OBITUARIES
- Earl Gustav Stabenow
- On Wednesday, November 3, 1999, Earl Gustav Stabenow, late
of Midale, SK passed away at the Regina General Hospital at the
age of 83 years. Predeceased by his parents, Gustav and Dora
Stabenow; and one sister, Pearl Eldstrom. Earl is survived by
his loving wife Ida Stabenow of Midale; children: Lorraine (Mike)
Chanig of Gull Lake; Duane Stabenow of Weyburn; Ken (Myrna) Stabenow
of Olds, AB; Patricia (Tom) DeBruyne of Estevan; Donald Stabenow
(Nola Baron) of Weyburn; and Dale (Karen) Stabenow of Estevan;
12 grandchildren: Laurel (Pete) Ullius, Bryan (Kathy) Glowatski,
Trevor Glowatski (Lori), Scott Stabenow (Cara), Denny Stabenow,
Nikki Stabenow (Darcy), Kelly Stabenow; Lisa DeBruyne (Ashley),
Blain DeBruyne, David Nelson, Tyson Nelson and Evan Stabenow;
six great grandchildren: Chelsea Ullius, Krystal and Kelly Glowatski,
Stephanie, Dakota and Shyann Schreyer; four sisters: Myrtle Eldstrom
of Midale; Dorcas Kittleson of Torquay; Mabel Friedrich of Tribune;
and Isabel (Ray) Dame of Estevan; nephews: Norman Nelson, Keith
Eldstrom, David (Diane) Kittleson, Walter (Angie) Friedrich,
Oscar Friedrich, Herman (Lori) Friedrich, Doug (Linda) Hovind,
Jeff (Charlene) Hovind, James (Joyce) MacDonald, Craig (Karen)
Chequis; nieces: Karen (Ron) Koenderink, Berle (Bob) Long, Jeannie
Payton and Debbie (Brent) Sinclair. In 1916, Earl Gustav Stabenow
was born and raised on a farm a few miles north east of Bromhead,
SK to Gustav and Dora Stabenow. He was the first child followed
by five sisters, Myrtle, Pearl, Dorcas, Mabel and Isabel. Earl
went to school until he was 14, at which time he ventured out
into the work force to help his family. He did various jobs,
such as the construction of Hwy. 18, the development of an Estevan
dam, and several years of farming and thrashing bees, as far
away as Wilcox, Pangman and Regina. A long way from home considering
transportation was limited to horses or cars that had to be started
with a crank. Bringing to mind a time Earl told a story of how
he and a couple of other men were on their way home from Regina
when the old Model T broke down. There and then they proceeded
to take apart the motor and fixed a broken rod right on the road,
a feat that would be impossible nowadays. Earl found himself
in the Midale-Huntoon area where he worked for the Olmsteads,
thus leading to his proud purchase of a 1921 Whippet in 1944.
On April 9, 1947 earl married Ida MacDonald. They purchased a
farm southof the river, known as the Ulidahl farm. They had three
children, Lorraine, Duane and Ken, who was only eight months
old when they purchased and moved to the farm on the north side
of the river that belonged to Henry Ziel. That was during the
spring of 1952. In 1953, the first oil well was drilled north
of Midale. Earl was one of the first men to haul oil, working
for Ernie Dombrowski, before purchasing the company and running
it himself for about 10-12 years. He sold his business and concentrated
on his farming and raising his family, which grew to six children,
with the additions of Patricia, Donald and Dale. He continued
to farm until his retirement in 1982, at which time Ken took
over the farming operation. Earl bought a house in Midale, where
he and his wife continued to live. Earl also continued to help
Ken on the farm whenever he was needed. He enjoyed being able
to help on the farm by running the combine at harvest until the
age of 75 at which time the farm was sold. Earl now considered
himself fully retired and concentrated on helping out and encouraging
his six children, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren
in any way he could. With over 60 years of experience with his
hands, he was quite the handyman, hence the nickname "McGyver"
which he was affectionately referred to by all his kids. Earl
had a special zest for life that showed through in his humor
and patience with all those he knew. A good natured man, who
never displayed anger, only compassion and fairness. All of Earl's
family take comfort in knowing he has passed on his virtues and
wisdom to all of them, making them proud to have been a special
part of his life. Funeral service was held Saturday, November
6 at 2:00 p.m. from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Midale, with Pastor
Greg Anderson officiating. The eulogy was given by Denny Stabenow.
