Dan Schapansky

On Sunday, May 15, 2022 Dan Schapansky, age 89, left this world to join his Lord and Savior with family and friends at his side at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. Daniel “Dan” Schapansky was born June 18, 1932 to Peter & Elizabeth Schapansky on the family farm north of Morse, SK near Glen Kerr, SK. He attended the Log Valley school until the eighth grade and at age 15, started his first paid job shoveling gravel as part of the CP Rail Extra Gang.

Some of Dan’s other work included working for the RM as an equipment operator, as a hired farm hand, and as a feed lot employee before spending a majority of his career at the Swift Current Dairy Producers Co-op until he retired in 1995. Dan also owned and operated Herbert Sanitary Services for many years.

In 1962, Dan married the love of his life, Laura Derksen, and they had one daughter, Treena. Dan & Laura accepted the Lord early in their marriage and were baptized into the Herbert Mennonite Church, where they remained active members throughout their lives. Dan liked to keep busy. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, camping, building, and fixing almost anything.

When his brother, Alvin, built a working scale model steam tractor and when his brother, Wes, built a scale model thresher, Dan also became involved in model engineering. He built model hay racks, wagons, and a cookshack, which completed all the parts needed for a working threshing team. They dubbed themselves the Schapansky Boys Antique Toys and took their tiny working models to such venues as the Regina Agribition, and Sukanen Village near Moose Jaw, to name a few. People young and old marveled at the craftmanship of the Schapansky Boys Toys and they were even featured on an episode of the Prairie Farm Report.

After losing Laura to cancer in 2014, Dan learned his way around the kitchen — cooking and baking, as well as maintaining flower and vegetable gardens. Dan enjoyed life and loved to visit family and friends.

Dan was predeceased by his wife, Laura Schapansky; his brother, Wes; his sisters, Viola and Eva; and by his brother-in-law, Elmer.

Dan leaves behind his daughter, Treena (Jim) Knelson; his remaining brothers and sisters-in-law; his numerous nieces and nephews; and by many friends.

He will be missed by all.

The Funeral Service for Dan Schapansky was held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm from Living Faith Fellowship Church, Herbert, SK with Pastor Lincoln Vellacott officiating. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was sung by the congregation, with Donovan Epp serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Donovan Epp, who sang “Be Still My Soul.” Tributes were given by Richard Nickel and Laurie Redekop. The obituary was read by Jim Knelson. The ushers in the church were Ken Siemens and Arnold Giesbrecht.

The service was recorded and can be viewed here.

The Private Family Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with Donovan Epp officiating. Niel Block, Richard Nickel, Brian Nickel, Bruce Nickel, Rodney Dyck, and Ken Schapansky served as Pallbearers.

In memory of Dan Schapansky, donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. 

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