OBITUARIES

Florence (Marilyn) Robinson (nee Hamilton) was born on April 13, 1939 in Saskatoon and passed away on November 11, 2000 in Weyburn from the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Marilyn was the oldest of Florence and Burton Hamilton's two children. She grew up in Saskatoon enjoying music, school, her family, friends and church. As a student she received prizes in music, home economics, oratory, artwork, volleyball, writing and academic standing. She studied and taught piano. After completing Grade 12, Marilyn went on to Saskatoon City Hospital to train as a registered nurse, and on graduation she won the pediatric award. She then went on to post-graduate studies at the School of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, completing her teaching and supervision certificate. On May 26, 1962 she married Alfred Robinson in Saskatoon. The newlyweds settled in Wadena where they both started work. Then in 1963 their daughter Sharilyn was born, in 1964 they moved to Saskatoon, then in 1966 to Ottawa where their son Jeff was born in January of 1967. In 1968 the family moved to Vancouver for the year then back to Ottawa in 1969 where they lived until returning to Saskatchewan in 1976. Marilyn served her church and community in a variety of ways. In her community she was neighbourhood nurse, supported school events and projects for her children and was a member of the Weyburn Music Festival Committee. She served her church in a variety of capacities including: Sunday School Teacher; Free Methodist Youth at the local and regional conference level; soloist; pianist; organist; served on the missions committee at local, regional conference and national conference levels; Women's Ministries at the local, regional and national conference level; treasurer; worship committee; and cradle roll coordinator. Marilyn was a highly gifted individual with a deep devotion for God, a strong compassion for others and a deep love for her friends, church and family, with her most effective medicine being her grandson Logan. She did everything her strength would allow even when it was too much. She faced lifelong suffering and pain from her battle with rheumatoid arthritis with courage and positive attitude. Marilyn had a rich spiritual life. Her prayer was that God be honoured in spite of her suffering and that her life would be an encouragement to others. Her prayers about needs focused on others, while for herself, they were prayers of thankfulness. Just some of Marilyn's skills were teaching, mentoring, nursing, speaking, creativity, listening, entertaining, cooking, vision, decorating, organizing, leadership, accounting, story telling, research, writing and needlework. She delighted in nature, celebrating birthdays, Christmas and people. Marilyn was an avid reader, theologian, traveller, intellectual and artist. She had a gift for making people feel loved, accepted and special. She enjoyed life to the fullest. She always had a ready smile, a quick word of support or encouragement and a hug for grandma's pet, Logan. Her family, friends and church will sorely miss her. Her parents, Burton and Florence Hamilton and her father-in-law, Stanley Robinson, predeceased her. Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Alfred Robinson of Weyburn; her daughter, Sharilyn Robinson of Toronto; her son Jeffrey (Colleen) Robinson and grandson Logan of Weyburn; one brother David (Joan) Hamilton of Kingston, ON; mother-in-law Dorothy Robinson of Yellow Grass; brothers and sisters-in-law: Norma (David) Scott of Dysart; Elaine (Frank) Blatz of Lowe Farm, Minnesota; Vernon (Sharon) Robinson of Weyburn; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The funeral service was held Wednesday, November 15, 2000 at the Weyburn Community Free Methodist Church with Rev. Wade Fitzpatrick, Rev. Kevin Bishop and Pastor Michael Szabo officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Craig Rodine, Myron Fletcher Sandy Wright, Glen Ridgway, Les Sproule and Norman Alexander. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in her memory to the Weyburn Community Free Methodist Church Building Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

