Josephine Kestel

Josephine Kestel of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at the age of 99 years. Josephine was born October 21, 1923, on the farm in the Limerick district to George and Viktorine (nee Wiedemann) Willer. She was raised on the farm along with three sisters, Faye, Gert and Marianne; Josephine was the oldest. Many used to comment that Josephine and her sisters were always dressed so smartly for church and they looked so cute every Sunday.

Josephine went to the Orinoco School near Limerick. When she started school she only spoke German and had to learn English. She continued her studies until grade 10 then went out in the area as well as in Regina to housekeep and do other domestic duties. Josephine met Anthony Kestel who was a farm hand for her dad. They were married on February 15, 1947 welcoming two children – Sylvia (1949) and Ken (1952) both of which are deceased now. Josephine helped Anthony on the farm but once Sylvia and Ken started school she worked as a switchboard operator for a local telephone company and continued for eleven years until dial phones came into use. Shortly after she obtained a position working in the kitchen at the Ross Payant Nursing Home and stayed there for seventeen years until she retired at age sixty five years.

Josephine always had a big garden both in town and on the farm. She was famous for all her canning. The kitchen was so full when it was canning season. She always had jams, jellies, pickles, relish and beets on the go. Josephine was also a wonderful baker. She was popular for the bread and buns she would make. Her family could hardly wait for a holiday to come around when she would make her dinner rolls, each roll was made to perfection and they were a real treat, no one passed them up! Josephine’s pies and cakes could be found at local bake sales and fowl suppers, all made from scratch and delicious. She never missed taking food or baking over to friends and neighbours when someone had passed or was ill. She was always very generous with her time and resources.

Josephine loved shopping, always able to ‘justify’ her latest purchases, she loved spending time with friends and neighbours, playing cards or enjoying a visit over a cup of coffee, and she loved her flower garden, it was always adorned with every colour of the rainbow. She truly had a green thumb!

Josephine stayed very active her whole life even though she battled cancer three times she won each time and she always kept going. As things began to be more difficult around the house she moved into the cottages then the villa and finally the nursing home.

Josephine is fondly remembered by her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She welcomed everyone into her home and was known for her generous hospitality, creating memorable traditions. Although it is sad to see her go she left a legacy and instilled many great qualities in others. We all have great memories and are going to cherish those forever. She deserves her rest after a life well lived.

Josephine was predeceased by her husband, Tony, children Sylvia Bokitch, Kenneth Kestel, and sister Faye Ghiglione. She is survived by her grandchildren, Allison Bokitch and Kent Bokitch, son-in-law Dennis Bokitch, sisters Marianne Holzer and Sister Anna Marie (Gertrude) Willer.

A Funeral Mass for Josephine was held Friday, August 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM at St. George’s Roman Catholic Church in Assiniboia, SK. Father George Thattuparampil celebrant. A tribute was presented by granddaughter Allison, readers were Bev Kuntz and Joanne Wehrle, and music ministry was led by Gail Delorme. Pallbearers were Brent Ghiglione, Dominic Ghiglione, Steve Willer, Rod Bushell, Kelly Anderson and Lou Skarbon. Josephine was laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Kestel family. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-3373

For floral orders please contact Moms Florist (Assiniboia) 306-642-4777

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