Shirley Wildeman
April 28, 1926- December 29, 2016

Shirley Wildeman passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 29, 2016 at the Lanigan Integrated Hospital. She was 90 years of age. Shirley Irma Wildeman (nee Snider) was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on April 28, 1926 to Fred (Fritz) and Edna Snider (nee Craddock). They lived in Esk where her father was an elevator agent and her mother ran the post office. Her mother’s desire for Shirley to receive a good education resulted in Shirley being schooled locally at Pauline school as well as several grades in Regina up to grade 11. When her parents moved the family to Vancouver in 1943 she was granted her grade 12 by the British Columbia government. Growing up in Esk was a special time for Shirley and she often reminisced about how much fun it was. She forged many close friendships that lasted throughout her life. She also met her future husband Bill, they began dating as young teenagers and a lifelong love affair began. When Shirley’s family moved to Vancouver, Bill enrolled in the army and after training was sent overseas for the next 3 years. But they had already decided that they would spend their lives together and she waited patiently for his return. In Vancouver, Shirley attended Business College, while working part-time at the main postal office in Vancouver. Upon completion she began her working career at a real estate office, then as a legal stenographer. Bill returned from the Second World War in January of 1946, and they were married in Vancouver on October 26, 1946. They returned to Esk and began their lives together and started farming south of Esk. Brian was born in 1950 and Bradley was born in 1954. In 1956, when the time came for Brian to attend school, and with poor roads and no school bus, they decided to move to Esk and purchase the general store. Shirley ran the store until 1964 while Bill operated the farm. They then built a new home back on their farm. During this time they always had help, and two of those people were Pius Houk and Elsie Blumer. Pius and Elsie met, fell in love and married while working for them and remained very special friends throughout her life. Shirley enjoyed her time on the farm. She was an active supporter of the farming activities. She always had a large garden, chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese as well as milk cows that were all part of the chores. She was an excellent homemaker and cook. She always prepared hot meals and delivered them out to the fields during the busy growing season. Later, the farm grew to include both of her sons, which was a source of pride for her. Bill and Shirley enjoyed many great vacations to the U.S. during the winter months with their motorhome. The most special trip, however, was to Holland in 1980 for the 35th anniversary of the liberation of Holland. While there, Bill and Shirley were treated like royalty. Bill had actively participated in the liberation and was stationed there when the war ended and until his return to Canada in 1946. After Bill’s passing in December 1992, Shirley stayed on the farm until moving to a new home in Lanigan in 1996. She enjoyed her time there and became an active participant in the Christian Fellowship Church. Her religious, and much of her social life, was centered around the church and she made many close friends during this time. Family was always the most important part of her life. No birthday, anniversary, or special occasion passed without a family gathering which always included a huge culinary feast. A family favorite was her world famous fried chicken. She particularly enjoyed her grandchildren and more recently her two great grandchildren, who she always referred to as her “little ones”. She was very close to them and they all loved her dearly. In December 2015, she suffered a serious fall fracturing her neck, and shortly thereafter suffered a stroke which affected her ability to speak coherently. The past year was filled with many medical challenges but through it all she remained positive, loving, and caring until her passing. Shirley leaves to mourn her two sons Brian (Cathy), and Bradley (Cheri), 3 grandchildren Taylor (Crystal), Reagan (Fred), and Brock, and two great grandchildren Charlotte and William, her sister-in law Verna Rosin and brother-in-law Dan Schindel. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 46 years Bill, her parents Fred and Edna Snider, and her brother Allan. “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Christian Fellowship Church, Lanigan, SK at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Reverend Jack Robson (Deacon) and Pastor Brad Schroeder. Others taking part were: Dulcie Kirzinger, pianist; Bill and Ruby Regier, memorial table attendants; Dave Pollock, Marlene Pollock, Nata Kline, Marian Pullman and Tatum Wildeman, music ministry; Bill Regier, tribute; Brad Wildeman, eulogist; Mylles Wildeman, usher. Pallbearers were: Taylor Wildeman, Brock Wildeman, Todd Wildeman, Drew Mesenchuk, Bill Wildeman and Fred Dyck. Interment took place before the service at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Esk, SK. Memorial donations may be directed to Gideons International in Canada P.O. Box 3619 Guelph, ON N1H 7A2.

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