Helen Olfert

Helen Olfert, age 91, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at the Meadows, Swift Current, SK.  Helena “Helen” Olfert was born on December 26, 1926 to Isaac & Katherina Tschetter in Neville, SK. She grew up on the family farm near Neville with her five siblings and attended the Swift Current Bible Institute in 1950. Helen was baptized at Zion Mennonite Church. She worked at Home Hardware and Revelstoke in Swift Current before moving to Wetaskiwin, SK to work at Home Hardware.

Helen met John Olfert while she was working in Swift Current, he traveled to Wetaskiwin to propose to her and she came back to Swift Current to begin their life together. Helen & John were married on June 15, 1955 and moved to a farm east of Swift Current, near the Research Station. They raised their three children there and operated a mixed farm until 1995, when they built a new duplex and moved into Swift Current. Helen’s gentle smile and servant attitude brought comfort to many.

She enjoyed being a hardworking housewife, John knew that meals were always exactly at noon and six — whether he was working around the farm or in the field, supper was ready when he returned in the evening. Once they moved to town, Helen loved going for many walks with friends. Helen always put others ahead of herself, but everyone knew that above all, was God — faith was the center of her home.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 63 years, John Olfert; her three children, all of whom reside in Swift Current, Tom (Peg) Olfert, Brad (Micki) Olfert, and Marlin (Terri) Olfert; her eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Blaine (Lisa) Olfert, Nicole Olfert, Colin (Carling) Olfert (their children, Ainsley and Griffin), Denae (Stephen) Unger (their children, Grayson and Langley), Kelsey Olfert, Danielle Olfert, Jenna Olfert, and Tyler Olfert; her sister, Anna Tschetter (Swift Current, SK); her brother, George (Suzie) Tschetter (Rhineland, SK); her sister-in-law, Lena (Johnny) Sawatsky (Swift Current, SK); and by her numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was predeceased by her granddaughter, Jessica Olfert; her father, Isaac, in 1984; her mother, Katherina, in 2001; her sisters, Kathryn Danyluk and Agnes Friesen; her brother, Cornelius Tschetter; and by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. 

The Funeral Service for Helen Olfert was held on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 2:00 pm from Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bryon Bezanson and Chaplain John Buergerhout officiating. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” was sung by the congregation, with Barb Klassen serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Peg Olfert, who sang “Because He Lives” and “Amazing Grace,” and Karan Regier, who sang “What a Day That Will Be.” The obituary was read by Marlin Olfert, the tribute was given by Helen’s grandchildren. A photo presentation was given by Denae Unger and Kelsey Olfert. The ushers in the church were Frank Rempel, Trevor Dyck, Gary Argue, and Larry Friesen. The Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service at 11:00 am from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Blaine Olfert, Tyler Olfert, Gary Tschetter, Colin Olfert, Clarence Tschetter, and Tim Fehr serving as Pallbearers. In memory of Helen Olfert, donations made to the MCC Food Grains Bank would be appreciated by the family. 

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