Category Archives: Obituary

Westman, Corinne

Aug 18, 1939 – May 1, 2020

There is only but one happiness
in life, Love and be Loved!

May 1, 2021 marks the first anniversary of the passing of our precious Mom, Mother in Law, Grandma and Great Grandma.

We were able to celebrate Mom’s life on May 5, 2020 with an intimate, immediate family graveside gathering. We are unable to hold a Celebration of Mom’s life and ask that you celebrate her memory in your own way.

Corinne Grace Lewington was the second born child of Clarence and
Evelyn Lewington at the Calgary General Hospital, a baby sister for
Gwendoline Louise.

Clarence served overseas from 1940-1945 causing Evelyn and her girls to live at various addresses in Calgary during his absence. With Clarence’s return, the family settled in Bowness, AB and baby brother Raymond Fredrick soon arrived, which made her the “middle child”!

Mom grew up in the closely-knit community of Bowness and attended Bow View, Viscount Bennett and Parkway school as well as Mt Royal College.

Mom’s love of the outdoors began early with the freedom to roam and play within the view of her Rocky Mountains. Mom’s parents instilled the love of gardening in her. She was involved in Brownies, Explorers, piano lessons and Sunday school.

She began teaching Sunday school at the age of 14 and continued until 2019 when her health did not allow her to continue.
Mom was Stampede Princess in 1959– representing Bowness.

As a young woman, Corinne worked for Mannix Constructions in HR Dept. and met her future husband Earl at a Mannix Pipeline picnic. Earl and Corinne were engaged at Peters’ Drive In on 16th Ave
in Calgary and were married Nov. 25, 1961 at the Bowness Baptist Church.

Dad continued his pipelining career, which ultimately led to having 4 kids being born in 3 different provinces. He and Mom travelled around Canada and into the USA, trailer in tow, with their growing young family. They developed many life-long friends in their travels.

The death of Earl’s father in 1966 brought them home to the family farm in Kenaston, known as “Fairview Farms’. This is where Mom chose to live until her passing.

Mom grew to love the prairies and made them home, she transitioned from the city life to farm wife. Mom became very
involved in the Kenaston Community with Zid Community Club, Kenaston Evangelical Church and Super Draft to name only a few.

Mom and Dad created an environment that their children and
grandchildren are proud to call home!

Corinne was admired for her quiet nature, love of family, faith, soft spot for animals, determination, her beautiful yard, chiffon cakes and apple pies. Mom was proud of her family and was always “available” to travel for a visit or a family holiday. She enjoyed shopping, a good laugh, the lake and a family wiener roast in her back yard!

Corinne was predeceased by Earl,Dec. 29, 2010, she is survived and
loved by her children: Susan (Remi) Lamarche, Leslie (Shane) Lokos, Joni (Reg) Zdunich and Scot Westman (Tiffany Stephenson). Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: Jerad Lamarche, Kelsey Lamarche (Arnout Ruurs), Kiley Zdunich (Jimy Sloan), Danielle Lamarche (Kyle Slusar and children, Zaiden and Brody), Taryn Zdunich (Linden Freeden), Makenna Ebbert (Scott and their children Jett and Jensen), Chase Zdunich, Kale Lokos, Macy Lokos, Tate Lokos and Jessie Westman.

Survived by her siblings Gwen Lemay and Ray (Tracy) Lewington. Earl’s siblings, Evelyn McVeigh, Norman (Margaret) Westman, Shirley (Jim) Sanderson and Dawna Westman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Corinne was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Evelyn
Lewington. Earl’s parents, Cornelius (Slim) and Laura Westman. Brothers in law Glenn McVeigh, Dick Horne and Ray Lemay.

If you choose, donations in honour of Corinne can be made to the Kenaston Evangelical Church (Box 271, Kenaston, SK S0G 2N0) or Kenaston & District Public Cemetery Society (Box 111, Kenaston, SK. S0G 2N0)

Special thanks to Todd Lockwood-Hanson’s Funeral Home

Thomson, Mark

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Mark Thomson on April 17,2021.

Mark is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Narinda Maree; his children Richard (Kirstin) Thomson, Katherine (Andrew) Harrison, Erika (Marcus) Thomson, and Bryan (Ainsley) Thomson, as well as his grandchildren, Paige, Deakon and Amelia.