Interment followed in Westphalia Cemetery, Midale. The active
pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were all Earl's grandchildren
and great grandchildren. For friends so wishing, donations may
be made in his memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association or
to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were entrusted
to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.
Eternal life you shall have
An angel you shall be
Rest in peace; dear sweet Dad
Leave us behind, don't you worry.
Saying goodbye seems so hard today
Tomorrow we shall carry on
Always in our hearts you will stay
Beloved and cherished forever long
Every memory we all hold dear
No one can take away, ours to keep
On to your destiny, dear sweet Dad
Where you shall find eternal peace.
1916-1999
- Helen Daku
- Helen Daku, late of Fillmore, was released from her bewildering
world of Alzheimers into the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour
- suddenly, but peacefully at Fillmore Care Home on Friday evening,
October 29, 1999 at the age of 79 years. Helen (née Unyi)
was born in Örszent Miklas, Pest Megye, Hungary, on April
8, 1920. She emigrated to Canada with her parents on December
17, 1926 to Leask, SK where she attended Bramshott and Moulin
schools. On December 30, 1941 Helen married Andrew Daku of Kipling,
in Aldina Baptist Church at Leask. They moved to Kipling to farm
with Andrew's folks until 1944 when they returned to Leask to
assist Helen's parents. The big move came in 1945 when they moved
back to Kipling. Helen's folks accompanied them and continued
to live with Helen and Andrew at their farm home three miles
east of Kipling, until Helen's dad passed away. Helen soon had
to make a difficult decision when they could no longer care of
her mother and had to admit her to a nursing home due to advancing
Alzheimers disease. Tragically, history repeated itself. Helen's
family also had to make the same devastating decision when Helen
entered Fillmore Care Home November 6, 1996. First and foremost,
Helen was a devoted wife to Andrew and together they battled
many hardships through extended years of Andrew's health problems.
Helen's deep love and concern for her children was always evident
and expressed constantly. Her steadfast faith in God and the
power of prayer guided her total commitment to every member of
her family and her concern for their eternal welfare. Her grandchildren
brought her a new joy. Helen's youngest family member - great
granddaughter Haley, really lit up her eyes whenever she came
to visit, especially lately, as they played games, almost on
the same age level! We also fondly remember Helen as a terrific
homemaker and can still taste those scrumptious meals and prize-winning
baking. Rarely would you leave her home without some extra baking
in your hands. Entertaining was high on Helen's list of priorities.
Numerous guest books with signatures from all parts of the world
are evidence of many people welcomed with open arms. At a mere
4' 11" Helen was a bundle of energy and loved the farm life.
She was famous for her homemade cottage cheese; and often delivered
'farm' cream, eggs, those Cornish fryers on Saturday morning,
plus raspberries from her gigantic patch. When they were forced
to leave the farm in 1975, Helen reluctantly adapted to town
life, but still continued to tend that huge farm garden for many
years, along with the associated canning and freezing operations.
We often joked that a weed never had a chance in Helen's town
garden plot. Even as it tried to emerge, Helen had it yanked!
