Bertha MelzDecember 27, 1915 - September 18, 2011
The death of Mrs. Bertha (nee Knelsen) Melz of Aspen Manor, Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake, SK, occurred at her residence on Sunday, September 18, 2011. She was 95 years of age, and the last surviving member of her generation. Bertha, one in a family of 13 children, was born on December 27, 1915, to Jacob and Aganetha (nee Warkentin) Knelsen at Rush Lake, SK. She attained her grade 8 education at a country school in the area, took grades 9 and 10 by correspondence, then attended Millar School of the Bible at Pambrun, SK, with the intention of becoming a school teacher; however, destiny had other plans for her. In April 1945, Bertha was asked to work as a domestic aide for Arthur Melz and his two sons at Middle Lake. A special relationship developed between Bertha and Arthur which culminated in their marriage on August 17, 1945. As well as being a busy homemaker, Bertha was employed at Bethany Pioneer Village as a dietary aide and in the housekeeping department for many years. Her greatest passion was children, which led her to getting involved in the Cubbies division of Awana, an evangelical organization to help raise children with Christian ideals. In addition, Bertha held Story Hour in her home for many years and babysat for relatives and various families in the community. She also had a soft spot in her heart for animals, particularly cats and dogs. Family gatherings were always joyful occasions for Bertha; she especially enjoyed it when they all got together to celebrate her birthday. More than anything, she was well-known for her gentle nature, kindness, patience, and wisdom, all wonderful traits which were a source of inspiration to everyone. Bertha will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her son, Alvin Melz of Humboldt; daughter-in-law, Bernice Melz of Middle Lake; five grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren: Cheryl (Gerard) Holaday and family, David (Karen) Holaday and children Holden, Zachary and Kierstyn, Carla Bernard and children Rae Ann, Myles and Blayr, Erynn (Ben) Blythe and children Nolan and Rylan; Norma (Ron) Holaday and family, Amanda (Scott) Romaniuk and daughter Kaybri, Brenda (Jeffrey) Cormack, Jonathan Holaday and Jillian Holaday; Audrey (Wayne) Hogemann and family, Wade Hogemann and Courtney Hogemann; Barry and Fay's son, Cody (Ashley) Melz and children Kadence and Gage; Kathy Heidecker and family, Ryan (Rachel) Heidecker and daughter Taylor, Kirk (Christine) Heidecker and children Kaden and Rylan; and Colleen (Glenn) McMillan and family, Clinton (Jennifer) McMillan and daughter Hannah, Evan McMillan and Stephanie McMillan; and by numerous nieces, nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Melz; son, Harry Melz; daughter-in-law, Josephine Melz; grandson, Barry Melz; parents, Jacob and Aganetha (nee Warkentin) Knelsen; and by 11 sisters and one brother. The Funeral Service for Bertha was held at Middle Lake Gospel Church, Middle Lake, on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Ryan Schnee. The scripture reader was Norma Holaday and the eulogy was delivered by Stephanie McMillan. Amazing Grace was sung by Cheryl Holaday. Honorary pallbearers were Kirk Heidecker, David Holaday, Carla Bernard, Erynn Blythe, Amanda Romaniuk, Brenda Cormack, Jonathan Holaday, Jillian Holaday, Courtney Hogemann, and numerous great-great-grandchildren. Active pallbearers were Ryan Heidecker, Evan McMillan, Clinton McMillan, Stephanie McMillan, Wade Hogemann and Cody Melz. Interment will take place at Middle Lake Gospel Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to Bethany Pioneer Village. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.