A private family graveside service to be held at a later date.

In living memory of Mark, a memorial planting will be made by Jones – Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: https://www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).

Schollar, Sterling Otis

July 5, 1928 – April 5, 2021

Sterling, second eldest of Ethel and Arthur Schollar, lived six miles east of Craik.

He attended Parkhill School. In those days, boys didn’t really need an education, especially if their job was needed at home; hence, he only received a partial Grade 9.

The following years Sterling worked for several farmers in the area. The first car he drove was Martin Luther’s. What an experience!

The field was hardly big enough. Oliver Vibert was another one of his employers. Here he learned to drive a tractor. Oliver helped him hook the 2236 International tractor on steel to a Minneapolis one-way and packers. Hooked behind these machines was the fuel wagon.

Oliver directed Sterling north on No. 11 highway on a Saturday afternoon, destination Davidson. Miraculously, man and outfit all arrived safely several hours later. Through Oliver, many an
inexperienced fellow learned farming practices.

Sterling began farming for himself in 1950, renting a half section from Harry Grant. This land was located four miles northwest of Craik.

In 1953 he married Ellen, oldest daughter of George
and Edith Hall.

In 1955 they purchased a farm of their own, W10:24:29, approximately nine miles west of Craik.

Sterling was a director of the Bennett Telephone Company for several years. He also served on the Craik School Board and was a member of council for R.M. 222, serving as Division 6 councilor from 1984-1999. Sterling was an active member of the Craik Lion’s Club and served twice as president, zone chairman and deputy chairman for District 5CW. He also served on the Sight and Service Committee.

Gone from us that smiling face, His pleasant cheerful way. A heart that won so many friends in bygone days. Though his smiles are gone forever and his hand we cannot touch. We shall never lose saved memories of the one we loved so much.

Sterling leaves to mourn his very loving and dedicated wife Ellen of 67.5 years; Children Jan (Tom) Sampson, Joy (Glenn) Ehrhardt, Ralph (Sharon) and Lloyd (Judy); Thirteen grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and more expected soon. Sterling also leaves behind his brother-in-law Chris Heathcote and sister-in-law Eleanor Schollar as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service for Sterling was held at Craik Cemetery on Saturday April 10, 2021.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Sterling may be made to the Craik Health Trust Fund. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Steckler, Carl

On the morning of April 17, 2021 Carl Steckler passed away peacefully at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Carl was born in Davidson, Saskatchewan on April 8, 1931. He led an interesting life of work and travel that was often talked about at family gatherings.

Carl was a farmer all of his life and also worked as an ironworker, welder, and for a short time operated a service station with his two brothers in Calgary, Alberta.

Carl met Marina Keats at Craik, Saskatchewan where she was training as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 1960. The two of them were married in 1961 and soon started a family in Calgary, Alberta area. Carl worked as a welder for Dominion Bridge of Calgary
and worked on the construction of the then Husky Tower, now called the Calgary Tower, and other projects around Alberta for his employer.

In 1973, Carl and Marina moved to a farm east of Didsbury, Alberta with their three children Becky, Bonnie, and Dale. Then again, they sold that farm and moved to another farm in the Central Butte,
Saskatchewan area in 1977.

Carl was involved in curling in the winter months going to the local curling club and area bonspiels with Marina and friends. Carl also volunteered his time in the building of the new Central Butte arena.

Carl attended with his family the local social events such as potluck suppers etc. He also enjoyed travelling to exotic places like Mexico and El Salvador with Marina and family. Unfortunately, health issues eventually caused him to withdraw from curling and eventually the farming life.

The next life adventure was Carl and Marina moving to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. They now spent their time going for long walks about
town, an Alaskan cruise with family, and involvement in the various social activities in the living complex.

Carl was predeceased by his parents Zaccheus and Eva Steckler. He was also the last surviving and fourth oldest sibling of five sisters and two brothers Hilda Makellky (Bernard), Freda Ward (Robert),
Cathren Steckler, Walter Steckler (Edith), Marie Woods (Frank), Rose Greene, and George Steckler (Marge).

