Obituary of Helen Gerbrandt

GERBRANDT – (Unger) Helena August 24, 2008, for Helena (Unger) Gerbrandt dawned with the expectation that she would celebrate her 86th birthday at the Mainstay Inn near Riverhurst, Saskatchewan. Reality proved for her a much greater celebration . . . as she was preparing for the Sunday morning worship service at the Herbert Heritage Manor . . . well, as her caregiver (who came to check in on her after breakfast and found her slumped on the floor leaning against the wall) said, “Oh, Helen, you’ve gone home!” Helena believed that folks should not cry when older people ‘go home’ because they have lived a full life. This is certainly true of Helena. She has lived a good and full life. Helena was the sixth born to Herman and Maria Unger, of Mennonite heritage, August 24, 1922, near Blumenhof south of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Her childhood was spent on the family farm along with eleven siblings in the Hopefield district. She completed eight grades at the Hopefield School where she excelled in learning, especially loving sports and music. In the farm environment and the large family dynamics, Helena learned a strong work ethic which she was diligent in modeling and expecting of her own children. In 1942, Helena met and married Jacob Gerbrandt that same year on November 29. The two were married in the Conference church at Wymark, Saskatchewan, and made their home in the Glen Kerr farming district, north of Morse, Saskatchewan. Helena and Jacob prospered in farming and in raising a family. To them were born seven children: Edwin (1943), Irwin (1945), Esther (1946), Lisa (1948), Jerry (1954), Vi (1957), Helen Maria (1962). In 1967, Helena and family suffered the loss of Jacob due to accidental death. Helena’s family continued to prosper. Helena was heard to say that one’s life does not get easier when your kids grow up and leave home . . . the concerns and prayers multiply! Helena’s current living descendant legacy looks as follows: Ed and Rachel Gerbrandt’s (Vulcan AB) family: Todd (son) and Lorraine Gerbrandt (Morse SK) have two children: Dylan and Dallas; Twila (daughter) and Ken Bennik (Blackey AB) have four children: Raelene, Travis, Brayden, Levi KathyJo (daughter) and Darren Quilley (Honduras) have three children: Clay, Keeley, Seth; Irwin and Vera Gerbrandt’s (Morse SK) family: Collin (son) Gerbrandt (Morse SK), Cleah (daughter) and Jason Johnson (Hanley SK) have two children: Tayler, Ronin; Esther and George (deceased 1982) Penner’s family: Pearl (daughter) and Ken Arychuk (Calgary AB) have three children: Daniel, Mariah, Deven; Jewel (daughter) and Warren Lau (Ottawa ON) have three children: Jack, George, Grace; Lisa (daughter) and Nick Petkau’s (Cranbrook BC) family: Leahn (daughter) and Ken Losey (Champion AB) have four children: Stephen, Taylor, Rylan, Clarissa; Tammie (daughter) and Troy Ensign (Cranbrook BC) have two children: Josi, Daneri; Nick (son) and Jeannine Petkau (Cranbrook BC), Jerry Gerbrandt’s (Morse SK) family: Tricia (daughter) and Kim Ozust (Estevan SK) have three children: Ryley, Shaelyn, Tanner; Derrick (son) and Kristin Gerbrandt (Morse SK). A funeral service was held on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 2:00 pm. from the Church of the Open Bible with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. The organist was Wendy Cochrane and special music was provided by Charolette Peters and Rachelle Patzer. The ushers were: Joe Unger, Danny Unger, Kevin Unger and Norman Unger. Tributes were given by her children and her grandchildren. The pallbearers were grandsons: Todd Gerbrandt, Collin Gerbrandt, Derrick Gerbrandt, Nick Petkau, Mike Arnold and Greg Arnold. The interment took place at the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK. Donations in Helena’a memory may be made to the Herbert Heritage Manor. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.