Helen also worked at Kipling hospital in the dietary dept. and
this love of the kitchen remained with her - making this her
favorite place to 'investigate' and rummage through the goodies
at the care home. Travelling was a thrill for Helen and she felt
fortunate to be able to return to her homeland, Hungary, twice,
once with Andrew in 1975, and again five years ago. Many other
interests filled Helen's busy life - sewing, quilting, cutwork,
tatting, embroidery, knitting crocheting. We know that many homes
are adorned with a crocheted basket, table runner or other craft
lovingly made by those tiny hands. Of highest priority for Helen
was her church life at Calvary Baptist Church, Kipling. At a
young age, she committed her life to Jesus as her Saviour and
Lord. This commitment directed every facet of her life. She sang
in the choir, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and
was a life member of the Ladies Mission Circle. She was always
ready to help, but quietly behind the scenes, as she didn't like
to be the center of attention. Young people's gatherings at their
farm home when the children were young were so special for Helen.
She would play the mandolin or piano as she truly loved music.
Recently, at the care home, she'd be invited to join a choral
group and enjoyed singing the good old hymns. With her quiet,
gentle nature, she was a 'pet' at the care home - always ready
with a sweet smile, twinkle in her eye, a giggle and hug for
staff and visitors - especially those children. Helen will always
be remembered as a devoted and caring mother, grandmother and
great grandmother, plus a gracious host and tender friend to
all who knew her. Helen was predeceased by a sister Lidia at
age nine in Hungary in 1922; her parents Steve and Elizabeth
(Szucs) Unyi in 1971 and 1977; brother James of Welland, ON in
1989; and her husband Andrew in 1994. She is lovingly remembered
by one daughter Pearl (Frank) Fahlman of Fillmore; three sons:
Don (friend Grace) of Regina; Albert (Rosanne) of Saskatoon;
Neil (Dawn) of Regina; six grandchildren: Shawna (Paul) Schmidt
of Regina Beach; Brad (Diyonn) Fahlman of Houston, Texas; Dale
Daku of Saskatoon; Rhys, Cort and Tait Daku of Regina; and her
precious great granddaughter Haley Schmidt of Regina Beach. Helen
will also be missed by her special friends Peter and Pauline
Daku, Kipling; and her sisters and brothers-in-law: Irene Basky
of Kipling; Joe and Kay Daku of Kipling; Steve and Shirley Daku
of Lethbridge, AB; Kalman and Irene Daku of Scarborough, ON;
Gordon and Dorothy Daku of Kelowna, BC; and her extended family
of nieces and nephews, plus her many friends and relatives, and
her church family at Calvary Baptist. The funeral service was
held at Kipling Parkland Bible Church on November 4, 1999 with
Rev. Richard Barta officiating, assisted by Rev. Martin Harder.
Three of Helen's favorite hymns were sung: Amazing Grace, Tis
So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, and Blessed Assurance. Pianist was
Curtis Szakacs of Kipling. Beautiful solo renditions were presented
by Helen's friend and neighbour Sharon Cowley of Kipling, and
her nephew Ron Basky of Saskatoon. The eulogy, a family tribute,
was read by lifelong friends Pauline and Peter Daku of Kipling.
Pastor Barta, with words of comfort and inspiration, spoke of
Helen's deep 'firsthand' knowledge of Biblical truths and how
her life radiated her motto 'Jesus Never Fails'. Active pallbearers
were nephews: Allan Basky, Regina; Victor Basky, Moose Jaw; Wayne
Daku, Regina; Hartley Daku, White City; Al Basky, Saskatoon;
Darin Daku, Kipling. All those in attendance were considered
honorary pallbearers. Following interment in Kipling town cemetery,
there was a time of fellowship with the family. Refreshments
were provided by the ladies of Calvary Baptist Church assisted
by friends and relatives. Arrangements were graciously provided
by Tubman's Funeral Home of Wolseley, SK. For those wishing to
express their sympathy donations in Helen's memory may be made
to: Calvary Baptist Church, Box 90, Kipling, Sask. S0G 1N0, or
the Sask. Alzheimer Society.
She always leaned to watch for us,
Anxious if we were late,
In winter by the kitchen window,
In summer by the garden gate.
And though we mocked her tenderly
Who had such foolish care,
That long way home did seem more safe
Because she waited there.
Her thoughts were always full of us
She NEVER could forget,
And so we know that where she is
She must be waiting yet.
