lead the funeral procession to the cemetery.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Shanidar Funeral Services.

Busche, Helen Isobelle

We are sad to announce the passing of Helen Isobelle Busche of Imperial, SK.  Helen passed away peacefully, in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 2, 2023, with her son Terry at her side.  A Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023 at St. Andrew’s United Church in Imperial, SK.  Helen is survived by daughters Darlene Roney (Ron), Wendy Petrick and son Terry Busche (Diane); eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. 

Cremation arrangements in care of Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.  To share memories of Helen or send condolences please visit www.mourningglory.ca 

Marianne (Opdahl) Prosofsky

JUNE 26, 1951 – JUNE 29, 2023

Marianne Prosofsky of Saskatoon, SK, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 29th at Royal University Hospital surrounded by family.  Marianne was born in Saskatoon on June 26th, 1951 to Pearl and Joar Opdahl of Hanley, SK.  Marianne completed all her schooling in Hanley and loved figure skating and being an active member of the Lutheran Church.  In 1969, Marianne married the love of her life, Robert Prosofsky.  They had three children, Curtis, Tammy and Bobbi Jo.  Marianne’s true talent was being an amazing mother and nana.  As her children grew, she co-owned a ceramic shop with her sister-in-law Susan Prosofsky and later owned/operated the Hanley Hotel. Mom was as loyal as they come for devoting her life to care for her husband for 10 years after a tragic accident.   Marianne greeted everyone with the biggest heart and the warmest smile.  She loved watching her grand kids play ball, dance, hockey, motocross, football and all school sports, as well as listening to them play music and sing.  She was a great cheerleader and their #1 fan!

Marianne retired from the hotel business in 2010 and moved to Saskatoon closer to family.  She enjoyed her winters in Mesa, Arizona.  She loved her time in the south with her many friends and family playing cards.  Marianne’s hobbies included making personalized greeting cards and bragging about her grandchildren.  She loved her time at the pool in Saskatoon and Mesa where she met many friends to share her stories with.    

Marianne was predeceased by her husband, Robert; parents Pearl and Joar Opdahl; mother and father-in-law Eleanore and Peter Prosofsky; sister Joy Steger; brothers Jerrold Opdahl, Herman Opdahl and Conrad Opdahl;  brother-in-law Ray Morris; nephew Jeff Opdahl; great nephew Nathan Hassell; sisters-in-law Faye Prosofsky, Lucille Wunsch, Jewel Prosofsky, Susan Prosofsky; brothers-in-law Christopher Prosofsky, Stan Zdunich, Nic Prosofsky, Anthony Prosofsky, Peter Prosofsky; nephew Shad Wunsch; niece Misty Prosofsky. 

Marianne is survived by her children Curtis (Cindy) Prosofsky and their children Conor, Mercedes, Colby and Shelby; Tammy (Derek) Tropeau and their children Cooper, Gunner, Walker and Summer; Bobbi Jo (Grant) Weber and their children Bryn, Huston and Joar; brother and sisters, Irving (Shirley) Opdahl, (Joyce) Opdahl, (Franklin) Steger, Jerry (Jean) Opdahl, Dale (Lillian) Opdahl, Linda (Ron) Lamabe; in-laws, Linda (Ward) Tweet, Carol (Williard) McNernie, David (Susan) Prosofsky, (Carol Prosofsky Zonie Bilanski), Ivan (Leigh Anne) Prosofsky, Alfred (Pat) Prosofsky, (Debbie) Prosofsky, (Don) Wunsch and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.  A celebration of Marianne’s life/funeral service was held on Friday, July 7th, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Hanley Community Center.  Interment was at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Kenaston, SK.  For friends so wishing memorials in memory of Marianne may be directed to the Hanley Lutheran Church, Box 296, Hanley Sk. S0G 2E0 or Hanley Senior Baseball Box 251, Hanley Sk. S0L 2C0. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Barbara Jean Watt (nee Meshka)

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our mother Barbara Jean Watt (nee Meshka) on July 4, 2023. Barb was predeceased by her husband, Ron Watt. She leaves to mourn her, 5 children, Trudy Morken and her children (Tristan, Ella and Bradyn), Trisha Holland and her children, (Jayden, Nathan and Carter), Sheyla Popescu (Tyler) and their children, (Ayva and Raelee), Ronnel Palmer (Chris) and their children (Kassandra, Adrianna and Samuel), Ryan Watt (Yadali) and their children (Kaylee and Landon). She also leaves to mourn: 2 sisters, 2 brothers, numerous nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends. A graveside celebration of life will take place at a later date. If you would like to leave a charitable donation, please send it to Craik Senior Hockey. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Diane Mary Kuemper

August 4, 1948 – June 5, 2023

In loving Memory of Diane Mary Kuemper

Diane is survived by her Family: sons, Kim (Cheryl) Kuemper, Corey Kuemper, Daryl Kuemper; 9 Grandchildren – Jesslyn Kuemper, Kaiden Kuemper, Callan Kuemper, Hailey Park, Madison Park, Jacob Potter, Evan Kuemper, Brody Kuemper & Roland Kuemper; her sisters Betty, Ann Hart, Pat (Wayne) Dixon, & Gayle (Leo) Remillard; brother Brian (Bev) Ziefflie; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous in-laws and their families.

