Obituary
Mrs. Gwen Scharfenberg wife of the late Howard Scharfenberg of the Yorkton and District Nursing Home, formerly of Preeceville and the Endeavour district passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. She was ninety one years of age.
Gwendolyn Aline Scharfenberg was born August 28, 1928 in Canora, Saskatchewan to Melvin and Gladys (nee Thompson) Hovey and lived on a farm in the Endeavour district. Gwen was the oldest of five children, one brother, Vernon and three sisters, Marie Okrainetz, Marlene Pasiechnik and Claudia Pasiechnik. Gwen and her siblings attended Midland school where she completed grade eight and then completed grade nine through correspondence.
In 1947 she took a dressmaking course in Saskatoon and later moved to Winnipeg to work at the General Hospital as a Nurse’s Aide until 1953 when she move back to Endeavour to marry Howard on October 30, 1953 in Preeceville. They made their home on a farm in the Endeavour district where they did mixed farming and raised their two children Les and Delores.
Gwen was involved in the community with her church and Ladies Aide. She enjoyed curling, bowling and she did lots of sewing and quilting. She took great pride in her very large garden and beautiful flowers and fruit trees.
Gwen took her Care Aide course and received her certificate while she was working at the Preeceville Lions Hostel and retired from there at age sixty five. Gwen and Howard retired to Preeceville from the farm in 1990.
Gwen was predeceased by her parents Melvin and Gladys Hovey; father and mother in law, Herman and Hazel Scharfenberg; her husband, Howard; brother, Vernon; sisters, Marlene (Willie) Pasiechnik and Claudia Pasiechnik; nieces, Bonnie Pasiechnik and Sharon Gehon; great granddaughter, Olivia Reitenbach; brothers and sisters in law, Peter Okrainetz, Richard (Alice) Scharfenberg, Lavern (Don) Milburn, Leroy Scharfenberg, Alan Fairburn, Clifford Scharfenberg and Wilbert Roste.
Gwen is survived by her two children and their families: son, Les (Lora-Lynn) their children, Jordan Scharfenberg, Joel Scharfenberg, Ryan (Lynnette) Rusnak, Tanya (Mark) Reitenbach, Catey Rusnak, Jodi (B.J.) James, Jenna Rusnak (Derek Kolosky); daughter, Delores (Warren Cowan) and her daughter Kelsy Berriault; great grandchildren, Halen Scharfenberg, Cole Rusnak, Jaxton Rusnak, Reid Rusnak, Blake Reitenbach, Emily Reitenbach and Harper James; her sister, Marie Okrainetz; brother and sister in laws, Johnny Pasiechnik, Sharon Walker, Laura Fairburn, Minna Scharfenberg, Doris Roste, Virgel (Velma) Scharfenberg, David (Ruth) Scharfenberg, June (Willie) Jakubowski, Glenice (Allen) Bausmer and Janice (Wesley) Walters; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Saying goodbye is the most difficult thing in life and we never learn to be good at it.
No day shall erase you from the memory of time.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, January 6 from the Chapel of Preeceville Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Kirsch of Heritage Baptist Church officiating. Words of remembrance were given by Eldon Okrainetz. A poem was read by Gailene Pasiechnik. The Ashokan Farewell was played as the processional. The organist, Leanne Jakubowski led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, ‘Blessed Assurance’ and ‘Leaning on the Everlasting Arms’. A special musical selection was sung by Virgil and Velma Scharfenberg. Going Home by Libra was played as the recessional music. Honourary bearers were all those who shared in Gwen’s life. Interment followed in the Preeceville Community Cemetery with Jordan Scharfenberg, Eldon Okrainetz, Delmar Pasiechnik, Calvin Hovey, Perry Pasiechnik and Mark Reitenbach serving as the casketbearers. Condolences can be sent to the family at preecevillefuneralhome.com Memorials in memory of Gwen may be made to S.T.A.R.S. or the charity of one’s choice as gifts of remembrance.
Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.
To send flowers to Gwendolyn “Gwen” Aline (Hovey) Scharfenberg’s family, please visit our floral section.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gwendolyn Gwen Aline Hovey Scharfenberg August 28 1928 December 31 2019 (age 91)..
Death notice for the town of: Preeceville, Province: Saskatchewan