Waiting till we come home to her
Anxious that we won't be late,
Now watching from HEAVEN'S window,
Leaning upon HEAVEN'S gate.
- Albina Klovansky
- On Thursday, November 4, 1999, Albina Klovansky, late of
Radville, SK passed away at the Weyburn General Hospital at the
age of 93 years. Predeceased by her husband, Steve in October
1979; one daughter Julia in February 1986; five grandchildren
and three great grandchildren. Albina leaves to mourn her children:
Mary (John) Ayotte of Rocky Rapids, AB; John (Justine) Klovansky
of Grimshaw, AB; Shirley Farand of Calgary, AB; Wilfred (Marlene)
Klovansky of Rocky Mountain House, AB; Jean McLeod of Pincher
Creek, AB; Jim (Blanche) Klovansky of Davidson; Steve (Rita)
Klovansky of Rosemary, AB; Florine (John) Demyen of Halkirk,
AB; son-in-law, Ivan McIntee of Pincher Creek, AB; 32 grandchildren
and 60 great grandchildren. Albina was born March 10, 1906 in
Varasur, Czechoslovakia. She was the youngest of four children
and received whatever education was available at that time, possibly
grade seven. Her grandfather had a vineyard and she had many
memories of the grape arbors. Her parents were farmers, and everyone
worked hard in the fields, including Albina. On November 21,
1927 she married Steve Klovansky in Regina, and they lived in
Holdfast, Regina, Lake Alma district and the Radville district.
Albina enjoyed quilting, gardening, braiding rugs, playing bingo
and cards, and cooking old country favorites for her family.
She was also very adept at fancy embroidery. After she moved
to town, she was involved in the senior centre and many people
enjoyed her cakes there and she in turn enjoyed playing cards
there. She also attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Radville.
A highlight for her was after living in Canada for 49 years,
she went back to Czechoslovakia to visit friends and remaining
family. Prayers were said Sunday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. from
Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Radville. The funeral mass
was held Monday, November 8 at 10:00 a.m. from Holy Family Roman
Catholic Church with Father Brian Meredith celebrant. Interment
followed in Laurier Cemetery, Radville. The active pallbearers
were: Bonnie Bigras, Diane Klovansky, Marie Michealchuck, Kate
Ayotte, Lisa Klovansky, Lori McLeod, Tina Villeneuve and Shannon
McIntee. The honorary pallbearers were all her other grandchildren.
Those wishing to express their sympathy may donate to the Heart
& Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan. Arrangements were in
care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn
- Clarice Jean McManus
- Clarice Jean McManus, late of Estevan, passed away at Estevan
on Tuesday, November 2, 1999 at the age of 75 years. A memorial
service was held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 5 from St. Paul's
United Church, Estevan, with Rev. Brenda Kersell officiating.
Clarice is survived by her husband James, Estevan; sons, Ronald
(Arlene) Calgary, and Robert (Louise) Estevan; daughter Cheryl
(Gerald) Kitchen, Calgary; two grandchildren, Craig and Robyn
Kitchen, Calgary; Godchild, Connie Momotiuk, Winnipeg; sister
Phyllis Johnstone, Weyburn; brothers-in-law, Wallace (Ronnie)
McManus, Regina; Ken Turner, Chilliwack, BC; and numerous nieces
and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Mathias and
Selma Klein; brothers Jack, Frank, Bud and James; sisters, Marion
Foster, Delores Bishop, Hazel Foster, Blanche White, Dorothy
Erixon. If friends so desire, donations may be given to the Heart
& Stroke Foundation in memory of Clarice Jean McManus. Funeral
arrangements were in care of the Orsted Funeral Home, Estevan.
The
Weyburn Review
Box 400, 904 East Avenue
Weyburn, SK
S4H 2K4
Phone: (306) 842-7487
Fax: (306) 842-0282
E-mail: weyburn.review@sk.sympatico.ca
This web page and its contents are copyright of the Weyburn
Review (1987) Ltd.
