All posts by Dan Senick

Schmidtke, Emma

June 5, 1938 – April 30, 2023

Emma Schmidtke was born in Mulhausen, Ukraine. She emigrated to Canada in 1948 when she was 10 years old with her mother Mathilde and brother Otto.

They landed in Halifax and headed west to Young, SK. Life was difficult not knowing the language, but Emma had great determination and self will to adjust to Canada. Emma’s church became a very important part of her life. Faithful member of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, she was the first lady on church council. She was involved in Bible study group, choir member and Sunday school teacher.

In 1955 Emma married her first husband Harold Schmiedge and they moved to the farm. Emma became a Canadian citizen in 1959. They lived on the farm until 1969 when they moved into Davidson, SK. In September of 1969 Emma became receptionist for Dr AI Katib for the next 29 years. Emma and Harold were married for 26 years when Harold passed away from cancer in 1981. In her 17 years of being a widow, Emma showed her caring and loyal side as she cared for her mother. In 1975 her mother passed away suddenly. Emma battled breast cancer and was a survivor.

Emma through Mary Folk’s “ Match Making” met Art Shaw, her brother. After a short dating period they were married May 31, 1998. Emma seemed to have more joy and laughter when Art came into her life. Emma was a wonderful cook, and loved to entertain. Her hospitality was enjoyed by many friends and family. During the winter, they traveled to Las Vegas for many years in their motor home. They traveled with friends to Nashville, Asheville, Dollywood, Myrtle Beach and many trips to Maui. Emma and Art would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on May 31, 2023. Emma always knew what to say and was never afraid to say it- a force to be reckoned with. She knew her mind and couldn’t be pushed to do anything she didn’t want to do.

Emma passed away suddenly at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon with special friends by her side on April 30, 2023. Emma, referred to by some as “little lady” and “fancy lady” will be greatly missed by her friends and family and loving husband Art.

Service of remembrance for Emma Schmiedge-Shaw was held at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church on May 18, 2023. Donations may be directed to Davidson Hospital Trust Fund, Saskatchewan Breast Cancer or charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Services.

Demeester, Myrtle Aileen

November 24, 1943 – May 26, 2023

It is with heartfelt sadness that Myrtle Aileen Demeester passed away with her love Paul, by her side on their anniversary of 61 years, May 26, 2023 in Davidson Sask. One is never ready to say goodbye, but she was ready for her eternal journey and is now free from  a lengthy battle of health issues and dementia. Family, friends and guests will remember her most for her cooking and apple pie, she made the best!

Myrtle is survived by: Husband Paul Demeester – Daughter Theresa (Dale) Forster, Son – Darwin Demeester, Sisters – Margaret (Bob) Takaki, Helen Zatylny, Dorothy Thomas, Rose (Peter) Kolody, Brother – Lionel Thomas, Brother-in-law – Dennis (Julie) Demeester and Wayne Bentz.

She was predeceased by: Son – Darcy Demeester, Mother – Vera Thomas, Father – Edward Thomas, Brother – Eddy Thomas, Sister – Martha Bentz, Mother-in-law – Andrea Demeester, Father-in-law – Omer Demeester, Brothers-in-law – Julius Zatylny, Carl Billinski and Walter Manz, Sisters-in-law – Madeline Manz, Pauline Thomas and Donna Demeester.

Myrtle had 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated, and a family graveside service will be held at a later date. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Myrtle may be directed to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Andreas, Raymond

With great sadness, we share news of the sudden passing of Raymond Andreas. Raymond was born on May 9, 1936 on a farm east of Girvin to Nick and Barbara Andreas; he was the second child of seven. Raymond went to Sunny Knole School until he started to work for farmers in the Girvin and Craik areas. He then joined his father and two brothers, Frank and Albert, and they farmed together. In the late 50’s, Raymond bought land and farmed on his own.  

In 1963, Raymond met Beatrice Landrie who was from Simpson, SK. They married on April 18, 1964 and welcomed their first child, Colleen, on July 9, 1965; followed by Brent on June 28, 1967 and then Keith on December 23, 1971. 

Raymond, along with Beatrice of course, was known for having a great garden – people would always walk along the back alley in town to see the progress. 

He was a very loving father and husband. That love expanded to his grandchildren and then even greater to his great grandchildren. The kids always knew to go to Grandpa for a treat – there was candy stashed everywhere and even optional ice cream for breakfast.

Raymond loved playing cards and everyone was welcome to play no matter the age – he was always happy to teach anyone willing to learn.  

