Obituary of Gail Warnecke
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Gail Carol Warnecke (Manz) of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Gail passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, following a short battle with cancer, on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 at the age of 68 years. Gail was predeceased by her brother Donald Manz and parents, John and Hilda Manz. She leaves to mourn her loving and devoted husband of 49 years, Arthur Warnecke; son Colin Warnecke, daughter-in-law Kirsten and grandchildren Jackson and Camryn; son Sean Warnecke and his partner Rochelle Graham; daughter Tara Leatherdale, son-in-law Brant and grandchildren Jayme and Jagger; sister Darlene (Marvin) Meickel; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Gail was born on October 26, 1949 in Regina, Sask., the first child of John and Hilda Manz. She grew up on the family farm with her sister Darlene and brother Donnie in a loving home. A tough little cookie with a spitfire personality from the start, Gail loved life on the farm, pitching in to tend to the livestock and do the outdoor chores which she preferred to the indoor ones. She attended Southey School and enjoyed spending time with her cousins and extended family who lived nearby. Gail’s childhood home was full of family, friends, food and laughter. One of her most cherished childhood memories was playing trumpet, twirling baton and marching in the Earl Grey Band alongside her dad. Following high school, Gail moved to Regina to work for the provincial government. It was there that she met Art, who caught her interest after the two were set up on a blind date to the Exhibition in the summer of 1968. Love blossomed, and a year later, they married on Aug. 16, 1969. Gail gave birth to their first son Colin in 1971, and moved to Eastend, Saskatchewan, where Art worked for a local bank. Son Sean was born in 1973, and after being transferred to Lampman, daughter Tara was born in 1974. Through multiple moves due to Art’s job – which also included Estevan, Cupar and finally Assiniboia in 1981 – Gail demonstrated her “can do” self-reliant spirit and made each house they lived in a home. She made friends and became part of the community wherever she went. She raised her three kids with love, instilling in them the values of caring, hard work, discipline and respect. She was engaged in all their activities and enjoyed month-long camping adventures every summer throughout western Canada with her family. In Assiniboia, Gail worked as a medical receptionist and in the nursing home caring for the elderly. She had a special connection to the elderly residents and a true gift for caring for them. Gail went above and beyond to bring them comfort and show compassion – sharing her homemade baking, using her natural gifts to calm those who were scared or confused, and advocating on their behalf with that spitfire personality so much a part of her character. Gail made a huge difference in so many lives for the better. In 2006 Gail and Art moved to Moose Jaw to take on a new challenge as business owners. Gail ran her Herbal Magic franchise store with pride, getting to know each and every client on a personal level to help them achieve their goals to a healthier life – and along the way, many of them became close friends. As a business woman, she ran a tight ship and a successful enterprise. There aren’t many who would have the energy to take on that kind of a challenge later in life, but the little spitfire who could made it a success. In Moose Jaw, Gail added to her circle of close, lifelong friends. As an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, Gail cheered on the green and white from her season ticket seats at Taylor Field and the new Mosaic stadium, sharing special memories with her loved ones in true Saskatchewan spirit. In 2014, Gail retired and dedicated her life full-time to caring for her husband Art. This has required a level of selfless devotion beyond measure. He is forever grateful to his wife, who he calls his “angel.” Art and Gail loved each other through all of life’s challenges, sharing 49 years together. In August they celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary at home with their kids and grandkids. Of all of the roles Gail played in her life, mom and grandma were the most cherished. She was a guiding force of care and strength for her children, providing them with unwavering support throughout their lives. She set an example of dedication to family for her children to follow. As a grandma, the love and pride Gail had for her grandkids shone through every moment. Chasing games, tickles, crafts, baking, trips to the Dollar Store and the swimming pool and endless cuddles were always on at grandma’s house for Jackson, Camryn, Jayme and Jagger. Gail gave them all of her love and precious memories to last a lifetime. The Memorial Service in celebration of Gail’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Parkview Funeral Chapel, 474 Hochelaga Street West, Moose Jaw, SK. For those who wish, donations in memory of Gail can be made to: Autism Calgary, 3639 26 Street N.E., Calgary, AB, T1Y 5E1, (403) 250-5033. In living memory of Gail, a memorial tree planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Homes. Please see our online book of condolences at www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca. Blair Scott, Funeral Director.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gail
Warnecke 1949 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Moose-Jaw, Province: Saskatchewan