Carl is survived by his wife Marina of nearly 60 years; his children Becky (Greg Makellky), Bonnie (Nelson Maldonado), and Dale Steckler (Hillary); 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren Justin Makellky (Deanne, children Vincent, Theo, Charlotte and Eva), Stephanie Makellky (children Leneva, Elizavet and Hadassah), Kalvin Makellky (Amy), Mark Maldonado (Raquel, children Maya), Patricia (John Vadasz, children Sofia and Gabriella), Cedric Maldonado, Cindi Maldonado, Jamie (Jason McGillivray, children Everly and Hailey), Kenton Steckler (Ashlee, children Kenlee), Megan Steckler (children Lucas Lutcher), Ryan Steckler (Skye Sitler, children Carter); and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date when gatherings are once again permitted and he will eventually be interred in the Rosedale Cemetery, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Carl will be greatly missed by both family and friends. Any gifts or donations may be made with appreciation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Rettger, Fred

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing away of Fred Rettger at the age of 78 with his wife and children by his side.

Dad grew up and lived his whole life in the Davidson area on the family farm west of town and the past 11 years in Davidson. Dad was a farmer through and through.

His sole purpose and meaning in life, was his family and friends. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was always lending a helping hand to anyone that needed it. Whether it was building something or helping his cousins with harvest.

Dad enjoyed the peacefulness of fishing, gardening and was excellent at carpentry. He was the hardest working man we knew. Dad was a man of few words, soft spoken and gentle. All who knew him, respected him and admired his inner spirit.

Fred and Gerry (Schick) were married in May 1967 and lived on the family farm where they raised their 4 children; Bonnie (Mike Kalynowski), Vickie (Tim Holder), Julie-Ann (Mark Lavigne), Timothy (Lynette Stubson). Fred and Gerry have 8 grandchildren (Logan, Jorden, Brandon, Nolan, Skylar, Summer, Aden, Matthew) and have 2 great grandchildren (Emmett and Hadley). Fred also has a large extended family that love him dearly.

Fred is predeceased by his parents Andrew and Sarah Rettger and brother George Rettger.

Survived by his sister Margorie Dean.

Even though retired, dad’s love for farming kept him in the fields with his life long friend Don Riecken and cousin Kim Rettger.

Dad was a gentle, kind soul with strong faith in the Holy Spirit. His family will miss him but we have peace knowing he is looking down on us daily, forever watching over us.

God Bless you dad, rest in peace.

Private family gathering at grave side will be held at a later date.

Sekulich, Katherine (Katie)

1925 – 2021

Katie passed away peacefully at her home in Kenaston on February 13, 2021.

Katie was born to Frank and Frances Sarich on their family farm near Hanley. She was the second of eight children. Croatian was Katie’s first language. She learned to speak English in her first year at Crescent View School and learned quickly.

After she left school she worked for a short time in Saskatoon. Katie met John, the love of her life, and they were married in 1952. They resided on the family farm near Kenaston until 1989, when they moved into the village of Kenaston.

Katie was an excellent homemaker and always so hospitable. No one could show up to her home without being fed. Katie was an avid gardener but she had an interest in almost any indoor or outdoor plant. She loved to see how they would grow. She had a huge garden on the farm and even though the garden in town was quite large it was still small by her standards. She was still gardening on her own this past year. She even started growing grapes to make her own wine, which she was proud to share with visitors.

The church was a huge part of her life. She spent many hours cleaning, doing linens and making sure the door was open for numerous functions.

Katie is survived by her husband John of 68 years, children Judy Sekulich (Roger Elliot), Kathy (Don) Matzner, Arthur (Wendy) Sekulich, Pam (Lee) Olfert, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, sisters Margaret (Matt) Tomyn and Nora Sarich, sisters-in-law Agnes Sarich, Marj Sarich and brother-in-law Ray Young.

She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Frances Sarich, brothers Stanley, Henry and Dan Sarich, sister-in-law Jo Sarich and sisters Elizabeth and Diane.

A Family prayer service and mass for Katie was held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Kenaston SK and Katie was laid to rest in St. Andrew’s Cemetery.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Katie may be directed to St. Andrew’s Church in Kenaston Sask.

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.