Walter Herbert Jess
1921-2015
It is with sadness and fond memories that the family of Walter Jess announce his passing on June 12, 2015 at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, at the age of 94 years. Walter was born in Herbert, Sask., on February 19, 1921 to Max and Adelheid Jess when the family farmed near Chaplin, Sask. While he was young the family moved to a farm near Shaunavon, Sask. It was here where Walter took all his schooling at Avon Heights School. In 1937 the family moved to the Strongfield, Sask., area to farm. In 1948 Walter met Stella Olson, who had moved to that area to teach school. They were married July 7, 1949. They were blessed with three sons, Garry, Glen and Doug, and a daughter, Sharon. Walter loved farming — growing grain and raising livestock, mostly Simmental cattle. He always had a faithful dog by his side. Walter was active in the community. He was a member of the Harrowby and Hawarden school boards for many years, served as a trustee of the Skudesnes Lutheran Church board and also the Rosedale Municipal Agricultural Committee. But his family was his greatest joy. He travelled many miles taking his children to their Scouting and Girl Guide meetings, to hockey or ball games, figure skating lessons, Confirmation classes, piano lessons and he enjoyed fishing and doing other activities with them. It pleased him to farm together with his “boys” for several years, and to watch his “little girl” mature into a fine lady. In 1997 Walter and Stella retired to Saskatoon where he enjoyed looking after the yard, the buildings, growing a garden, and going to McDonald’s for coffee early every morning. Walter and Stella enjoyed several holiday trips over the years – to Ontario, Los Angeles, and to several other states in the U.S.A., to the World Fair in Vancouver and several other trips. He especially enjoyed going to Germany where the highlight of the trip was visiting his father’s home place. In 2014 they sold their house and moved into Luther Riverside Terrace where they anticipated good times to be had. However, failing health plagued him since moving. He will be remembered for his flashing smile, jovial laughter and quick-witted remarks.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Stella Jess of Saskatoon; sons Glen Jess (Debbie) of Kenaston, children Mike (Aura) Jess and Lacey (Fielding) Simpkins; Doug Jess (Marlene) of Elbow, children Travis Jess and Dallas Jess; daughter Sharon Evans (Brock) of Saskatoon, children Jonathan Evans and Nicole Evans; daughter-in-law Gladys Ringdal (Bill) of Outlook, children Jeff Jess, Charity Jess and Brandi (Brad) Berquist; five great-grandchildren, Garry, Reid, Rhett, Madison and Lincoln; and many relatives and a host of friends.
Walter was predeceased by his parents Max and Adelheid Jess, son Garry (2003), brothers Bernard and Henry, sisters Ann Lovell, Heidi Sippola and Pearl Buchholz, as well as many of his in-laws.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Skudesnes Lutheran Church near Loreburn, Sask., with Pastor Randy Meisner officiating. The eulogy and tribute were given by Lacey and Nicole, the Bible readings by Charity and Brandi. Music consisted of a piano and violin duet by Sharon and Nicole, a solo by Floyd Childerhose, duet by Eleanor Charman and Pat Olson along with congregational hymns. The guest book was attended by Walter and Muriel Tastad. The pianist was Joan Libke. The ushers were Dick Tastad and Ross Vollmer. The pallbearers were the seven grandsons. Interment was in the Skudesnes Cemetery. Lunch was served in the lower church hall following interment. Arrangements were in care of Outlook Funeral Chapel.