He was born on January 19,1928, in Neu Podole, Poland to Emilie and Ewald Fenske.
Helmut was predeceased by his wife Irene; his daughter Irma Rachul; siblings Ewald Jr Fenske, Gertrude Johnson, and Zelma Weiss; and friend Nancy Fahlman.
He is survived by his children Alfred Fenske (Marlene), Jenny New, Albert Fenske, and Rob Fenske (Shelagh Bolden); son-in-law Rob Rachul; special longtime friend Eva Zimmerman; her daughters Doris Welke, Linda Jacobs, Eileen Zimmerman and their families; his grandchildren Joanna LeDoux (Marty), Mark Fenske (Chris), Jaquelyn Neufeld (Brent), Dianna Yip (Andrew), Matt Rachul (Ashly), Samantha Sahl (Richie), Piper New (Tyler), Alicia Fenske (Brad), Myles Masse, Christine Faber (Fred), and Michael Bolden (Rebecca); ten great grandchildren; siblings Waldemar Fenske, Adele Hein, Margaret Hein (Adolph) and Harold Fenske (Lila); and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Helmut was born on the family homestead, the second of eight children. It was there that he learned hard work, and found his love of gardening, especially growing strawberries, and fruit trees. In 1950 during troubled times Helmut immigrated to Canada, he worked for a year on a farm and then at a gas station in Yorkton, SK, all to pay for the expense of the voyage. Learning a new language and working together with his sister Gertrude, they planned for the rest of the family to immigrate to Canada. Together as a family the Fenske’s pooled their incomes to pay for the voyage as well as a new home in Yorkton, SK. Resilience was in his blood.
Helmut married Irene Schilberg on May 20, 1954, and they brought five children into the world. With the help of family and friends, Helmut built his own home, always providing. In 1972 work opportunities, took Helmut and his family to Regina, SK, there he built another home. Sadly, his wife passed away in July of 1973, and he carried on with his children.
Helmut’s work ethic and his knowledge of plumbing was exceptional. He would be requested by name to complete many projects, and he took great pride in every aspect of his work. When he was not working, he was gardening, providing for more than his family, sharing his bounty with everyone. He was known for the abundance of his backyard strawberry patch and many in the neighborhood and beyond had a fruit tree that was personally grafted by him.
In 1998 Helmut met Eva and together they shared many years of laughter, mostly at themselves. They were two peas in a pod. Whether singing along to a tape, travelling, camping, or fishing, they shared their life together with kindness and love. They embraced each other’s family with open arms.
Helmut was an outdoorsman. He loved fishing and always had many stories to tell. Often, he had his way of doing things, but he was always open to learning about a new technique. He would always get a twinkle in his eye and have the biggest grin on his face as he out-fished everyone. His trips to Jan Lake, SK were his most treasured.
A master at solving brain teaser puzzles, Helmut could figure them out within minutes. He enjoyed sharing these puzzles with others and often found amusement in the confusion that would ensue, eventually leading Helmut to reveal the solution with a smile on his face.
Helmut had a deep love for all animals, this was proven by the bond he had with Eva’s dog, Rawley. They shared many memories together, bringing joy to each other’s life. Helmut enjoyed a good Rider game, but his passion was watching curling. He also loved playing chess, and cards, including a good game of cribbage.
Helmut was always prepared. Clean shaven with a tidy haircut, a comb in his pocket, a handy little jack knife in the other, and always a toothpick or two.
We all hold close memories of Helmut, his life has impacted us all. He was kind and giving, always lending a hand, and so in his final hour complete strangers came to lend him a hand, and for that we are grateful. A man of faith, a man of integrity, a man whose life revolved around the wellbeing of his family and others. He had a life well lived, and he lives on through us all.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Helmut on Friday April 19, 2024, at 10:30am at Christ Lutheran Church, 4825 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK. Flowers are gratefully declined.
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