Hjalmer F. Erickson

Hjalmer Ferdinand Erickson, late of Weyburn, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2000 at Souris Valley Extended Care Centre, at the age of 87 years. Hjalmer was born September 21, 1913 in the Goodwater district. He attended Rose Peak School. He was raised on a farm south of Goodwater where he farmed with his dad. During the 30's he helped a neighbour's family drive their herd of cattle to the northeast part of Prince Albert, where he remained and worked on a farm. On June 13, 1942, he married Muriel Oxelgren. In 1944 he purchased a farm six miles south of Goodwater, where he lived and raised his family. Muriel passed away April 18, 1966. He then married Dorothy Ror on April 15, 1968. He was a farmer and hauled cattle for other farmers in the community. He was always looking for rocks to use in his Lapidary work. He also liked to fish, camp, travel, dance and read. During his life he was involved with the Foresters, member of the School Board and the Telephone Board. When they built the Goodwater Rink, he was also involved. He was a founding member of the Colgate Credit Union. He also was a member of the Farmers' Union and was strongly involved with the Weyburn Co-op. He farmed south of Goodwater and in retirement moved to Weyburn. He attended the Goodwater United Church and after moving to Weyburn he attended the Grace United Church. He loved the land, his family and was a good neighbour, always willing to give a helping hand. He was predeceased by his parents: Theresia and Emmanuel Erickson; first wife, Muriel; one brother, Elmer Erickson. Hjalmer is survived by his wife, Dorothy Erickson of Weyburn; his children: Adele (Merle) Paulhus of Kelowna, BC; Linda (Robert) Paulhus of Pilot Butte; Milo (Myrla) Ericksonof Goodwater; Susan (Marcel) Draghici of Pilot Butte; Arliss (Bert) Tosczak of Tribune; two step children: Lynne (Dennis) Lizuck of Weyburn; Dean (Roxanne) Ror of Weyburn; grandchildren: Kelly (Heather), Renda (Bill), Jody (Gord), Darren (Lorie), Troy (Susan), Danielle, Dallas, Melissa, Vanessa, Kimberly, Jodi, Pamela, Kari, Kyla (Jason), Krisy, Jason, Jarett, Trevor, Chantel, Devon (Carrie), Tyler; great grandchildren: Kayla, Adam, Kyle, Kim, Kelly, Kody, Sydney, Josh, Jayda, Teneal; two sisters: Violet Oliver and Lorraine (Ken) Oxelgren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, with Pastor Ron Bestvater officiating. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. Honorary pallbearers were all his grandchildren. In Hjalmer's memory, donations may be made to S.V.E.C.C.-1B North Unit, Canadian Cancer Society or Alzheimer Assoc-iation of Saskatchewan. Ar-rangements in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn.

Letitia Jane Biggs

On Sunday, November 12, 2000, Letitia Jane (Tish) Biggs passed away peacefully at the Weyburn Special Care Home at the age of 87 years. Predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Worral, three brothers: Wilfred (infant), Norman and Ernest and her husband, Harry Biggs. Tish is survived by her step daughters: Doris Balkwill of Regina and Evelyne (John) Wahl of Regina Beach. Grandchildren: Tom (Elaine) Balkwill, Chris Balkwill, Marilyn (Peter) Hayden, David (Max) Wahl, Laura (Roger) Carlson, Terry (Terry) Wilson, and Kathy (Peter) Fawcett. Nine great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Sisters: Ivy Hinks and Ethel (Reg) Hawthorne, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Tish was born in Viceroy, in 1913. At an early age she moved to Weyburn with her parents and she lived most of her life in Weyburn. In 1939 she married Harry Biggs. She and Harry moved to the Weyburn Special Care Home in 1994, and Harry passed away later that year. A special thanks to the staff for their kindness and the loving care they gave to Harry and Tish. A celebration of Tish's life was held Friday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. from the Salvation Army Weyburn Corps with Capts. Gerald and Joyce McDonald officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations to the Salvation Army Weyburn Corps. in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

