Obituary of Katherine Wack

Eulogy of Katherine "Katie" Wack Our Mom, Katherina Degenhardt was born July 26, 1927 in a little house on the farm that Grandpa rented near Prelate, Saskatchewan. To her parents Amalia and Jacob Degenhardt she was to be their ninth child yet only their second daughter. Mom often talked about how their family had very little, in terms of material goods, yet their family was happy. The church and their faith were very important. So were neighbors and helping out. Life was not easy. Mom said that when her younger sister Mary was born she was only six and yet with the guidance of her bedridden mom she helped to mix the bread for the family. She said that her arms were so tired after that. Mom turned seven on the wagon trip as the family moved from near Prelate, Saskatchewan to the Homestead near Goodsoil, Saskatchewan. Mom went to school at Peerless, Saskatchewan. By the time she was in her early teens she was out to work to support herself and to also send money home for her Mom. Mom worked at the Loon Lake Hospital, then she moved to Edmonton to work for Canadian Linen, from there she was transferred by Canadian Linen to Vancouver. In May1955 Mom decided to take some time off of her job and spend some time with her family. The way things worked out that year was amazing. She spent some time babysitting for her sister-in-law Helen Degenhardt at Rex School. Coincidentally all the bachelors in the area were stopping by the teacherage for a drink of water. Mom being the practical person that she was solved the problem by tying a cup to the well. One tradition that the Rex neighborhood had at that time was everyone getting together for a ball game on Sunday afternoons. Often it would start out as a scrub game. Eventually more people would show up and teams were formed and a game would ensue. It was at one of these games that she met our dad, Nick Wack. We heard that it was love at first sight. After a very short engagement, they married in November of 1955. (Less than six months after she met Dad). The next few years were spent raising a family, of five children, and helping Dad on the farm. During the summers her passion was her garden. Mom canned, pickled and made jam till all the jars were full. It the winter she made quilts, knitted socks and mitts and crocheted. Mom started experiencing some health problems in 1986. In 1996 she had a heart valve replaced and one repaired. After the operation she regained much of her strength and stamina. In April 2000 Dad and Mom moved from the farm into Lloydminster. Mom continued to garden and find ways to keep busy. After Dad passed away in 2006, Mom moved into Fellowship Village. She loved that place and enjoyed her neighbors. Her strokes in December 2007 took away her independence and her mobility. She was cooperative with the Dr Cooke staff but she still liked to tell us kids what to do. The best part of living at the Dr. Cooke was her visitors. Mom was a no-nonsense, down to earth person. She didn't try to be anything that she wasn't. She told it how she saw it. She very much believed in God, the church, in family and having us all get along and work together. Mom's special joy was her grandchildren. She was proud of each and every one of them. Mom passed away on January 23, 2009 at the age of 81 years, at the Dr Cooke with her family at her side. We will miss her dearly. Some Memories of Mom/Grandma · Baking cookies, cakes, and pies for hours on a Saturday morning only to have it all eaten by Tuesday or Wednesday. · Three big meals and two lunches everyday. · Her friend - a piece of leather harness hung behind the wood stove, which she wasn't afraid to use. · Mom weeding the garden summer evenings · Mom driving the combine or the tractor or stacking bales at harvest · Playing Kaiser. And you had to be serious. · Playing marbles or aggravation. · Eating Kentucky Fried Chicken at her house after church on Sunday · Milk and cookies · Her homemade bread, buns and donuts · Her smile when she saw you. Her face lit up. · Mom knitting everyone a pair of socks and mitts each fall. · Mom sitting and crocheting · The candy jar at grandma's and leaving with candy in each hand. · Her warm hugs for everyone. · Knitting with grandma. · Her delicious meals · Doing puzzles on the pool table · Grandma telling us to eat · Picking her up for Sunday Mass and having to be at least ½ hour early. · Mom liking to have warm feet · Visiting her at the Dr. Cooke and having her tell us the time every few minutes. Katie is survived by: Five children and 18 grandchildren One daughter, Audrey and her husband Greg Gibbs, their Children: Matthew, Katrina, Mary Anne and Sarah. Four sons: Jim Wack and his children: Nicole and her husband Kurt Valette, Cora Lee, and Jason. Brian and Wendy Wack and their children: Bryna, Curtis, Kyle, Vicki, Josh and Janine. Rick and Roberta Wack and their children: Jody and her fiancée Kyle Deck, and Michael. John and Penny Wack and their children: Larissa, Colin and Levi. All living in Lloydminster and area. One sister: Mary Heffner of Sherwood Park, Alberta Three brothers: Martin and Caroline Degenhardt of Goodsoil, Sask Sam and Helen Degenhardt of Goodsoil, Sask. Jack and Anne Degenhardt of Edmonton, Alberta Sisters in law: Margaret Degenhardt, Isabel Degenhardt, Mina Eglauer. Ann Wack, and Bea Wack. Brothers in Law: George Gibbs and Bob Wolfe. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Predeceased by: Her Husband Nick Wack in 2006, Grandson Daniel Gibbs in 1991. One sister Isabella Schewalje, Seven brothers, Frank, Bill, Harry, Tony, John, Valentine and Alexander Degenhardt. One thing Mom always said is that, "You never know when it's your time." Mom was ready. She's with Dad and Jesus. Bye Mom, we love you and we'll miss you like crazy. Thanks to: Dr. Du Plooy and the staff at the Dr. Cooke for their kindness, caring and compassion. Fr. Jan Sobkowicz and Deacon Lynn Pion for your kind words, Melanie Pellerin our pianist with Madeline Robson, Ray Faltermeier, Wendy Wack and Katrina Gibbs. The St. Anthony's CWL for the delicious lunch. All who sent, flowers, food, had masses read, and made donations in memory of Mom. All who sent cards, emailed or phoned. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Sincerely; Greg & Audrey Gibbs Jim Wack Brian & Wendy Wack Rick & Roberta Wack John & Penny Wack & Families Donations in memory of Katie may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society.