Selma (nee Kielau) Brauer
January 18, 1919 – December 31, 2018

Selma (nee Kielau) Brauer of Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake, SK, passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, on Monday, December 31, 2018, 18 days prior to her 100th birthday. Selma, the youngest of 12 children, was born to Emil and Emma (nee Gorke) Kielau on January 18, 1919, in Tauroggen, Lithuania. She was 10 years old when her brothers Emil and Otto immigrated to Canada in 1929. Selma had an indomitable spirit and a bit of a feisty nature. Those traits helped her to survive some very difficult years. The Second World War began when Selma was 20 years old. During those years she lost contact with family members and was constantly moving to keep ahead of the advancing Red Army. It was only many years later, through the help of the Red Cross, that the family once again was able to establish contact with each other. In 1949, her brother Emil Kielau sponsored her to come to Canada, and she arrived in Halifax on March 10, 1949 as a refugee. Selma met her husband Alex through her brother Otto Kielan, and they were married on October 12, 1950, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Middle Lake. Emil’s wife Ruby took Selma under her wing and taught her English and how to be a successful farm wife. Mom truly appreciated Ruby’s help and kindness and often referred to her as an angel. Two children were born to Selma and Alex; Karen in 1952, and Lorne in 1953. Mom was a wonderful hostess. No one ever left her home hungry, as she loved to cook and bake and always had more than enough to feed all her guests. In those earlier years, her feasts were cooked on a wood stove. Her days were filled with gardening, canning, family, faith and caring for the farm animals. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid. Mom was very proud to attain her Canadian Citizenship on January 28, 1964. 1972 was a highlight, as that is the year that Mom and Dad travelled to Germany for a family reunion. This was the first time the brothers and sisters had been together since Otto and Emil immigrated in 1929. After her children left home, Mom decided that she wasn’t busy enough and began to work at Bethany Pioneer Village. Also, during that time, Mom and Dad began to satisfy their love of travel. They went on many vacations, both large and small. The highlights were: Hawaii, Florida, Canadian Maritimes, England and Scotland. In 1980, Mom and Dad sold the farm and moved into Dad’s parents’ home in Middle Lake, kitty corner to Faith Lutheran Church. In 1995, they sold their home and moved into a suite at Bethany Pioneer Village. Mom’s beloved Alex passed away on September 2, 2006. Mom continued to live in her suite until May 2011 when she moved to Birch Manor in Bethany. Five years later she moved into Aspen Manor for full care. Mom felt at home in Bethany and was very lucky to have been able to transition as needed to different levels of care all within her home community. Mom missed her beloved Alex terribly for the last 12 years. It was her deeply held wish to “go home to Alex”. Our family is comforted by the belief that they are together again. Selma will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her two children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren: Karen Snell (Ken) and family, Charma Larre (David) and children, Landon, Anika and Danae, Paul Snell (Angela) and daughter Carrie-Anne, Jonathan Snell (Sabrina) and children, Paige, Temperance and Carter; and Lorne Brauer (Colleen) and family, Amy Brauer (Jeff), and Mark Brauer. The Funeral Service was held at Faith Lutheran Church, Middle Lake on Friday, January 4, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Ken Keller. Scripture readers were Amy Brauer and Karl Baumgardner. Music ministry was provided by organist and soloist, Sharon Carter. Memorial Table Attendants were Anika Larre and Carrie-Anne Snell. Pallbearers were Doug Kielau, Darrell Kielau, Paul Snell, Jonathan Snell, Mark Brauer, and Landon Larre. Interment followed at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Middle Lake. Memorial donations may be directed to either Bethany Pioneer Village or Faith Lutheran Church.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)