Gertrude "Gertie" Krahn

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gertrude (Gertie) Krahn, age 84, on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at the Herbert Integrated Facility – Long Term Care, Herbert, SK, attended by two of her nieces and by her sister, Helen. Gertrude was born on March 27, 1932 in the family farmhouse at Rosenort, SK, to Johan & Susanna Krahn (Wiebe), the youngest of fourteen children. Always frail, Gertie struggled all her life with physical challenges suffered at birth, but nothing could weaken her indomitable spirit, nor dampen her enthusiasm for life. In spite of her challenges, and enduring many tumbles and scrapes and bruises along the way, Gertie learned to walk, albeit haltingly and much later than most toddlers. Bright, curious and articulate, she attended school, the rural Iris School, for the first time at age 10, enrolling immediately at a Grade 4 level, and achieving Grade 8. Gertie never married, residing with her mother, Susanna on the family farm. Even after the premature death of her father on January 13, 1943, Gertie and her mom stayed on the family farm until moving into a compact bungalow in Swift Current, SK. There, Gertie tended the house, planted the garden, did the grocery shopping, and joyously entertained her siblings and her siblings’ children. As all her loving nieces and nephews will attest, any visit with Aunt Gertie guaranteed a Wagon Wheel treat! In December, 1977, Gertie’s physical frailties intensified, and for her well-being she was moved to the Herbert Nursing Home, where she resided for her last 38 years. Gertie was joined there by her dear mother in 1978, who passed away on March 24, 1989. In spite of the many challenges she faced each day, Gertie loved life. Over the years, Gertie’s health continued to deteriorate, and her physical abilities, always limited, became progressively weaker, until in 2003 she became completely bed-ridden. And yet she retained her optimism, love of life, and joy in family and friends. While we will miss you, dearest Gertie, we rejoice with you that at last you are freed from your physical limitations –  that you are at last able to run, skip, jump and frolic fearlessly without pain. Gertie was predeceased by her parents, Johan & Susanna; her brothers, Peter, John, Jake, Nicholas, George, Isaac, and Cornelius; and by her sisters, Helena, Mary, Tina and Susanna. She is survived by a sister, Helen; a brother, Bernard; her beloved sisters-in-law, Matilda and Nettie; and by many nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 2:00 pm from the Christian Fellowship Church, Rhineland, SK with Pastor Randall Krahn officiating. The pianists for the service were Faith Krahn and Vivian Thiessen. “How Great Thou Art”, “It Is Well With My Soul” and “When We All Get to Heaven” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Henry Thiessen.  The eulogy was read by Sharon Krahn with tributes shared by Mel Friesen and the Nursing Home Staff. Special music was brought by Lorraine Funk, Roseanne Poffenroth, Lois Martens and Donna Driedger singing, “Amazing Grace”. The ushers in the church were Gordon Martens and Laurier Caron. The Honorary pallbearers were Helen Wieler, Bernard Krahn, Gertie Neufeld and Alice Elias. The Interment Service was held at the Rosenort Cemetery, Rosenort, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Les Driedger, Larry Krahn, Allen Krahn, Dave Wieler, Kelvin Krahn and Bob Krahn. In memory of Gertie Krahn, donations made to the Herbert Integrated Health Care Facility Auxiliary, or to the Gideons International would be appreciated by the family.

 Service Information