Olga Marie Moe

Olga Marie Moe passed away suddenly on Tuesday, November 7, 2000 at Weyburn. Predeceased by her parents, Richard and Rose Martin; her husband, Norman and four brothers and sisters: Lydia Mantay, Elsie Lutz, Fred Martin and Gertrude Reichmuth. Olga is survived by her three sons: Willis (Arlaine) Moe of Saskatoon; Dennis (Linda) Moe of Estevan; and Russell (Donna) Moe of Weyburn; six grandchildren: Jina, David (Anne), Tanya, Garrett (Danielle), Jordan, Brandon, and three great grandchildren: Jessica, Samantha and Michayla; one sister, Ila (Ted) Mills of Windlesham, England; two brothers: Walter (Grace) Martin of Weyburn and Wilmer (Mary) Martin of Winnipeg, MB; as well as many nieces and nephews. Olga was born in the Weyburn District on May 15, 1915. She received her education at Prairie View School. Olga and Norman were married in1939 and made their home in Cedoux on the family farm. The family moved into Weyburn in 1951. Olga was a homemaker, worked part-time as a cook and also had numerous boarders over the years which extended their family. After Norman's passing, Olga worked at the Saskatchewan Hospital as night housemother. She left the nurse's residence to become a personal services worker at Souris Valley Regional Care Centre. She was employed there until she retired in 1980. Olga's life was dedicated to her family, friends and community. She was particularly involved with Grace United Church, Rebekahs, Royal Purple, Hospital Auxiliary. Alzheimer's Society and the Wheatland Senior Centre. Olga spent her last year at Hill Top Manor where she acquired another loving, extended family and continued to enjoy life to the fullest. Olga was a friend to all who knew her and will be sadly missed by many. Funeral service was held Friday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m. from Knox Presbyterian Church, Weyburn with Rev. Ross McMurtry officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Jordan Moe, Garrett Moe, Barry Martin, Cliff Martin, Brandon Moe and Danielle Herberholz. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

Catherine Baker

On Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, Catherine Baker, late of Radville, passed away at the Radville Marian Health Centre, at the age of 86 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Wilfrid Baker; her son: Herbert Baker; her parents: Steve and Rose Holzer; her sisters: Philiphine and Theresa Holzer; and one brother, Peter Holzer. Catherine is survived by one brother: Michael Holzer of Radville; one step-sister: Minnie (Bob) Brooks of Lahabra, CA; and one step-brother: Damion Holzer of Lahabra, CA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Catherine Baker was born March 26, 1914 at Lake Alma. Catherine attended St. Herbert Mission for 22 years after her father passed away. Catherine married Wilfrid Baker April 17, 1952. They lived in various places throughout their lives. They retired in Craven. Catherine moved to Radville in 1980 to be closer to her brother, Michael, and his family. In March 1999, Catherine's health started failing her, so she decided to move into the Radville Marian Health Centre. Prayers were held on Wed., Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. from Hastings-Dionne Funeral Chapel, Radville. Funeral mass was held on Thurs., Nov. 16 at 10:30 a.m. from the Holy Family Catholic Church, Radville, with Father Brian Meredith presiding. Interment followed in the Sedley Roman Catholic Cemetery, Sedley. Active pallbearers were: David Holzer, Richard Holzer, Jason Holzer, Robert Holzer, Steven Mason, Dean Mason. Donations may be made in Catherine's memory to the Radville Marian Health Centre, Radville, SK, S0C 2G0. Arrangements in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Ltd., Weyburn.

Diane Marie Kater

Diane Marie Kater (Nimegeers) of Weyburn, passed away Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 at the age of 62. Diane was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Margeurite Nimegeers and her sister-in-law, Eva Nime-geers. Diane is survived by her loving husband, Walter Kater of Weyburn; two daughters: Lisa Marie Rose and Lori Rose of Victoria, BC; two sons: Jeffrey Rose (Christina VanAert) of Victoria, BC, and his two children, Matthew and Caitlin Rose of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter-in-law, Lisa Kae Rose of Las Vegas; Gregory Rose (Karen Moore) of Ottawa, ON; one sister: Shirley (Brian) Hall of Santa Maria, CA; two brothers: Robert (Theresa) Nimegeers of Radville; Melvin (Edith) Nimegeers of Radville; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends. Diane was born October 26, 1938 in Weyburn and lived on the family farm west of Radville. Diane's father joined the army in 1939 and was discharged in 1940, when Diane's mother passed away. When Diane's father rejoined the army in 1941, Diane, her sister and two brothers went to the Convent in Forget. Diane spent her summer months away from the convent at her grandparent's farm, and her Aunt Elsie's. In 1949 Diane attended the country school in Troy, which was 2.5 miles from the family farm. She completed high school in Radville and then went to Regina for Secretarial School and Modeling School, after which she worked in Regina. Diane married in Weyburn and had her four children. Diane was part owner and an integral part of the family business, Rose's Men's Wear and The Jean Loft. Diane then was receptionist at Nimegeers, Schuck, Wormsbecker and Bobbitt Law Office in Weyburn from 1986 to 1989 (N.S.W.B.). She then moved for a short while to Victoria, before returning to Weyburn. Diane met and fell in love with Walter Kater and they were married on June 22, 1991. Diane returned to work at N.S.W.B. until she became ill in April 1998. Diane loved to cook and bake, and was famous for her desserts. She enjoyed golf, darts, curling and loved walking. She was a member of the Alexandria Rebekah Lodge and the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She also enjoyed volunteering for the Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Fund and the Special Olympics. Diane loved Saskat-chewan and was a proud Canadian. Many people experienced Diane's warmth and positive outlook on life. She will be dearly missed by all of those who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane's memory to the Weyburn Public Library Expansion Fund, 45 Bison Ave., Weyburn, SK, S4H 0H9. Memorial service was held on Wed., Nov. 15 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, with Father Hengen Celebrant. Honorary pallbearers were: Nellie Teesdale, Isabelle Butters, Willie Litschke, Phyllis Ksenych, Dorothy Gasnarek, Elaine Toye. A special thank you to Dr. Haidash and the staff of the Weyburn General Hospital, all of the wonderful people from our community who spent many hours with Diane while she was in the hospital and Duane Dionne who was incredible. Arrangements in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Ltd., Weyburn.

