OBITUARIES

C. Brian Benning passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on April 22, 1999. Brian was predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Clara Benning, brother Gerald in infancy, infant son Daniel in infancy, brother Henry Benning, sister Marion Skjonsby, brother-in-law Hans Reitler, sister-in-law Ingrid Benning, mother-in-law Laura Heisler and nephew Cody Benning. Brian is survived by Sandra, his loving wife of 33 years; his children Scott (Susan) Benning, Weyburn; Laura (Jack) Diede, Weyburn; and Grant (Nadine Perry) Benning, Weyburn; as well as his grandchildren: Emily and Jillian Diede, and Emily and Brooke Perry, all of Weyburn. Brian is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Wilma Reitler, Regina; Vera (Pete) Anderson, Weyburn; Ronald (Florence) Benning Weyburn; Patrick (Loretta) Benning, Weyburn; Jim (Pat) Benning, Regina; Clifton (Dorothy) Benning, Weyburn; Carolyn (Ken) Kennedy, St. Albert, AB; Greg (Bonnie) Benning, Victoria, BC; brother-in-law Wilf (Mariann) Skjonsby, Weyburn; father-in-law, Seb Heisler (Doris Meckum), Weyburn; brother-in-law Duane (Denise) Heisler, Weyburn; sister-in-law Deanna (Henry) Irwin, Macoun; sister-in-law Cheryl (Dave) Rommann, Weyburn; 39 nieces and nephews; 63 great nieces and nephews; as well as many, many good friends. Clarence Brian Benning was born February 21, 1945 to Lloyd and Clara Benning in Weyburn, grew up on the family farm south of Weyburn, and attended school at South Weyburn School and at Weyburn Collegiate. In1963 he met and fell in love with Sandra Heisler, and they were married on March 19, 1966. At this time Brian worked for Co-op Bulk, first in Weyburn, then Govan, SK, then Rivers, MB, then Wawanesa, MB. Brian and his family returned to Weyburn in the fall of 1970, and the following spring he started working for PanCanadian Petroleum as a plant operator. In 1978 he left PanCanadian, bought Andrews & Wilder's Sporting Goods and opened Benning Sport and Paint. In 1985 he sold the sporting goods business and moved the paint over to Railway Ave. where he operated Benning Paint and Paper. In 1991 the paint store was closed and he went to work for Watson Distributors Ltd. in Weyburn. Then in 1993 he joined Miles Agencies as an insurance broker, earning his C.A.I.B. designation in 1997. He enjoyed working there until he fell ill. Brian began coaching girls fastball in 1982, and continued coaching various age groups through 1997, taking only a one year hiatus during these 15 years. He coached his teams to five provincial championships, but these titles did not mean as much to him as the people on these teams. He was very proud of his home town of Weyburn and thought that there was no better place to raise a family. Part of his commitment to this city was shown by his involvement in various community organizations, including the Weyburn Young Fellows Club. Brian joined Young Fellows in 1971 and was a very active member of the club for 28 years. He loved gardening, and spending time in his yard entertaining family and friends. His faith was a very important part of Brian's life, shown by his involvement in the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul Parish Council. His family was central in his life, as was he in theirs, and he will always be remembered fondly, deeply missed, cherished, and very much loved by them. Prayers were Sunday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. and the funeral mass celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 26 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Celebrant Rev. John Mock, assisted by Rev. Francis Hengen, Rev. Norm Marcotte and Rev. Stephen Bill. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery. Pallbearers were nieces Karla Grisdale, Cathy Benning, and Natalie Holloway, and nephews Clif Anderson, Terry Benning and Rod Benning. Those wishing to express sympathy may donate to the South Central Health District Equipment Fund or the St. Vincent de Paul Church Stained Glass Window Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher's Funeral Chapel, Weyburn.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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