Gertrude (nee Klassen) DuekerMay 26, 1926 - July 17, 2012
The death of Mrs. Gertrude "Gertie" (nee Klassen) Dueker of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, Watson, SK, (and formerly of St. Benedict, SK, and Humboldt, SK), occurred at her residence on Tuesday, July 17, 2012. She was 86 years of age. Gertie was born on May 26, 1926, to Peter Jr. and Pauline (nee Germain) Klassen at home on their farm in the Burr, SK, district. She was raised there and attended Mile End Country School. On July 26, 1949, Gertie married George Dueker in St. Scholastica R.C. Church at Burr. They began their life together on a farm in the St. Benedict area, where they farmed and raised a family of two, a daughter and a son. As well as being a busy wife and mother, Gertie taught at several rural schools and at the St. Benedict Community School, a career that spanned a period of 23 years and also included the role of Principal at the Pilger School. For many years, she also played the organ at various functions and taught organ lessons in the St. Benedict area. Gardening, sewing, walking and traveling were among her favorite hobbies and interests. Gertie especially loved visiting Hawaii, Mexico and the Bahamas, and enjoyed going on cruises. Her greatest joy was derived from spending time with her children and their families. Indeed, Gertie had a very fulfilling life, and enjoyed the farming lifestyle, her role as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and her teaching career. In the spring of 1992, she and George had an auction sale, retired from farming, and moved to Humboldt. When Gertie's battle with dementia escalated, she became a resident of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, her home until the present. Gertie will be lovingly remembered by her husband of almost 63 years, George Dueker of Humboldt; two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: Melanie Hauser (Brian Beasley) of Humboldt and her children, Tina (Devon) Mitchell and their daughter Alyssa of Calgary, AB, and Keith Hauser and his daughter Adrianna of Saskatoon, SK; and Daryl (Beverly) Dueker and their son Clayton (Karla) Dueker of Regina, SK; four sisters and three brothers: Bregetta Ehre of Lanigan, SK; Philip Klassen and Len Klassen, both of Edmonton, AB; Marie (George) Leniuk of Drayton Valley, AB; Joe (Geraldine) Klassen of Castor, AB; Rita Watson of Logan Lake, BC; and Johanna Wilson of Edmonton, AB; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Peter Jr. and Pauline (nee Germain) Klassen; five sisters and one brother: Matilda (Paul) Zubot, Anne Klassen (in childhood), Ida (Lorne) Dowling, Agnes Klassen (in childhood), Gladys Klassen and Peter Klassen (both in childbirth); and by brothers-in-law: Peter Ehre, Howie Watson, and Larry Wilson. The Prayer Service for Gertrude was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Friday, July 20, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., led by Walter Sarauer. Scripture readers were Marie Leniuk and Ursula Klassen, and the eulogy was delivered by Ted Schugmann. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Greg Roth. Others taking part were: Tina Mitchell, crossbearer; Marie Leniuk and Rita Watson, scripture readers; Verna Altrogge, intentions; Charlene Lessmeister and Arlene Fayant, giftbearers. Pallbearers were Keith Hauser, Brian Beasley, Devon Mitchell, Daniel Dueker, Willie Bauman, and Sydney Balon. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either Quill Plains Centennial Lodge or St. Augustine Parish. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.