John D. Plonka

On October 31, 2000, John Plonka, age 85, passed away at Assiniboia Union Hospital, Assiniboia, SK. John was born on October 4, 1915 at Weyburn. He received his education at Weyburn Public School and Collegiate Institute, where he received his Senior Matricu-lation in 1933 during the Great Depression. After graduation, he worked on a farm, in a grocery store, a service station, and as a night watchman for a large department store. He then went into business, operating a Texaco service station. The Second World War was on so John sold out and joined the R.C.A.F. He trained in Brandon, Toronto, London and North Bay, emerging as a navigation flying officer. He was posted to Royal Air Force Transport Command, based at Dorval, PQ near Montreal. The rest of the war was spent delivering various types of aircraft to different parts of the world. John was discharged in 1945 and returned to Weyburn, where he went back to the service station business. About this time he met Alice Hunt from Woodrow, SK, and subsequently married her on August 21, 1947. In 1947 and 1948 John leased and farmed a section of land in the Grassdale area, but lack of rain drove him out of that venture. However, he still believed there was a better future in farming than in selling gas. In 1949, the 3/4 section homestead farm near Woodrow, where Alice was born and raised, became available. After meeting with the rest of the family, a deal was made for Alice to take over the home place. In 1950 John bought a half section of prairie land in the Cedoux area and broke it up. Margaret Ann, their only child, was born on September 22, 1956 and in the same year, John bought an additional half section at Woodrow. In the spring of 1957 he moved his family to the Hunt homestead at Woodrow and started full time farming. John added a half section to his farm in 1962 and another quarter in 1970. He and Alice enjoyed farming there until ill health forced them to move to the Wheatland Lodge in Lafleche in 1997. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, movies and winter holidays in Las Vegas. Predeceased by his parents, John and Antonina Plonka; and sister, Rose Hallquist, John is survived by his loving wife, Alice, of Lafleche; one daughter, Margaret Ann (Peggy) and son-in-law, Brian Passmore of Fall River, NS; special nieces, Joyce Brown of Regina, and Dorian Fournier of Billings, MT; brother and sister-in-law: John and Marion Hunt of Williams Lake, BC; and numerous nieces and nephews. The service of remembrance was held at the Wood River Memorial Hall, Lafleche, on Monday, Nov. 13 at 2:00 p.m. The Reverend Chuck Alton officiated. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in John's life." The eulogy was given by his niece, Joyce Brown. Peggy reminded those present with some of her father's favorite pastimes. Music was provided by his nephews, soloist Ken Thompson accompanied by Joan Thompson on piano; and an instrumental guitar solo by Bill Brown. The processional and recessional music was played by pianist Kay Mitchell. In keeping with John's wish, interment tin the Woodrow Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Saskatchewan Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrange-ments were entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia.

