GERSPACHER: Agnes Christina
March 3, 1923 – May 13, 2017
Mrs. Agnes Christina (nee Knafelc) Gerspacher of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, Watson, SK, passed away at her residence on Saturday, May 13, 2017. She was 94 years of age. Agnes, one of eight children, was born on March 3, 1923, to Leopold and Josephine (nee Zupancic) Knafelc at Daphne, SK. Following her formal education at Rose Bush School, she worked in Ontario for a short time. After returning home, on October 29, 1945, Agnes married Ted Gerspacher in Watson. Their union was blessed with eight children, three daughters and five sons. During their life together, Agnes and Ted resided in Watson, Calgary, Kelowna, back to Calgary, Muenster, and finally settled back in Watson. As well as being a busy homemaker, Agnes drove the school bus, sold Amway, and clerked at Basaraba’s, Robinson’s and Zoboski’s in Watson, and worked in customer service at Woolco, Superstore, and Lucerne Meats in Calgary. A naturally creative and artistic person, Agnes pursued a number of hobbies and interests, including knitting, crocheting, cake decorating, oil painting, and copper tooling. She was also an accomplished seamstress and made all the clothing for her family, and crafted many scrapbooks for her grandchildren and residents of the Lodge. In addition, Agnes enjoyed bowling, curling, and golfing, an activity she still participated in while she was in her 80s. As well, she was a long-standing member of the C.W.L., and a sociable lady who loved having company in her home and cooking for large gatherings. Before becoming a resident of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge herself, she visited the residents there on a regular basis, the majority of who were younger than she was. Indeed, her absence will be felt by many. Agnes had eight children, ten grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered and is survived by Darlene (Mike) Beggs of Chemainus, BC; Reg Gerspacher of Watson, SK; Lawrence Gerspacher of Victoria, BC; Allan Gerspacher of Watson, SK, and family, Chad (Kim) Gerspacher and children Harrison and Heidi, Tara (Jason) Romanchuk and children Eva and Lindy; Gwen (Mike) Smith of Victoria, BC; Lionel (Cindy) Gerspacher of Okotoks, AB, and daughter Katie; Ray Smith, son-in-law (Rosemary † 2014)of Victoria, BC, and family, Shannon (Gavin) Surerus and children Holly, Taylor and Cyrus, and Aaron (Shandie) Smith and children Liam, Aadyn and Jacob; and Kelly (Kim) Gerspacher of Watson and family, Kyle (Rebecca) Gerspacher, Lisa (Mike) Bernard and children Scarlet and Grayson, Layne Gerspacher, Christopher Gerspacher, and Cody Hartley; three sisters-in-law: Louise Knafelc, Mary Gerspacher, and Dorothy Gerspacher; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Ted Gerspacher (2005); daughter, Rosemary Smith (2014); father, Leopold Knafelc (1957); mother, Josephine (nee Zupancic) Knafelc (1966); five sisters: Mary (Ben) Wurm, Molly (Frank) Schmid, Gertie (John) Plemel, Lostie (Andrew) Plemel, and Dorothy (Ed) Doepker; two brothers: Stan (Louise) Knafelc, and Joe (Anne) Knafelc; brothers-in-law: Bernard Gerspacher, Leo Gerspacher, Herman Gerspacher, and Joe (Dolores) Gerspacher; and by sister-in-law Katie (Ed) Sander. The Prayer Service for Agnes was held at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Watson, on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., presided by Brad Gaetz and Willie Gaudet. The Funeral Mass was offered at Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Francis Akomeah. Others taking part were: Jim Gerspacher, crossbearer; Darlene Beggs and Gwen Smith, scripture readers; Myron Kanfelc, intentions; Lisa Bernard and Tara Romanchuk, giftbearers; and Gwen Smith, eulogist. Music ministry was provided by organist Sharon Gerspacher and members of the Sacred Heart Parish Choir. An Honor Guard was formed by members of the C.W.L. Honorary pallbearers were “All those who shared in Agnes’ life”. Active pallbearers were Kyle Gerspacher, Chad Gerspacher, Layne Gerspacher, Christopher Gerspacher, Aaron Smith and Cody Hartley. Interment followed at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer Association and Quill Plains Centennial Lodge. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.