Raymond went through sorrow from the loss of his youngest son, Keith and then in later years, the loss of his grandson, Eric (Courtney). Raymond was also predeceased by parents, Nick and Barbara; parents in-law, Jack and Marie; brothers and sister in laws, Frank (Jaquie), and Albert (Arlene); brother-in-law, Jim (Helen); brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Ed and Irene and Art and Barb; as well as many nephews and extended family. 

To mourn the loss are wife, Beatrice; Daughter, Colleen (Wes); Son, Brent; Grandchildren, Clayton (Mandy), Courtney, Corrine (Vic), Cayla; great grandchildren Malichi, Rhyder, Amellia, Briella (Clayton’s); Jade, Dillon, Waylon (Courtney’s); Jazmine, Sofia (Corrine’s).

Zdunich, Barbara

1939 – 2023

Barbara Zdunich of Hanley, Sk passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023. A Celebration of life will be on June 11, 2pm at Kenaston Place, Kenaston Sask. In lieu of flowers, for those so wishing, memorial donations may be directed to the Town of Hanley (Hanley Fire Dept.) Service arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson Sk.

Theodore Obrigewitsch

Theodore Obrigewitsch passed away at home on a needed rainy day, May 24, 2023.  Ted was born in the Lajord area on August 9, 1936.  The family moved to west of Craik to start their new grain farm. Ted worked various jobs before he settled down to farm.  He framed houses in Alberta and custom combined in the mid west USA. He returned home to farm and work for Uncle Johnny Schneider at his machinery dealership. In 1964, he started his own farm. His farm was surrounded by family: brother Lawrence and cousin Ken Schneider.

He married Loretta after harvest in 1964.  Ted always joked about how he met Loretta.  He picked out the lady with the best legs in Regina.

Ted and Loretta started a family with a daughter, Jacqueline in 1966 and Jane followed in 1967.  As the family grew, the old farm house needed replacing.  Ted bought a house trailer. Twice a year, he hooked it up to his tractor and dragged it to town for the winter and back out to the farm for seeding.

Ted was very involved in family and community.  He was mayor of Craik for many years. He belonged to many boards including church, school, golf, curling, Lions. While on the hospital board, he was very proud of his help with the building of the health centre.

When Ted and Loretta had child number three, Scott, in 1971, they built their present house to accommodate the the growing family.  Ted said he paid for his house with a quarter section of flax.

Ted was involved in all his children’s activities.  He coached ball, curling and was a scout leader.  He drove the Suburban full of kids to towns all over Saskatchewan.  This carried on to his grandchildren.  He attended Tanner’s ball games all over Canada and the US.  He spent many hours in school gyms watching his granddaughters’ volleyball. He took in soccer games in Calgary – with no understanding of soccer at all but that wasn’t the point. He spent many hours with his great grandsons; showing them his garden, giving horsey rides, explaining combine parts and reading books.

Ted loved to talk.  He prided himself with finding a common link with all he met.  Loretta spent many hours waiting while Ted finished visiting with his new friends.

Ted and Loretta lived their retirement years travelling with their Fifth Wheel to their winter home in Casa Grande.  They had a wonderful group of friends to golf and happy hour with.  Ted loved his Blue Jays ball team.  They went to many games and later enjoyed watching them on TV from his favorite chair in his living room.

To cherish so many memories, Ted leaves his wife Loretta of 58 years; his daughters, Jacquie (Wade) and Jane(Darren); and his son, Scott(Sheila). He leaves 9 grandchildren; Tristyne(Ben), Randi(Dylan), Kendra, Kelsey(Trent), Tanner(Kylee), Kara, Isaac, Ess and Katherine, 4 great grandsons; Brantley, Cooper, Theo and Sutter.  He also leaves Deb, Don and family McArtur. Ted leaves many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Ted leaves his siblings, Ray (Betty), Hank (Joyce), Tim, sister in law Bev, and brother in law Norm.   Ted is predeceased by parents, Harry and Rose; inlaws, Edward and Catherine; brother Lawrence; kid sister Evelyn and her husband, Karl; inlaws Lorne and Joan Strueby, Darlene Obrigewitsch and June Loehr.

There are so many neighbors, friends and family that have been involved and important to Ted’s life, that we can’t mention them all but you are remembered. 

The Mass Of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 11 am in St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Craik, SK with interment to follow in the Craik Cemetery. The family invites everyone for lunch and fellowship in the Craik Town Hall following the interment.

Hanson’s Funeral Service of Davidson, SK in care of arrangements.