Diane is predeceased by; her father Emil Ziefflie, mother Betty Ziefflie, husband Dennis Kuemper, son Bradley Kuemper, daughter Colette Potter, sister Linda Fink, and numerous in-laws.

Diane Kuemper was born in Davidson, Saskatchewan on August 4, 1948. She passed away June 5, 2023 in the hospital at Claresholm, Alberta.

Diane grew up and attended school in Davidson, Saskatchewan. She met and then married Dennis Kuemper on November 5, 1966. They soon started a family, raising 5 children. Moving often for work Diane and Dennis lived in many places over the years and had settled back in Saskatchewan in the early 1980’s, first in Craik, and then in Davidson in the 1990’s.

Diane had worked many years in the service industry, as a server and as a cook in numerous restaurants over the years. She then took a job as a custodian for the rink in Davidson until her retirement.

Diane was well known for her cooking and baking skills. It was more of a go by feel method of cooking and baking, rather than that of measurements. Her family and customers always enjoyed the meals she prepared. She loved her family, especially the little ones who she would spoil and offer to babysit. She was also kind and would often help those who were in need. She was a big “softy”, despite her often gruff exterior. She liked to laugh and even in her last days, when she was asked by one of the nurses if she needed anything… her reply was “a million dollars”

Diane had touched the lives of so many people, she will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

At Diane’s request, no formal funeral service will be held. A private family burial will take place at a later date.


Ilene Patricia Yohnke

December 18, 1929 – April 14, 2023

There is No Better Gift in Life…

Than Life itself…

            Mom was born in Saskatoon, Dec. 18th, 1929 to Roy & Linda Arnold of Kelfield, SK.

All through her childhood, Mom grew up on her parent’s farm just outside of Kelfield.  They grew crops & Gardens, Also raised cows, horses, chickens, sheep, pigs etc.

            When Mom was 8 years old, she was blessed with a new baby brother named Earl, now making them a family of 4.  She loved having  baby brother.

            Mom’s cousin Phyllis told me, they never lived far from each other as kids. And every Saturday morning Mom would go to Phyllis’s & they would snare gophers. I guess now we know where Montey got his snaring talents from, Mom.

            Mom loved curling, riding horses, dances & playing her guitar. She told me that a friend taught her how to play guitar & they played at many dances…but if she came home late Grandad would let out a Beller “the milk still needs to be delivered!” She still never got away from doing chores!!! But I do believe she had a pretty good childhood!

            Mom was also taught how to be a switch board operator from a cousin. (there were many cousins in the Arnold family). She told me that was the Best Job she EVER had. “I just loved it” and I don’t doubt that…she loved her phone!

            Mom married William Yohnke, December 22, 1948 in Edson, Alberta. They had 3 children: Mervin Oct. 1949, Irvin Nov. 1950 & Darlene March 1953. They moved around a lot…there were many challenges & things did not work out. Mom was left alone now with 3 kids to care for in Bengough, SK…Rough times.

            In the early 60’s she met my dad, Charles Stevenson. He had a farm/ranch with family & hired hands in the Big Muddy Valley south of Bengough, Sask. He took Mom & children there to live with them. In June of 1963 I was born, 14 months later, August 25, 1964 Charles (my dad) passed away of a stroke at the age of 37. Needless to say, Mom had to leave the farm & now had 4 kids to look after…more rough times.

            In the late 60’s she met Dale Jensen of Bengough. He convinced her to move to Bladworth, Sask as he had a job at Allan Potash Mine. We moved there in June of 1970. Mom had another baby, Montey, April 1971.

            All through the years in Bladworth there were many big gardens, lots of canning & freezing…many wonderful Grand Children were born & loved. Mom also took the Home Care course & enjoyed her job until she retired. Her Dad Roy Arnold passed January 13, 1995 & Her Mom Linda Arnold March 10, 2013.

            Mom loved Bingo in her retirement years. Her, Darlene & friends had a real thing going travelling places to “Go play Bingo!!!”

            Dale passed away July 2017. By this time Mom had over 20 surgeries in her life time. Knee, hips, shoulders, stomach etc. …I liked to bug her by calling her the “Bionic Woman!” She really was a Tough Little Lady!

            We decided Mom could not stay alone in Bladworth by herself, so we moved her into the Elks Housing in Davidson. We were only a call away or a few blocks so we could help her out when needed. Mom’s Son in Law, Jack, passed away May 17, 2019.

            Mom still made cakes, puddings, & even buns at times. If her fruit was going bad, she made jams/jellies. She always kept Shawn stalked up with them & the ambulance fella’s thought her jam was delicious!!!

            In 2020 Mom had 2 sons pass away:  Montey January 4, 2020; Mervin October 21, 2020 and her brother Earl passed June 24, 2021

            Mom always loved her phone, tv & visiting. You were always welcome at her house; coffee was always on and cookie jar was full. Her memory was amazing…. she remembered birthdays & anniversaries, AND …if you needed to be “Set Straight” she could do that too!!!

            Mom passed away peacefully April 14, 2023 at the age of 93. All of our family would like to thank everyone who had a part in Mom’s life & to all who attended her funeral as well. Greatly Appreciated!

There will Never be Goodbyes from Us…. Where Ever You Are, Mom, You Will Always Be in Our Hearts!!!

Written By Margo  (Stevenson) Shaw