Werner was raised with his older sister Vera on the farm near Summerberry. Werner quickly knew school was not for him and dropped out in Grade 8. He was more the working type and quickly took to farming. Over the years, he did other jobs such as trucking and road building, but his heart brought him back to farming at Summerberry.
He met Lillian Hack, the love of his life in Grenfell. They were married on June 5, 1965. He not only gained a wife, but an entire family including stepchildren and grandchildren which he loved dearly. Werner loved all animals and was a keen horseman. He was a craftsman to many trades including woodworking, leatherworking, fixing small engines and lawnmowers, along with many more. He loved to garden and provide vegetables to his entire family and many neighbors.
He was a member of the Grenfell Volunteer Fire Department, as Fire Fighter, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief for many years and was honored for his outstanding years of commitment at the Fire Department’s 100th year celebration. He loved collecting antiques and “treasures” at local auctions and yard sales. From his collection he has donated several historic pieces back to numerous Museums throughout southern Saskatchewan. He donated 2 tractors: a Minneapolis Moline Model U and a rare International W40 to the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum in Moose Jaw. From his horses, he donated all his harness to the Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site in Abernathy. He had a large collection of Native pemmican pounders, arrowheads, and other artifacts he found on his family’s home quarter, as well as a meteorite he found, which were donated to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina. He also donated a few of the native arrow heads and antique tools to the local Grenfell Museum.
Werner had an incredible love for his family. His smile would light up the room if got to tell someone he was visiting with any of his grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and great-great-great grandchildren; he was proud of all of them. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church and his faith was incredibly strong, especially in his later years helping him through his different illnesses.
Werner was predeceased by his parents, John and Auguste, his wife Lillian, stepson Russell Hack, stepdaughter Joyce Handke, stepson in-law Irvin Handke and grandson Brian Handke.
He is survived by his sister Vera Palmer; nephew Frank and niece Shaelene and families; grandchildren Laurie and Darcy Rist, Melvin Handke, Donna and Murray Whitelaw, and Garth and Karen Handke; great-grandchildren Lianne and Leyton Plett, Tanice and Trevor Fraser, Jennifer and Don Strickland, Jason and Cassandra Whitelaw, Amanda and Derek Baumgartner, Greg and Ivana Whitelaw, Ryan Handke, and Samantha Handke, great-great grandchildren Mackenzie and Dallas Wishloff, Jonathan Gooding, Austin and Brooke Strickland, Sage and Jade Fraser, Zachary Whitelaw, Jessica, Carson and Bailey Baumgartner, and Liam and Felix Whitelaw, great-great-great grandchildren Sophia and Beau Wishloff.
It was his wish that donations in his memory be made to Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Box 520, Grenfell, SK, S0G 2B0. A private funeral service was held at Peace Lutheran Church, Grenfell, SK on Tuesday Feb. 23, 2021. Private interment followed.
A video of the funeral service will be made available to the public on Go Forth in Peace Lutheran Parish's facebook group for all that cannot attend the funeral.
Arrangements in care of Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services, Wolseley, SK.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5