Minnie’s Obituary
Minnie Sarah Ann Erickson, long time resident of Grimshaw passed away in Grimshaw on May 10, 2021 at the age of 100 years.
Minnie was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan to Alfred and Margaret (Kuester) Thomas. She was named in honour of both Grandmothers – Minnie (Lass) Kuester & Sarah Ann (Pearson) Thomas. Her Thomas relations had lived in the area from the mid-1890’s, the Kuester family arrived from the USA in 1912.
Her early childhood was spent near both sides of her extended family, near the town, which by this time had a population of 2000 and the luxuries of water, sewer, and electric lights. During the Great Depression, the Kamsack area suffered and the entire Kuester family moved 900 plus miles to the promising Peace River Country and the wilds of northern Alberta. Minnie’s Dad was persuaded to join her Mom’s family on the venture. Trains took them as far as Grimshaw. From there they travelled to the Clear Hills area some 26 miles north on dirt roads and trails, everything but the cattle went by horse drawn wagons.
After surviving other life-threatening maladies & several primitive surgeries, it was Minnie’s generous heart that finally gave out. She passed on the afternoon of Monday, May 10th. Just after Mother’s Day and the day before her daughter Beryl’s birthday.
She has outlived all three of her younger siblings (Raymond, Adora and Lawrence), two husbands (Aldrich Bartusek and Henry Erickson), Sister-in-laws (Marion McCoy and Evelyn Turner) Brother-in-law (Henry Bartusek), Son-in-law (James Benner) and many cherished friends and cousins. She endured the loss of her firstborn baby girl Lorraine in 1940 and her beautiful daughter Beryl in 2019.
Minnie was kind and generous. She had a way with animals and a knack for taming down wild ones, making pets of birds. She could whip up a meal in a heartbeat, and like many of her generation gardened, preserved food, baked bread and could also drive a tractor, put in a crop, and help with the harvest.
In her younger days she had a variety of jobs but her long tenure with Sears at Meadowlark Mall, Edmonton was probably her favourite. She managed the Girls Wear department earning rewards and recognition. Later her merchandising skills came in handy at the “Korner Store” during her twelve years at Heritage Tower in Peace River.
After her retirement in 1980 she returned to the Chinook Valley/Dixonville area. She and Henry built a new home, hosted many family events, and travelled. Autumn and the excellent hunting in Chinook Valley brought more friends. Sometimes during harvest, the farmyard took on the jovial party atmosphere of a campsite.
In retirement she once again became an active participant in the family farm. She prepared meals, shuttled Roy & Henry between fields. Occasionally assisting Henry with equipment moves and moving grain. Minnie became involved with Dixonville Seniors’ Centre and resumed attending Strang Presbyterian Church. She served as Secretary on the church’s board of managers for many years, baked pies, cooked and served at the annual Fall Suppers.
Minnie had a major set-back when she broke her hip for a second time in 2015. Her valiant attempts to rehabilitate were unsuccessful and she would never walk again. The wheelchair required a move to Stone Brook in Grimshaw where she spent the last five years of her life. By all accounts she adapted to the limitations of the wheelchair, made the best of it, made more friends, attempted to engage with the other residents and participate in the activities.
We who mourn Minnie: her sons Harvey (Bonnie Smith) and Roy (Janis Borger); Grand-daughters Liane (Ruger Johnsen), Kendra (Mark Gratzfeld) and Lauren (Brendan Rockey); Great-grand daughters, Emma, Hannah, Maya & Taylor; Great-grandsons, River & Macmillan.
She loved her family very much. We will miss her very much.
A Memorial Gathering will be held from the Chapel of Memories funeral home in Peace River, on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 4:00 PM.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital as expressions of sympathy.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Minnie Erickson October 4 1920 May 10 2021..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Peace River, Province: Alberta