Wilfred William Nickell

The funeral service for the late Wilfred William Nickell of Lemberg, who died at Balcarres, on November 8, 2000, at the age of 77, was held in Trinity Lutheran Church, Lemberg on November 13 with Rev. David Hanes officiating. The organist was Lorraine Geres and the soloist was Bob Mann. Interment followed in the Lemberg cemetery. Active pallbearers were Todd McCulloch, Brendan Nickell, Grant Pfeifer, Paul Pfeifer, Jason Smith and Kevin Smith. The family considered all those in attendance as honorary pallbearers. Wilfred was born January 15, 1923 in the Lemberg district to Karl and Emma (Mutschall) Nickell. As a young man he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II. In 1946, after returning from duty, he gained employment with the Saskatch-ewan Wheat Pool. He worked at various locations in Saskatch-ewan, the last one being Weyburn from which he retired in 1983. He then moved back to Lemberg to live with and care for his parents. Wilfred enjoyed many sports such as ball, fishing, golfing, bowling and curling. His yearly fishing and berry picking trips north were always his favorite summer vacation. Crawling around outside the tent pretending he was a bear was an annual event on these trips. Wilfred loved to tease, especially the young children, to see what kind of reaction he would get. Practical jokes were his favorite thing. Somehow the Easter treats would end up in the bale stack or someplace else where you would never look. Christmas gift giving would be a competition to see who could get the best gag gift. During Walter's retirement, he enjoyed his daily trips to coffee row. He was a regular at weekly bingos and enjoyed monthly trips to the casinos. He was the library's best return customer. Wilfred was predeceased by his parents, Karl in 1994 and Emma in 1990; one brother Edwin in 1989; one sister Ruth Overland in 1997; a sister-in-law, Loris in 1997; and a great nephew, Lyndon in 1997. He is survived by his brother-in-law Roald Overland, White Rock, BC; two nephews Earl (Carolyn), Esterhazy, and Glen (Joann) of Richmound; one niece, Carol (Dennis), Moosomin; four great nephews, Kristen (Crystal), Moose Jaw, Brendan, Ester-hazy, Greg, Regina, and Todd, Moosomin; and three great nieces, Shannon, Calgary, AB, Lindsay and Jamie, Richmound. The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services.

Wilhelmine Elfrieda Martin

On Saturday, November 11, 2000, Wilhelmine Elfrieda Martin (Minnie) passed away at Souris Valley Regional Care Centre, at the age of 90 years. Predeceased by her husband, Robert Martin; parents: John and Florentina Klatt; brothers: John, Ted, Albert, Louie and Karl; sisters: Ida, Ann, Emilie and Matilda. Minnie is survived by her children: two sons: Marvin (Wilhelmine) Martin of Weyburn, and Theodore (Enid) Martin of Delta, BC; three daughters: Joyce (Bill) Prieb of Lang; Louise (Alex) Ziolkowski of Leduc, AB; and Frances (Garth) Long of Yellow Grass; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; brothers: Ernest (Ethel) of Weyburn; Hank (Edie) of Regina; Martin (Tess) of Lemburg; sister Ruth MacKay of Govan; as well as many nieces and nephews. Minnie was born January 4, 1910 at Lemberg. She attended school at Maple Green in the Hill Farm District. She was needed to cook for her brothers on the farm, then she moved to Yellow Grass as a housekeeper for her aunt. This is where she met her future husband, Robert Martin. They were married on November 22, 1932 at her home church. They first settled at Lewvan where they farmed with her brother John. In 1946 they moved to a farm south of Weyburn, then took over the Martin family farm at McTaggart. Minnie kept busy with a large flower and vegetable garden, cooking, baking and she enjoyed quilting when she had the time. She was a member of the ladies group in the Lutheran Church in Yellow Grass and in Weyburn, and she did community catering in McTaggart. Robert passed away in 1978, following which Minnie moved into Weyburn. She resided at Beautiful Plains Villa for two years, and then moved to Souris Valley in 1996. She passed away peacefully on November 11th with her family near. Funeral service was held Wednesday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, with Pastor Ron Bestvater officiating. Her grandson Richard Long gave the eulogy. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Roger Clay, Barry Klatt, Norman Dunsmore, Ross Douglas, Alex Miller and Edwin Douglas. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in her memory to the Zion Lutheran Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

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