Willie Wushke
July 13, 1929 - June 25, 2023
As published in the July 3, 2023 World-Spectator
Willie Wushke was born to Emily and Adolf Wushke on their homestead (NW Sec. 25 Tp. 48, Rge. 11, W 3rd) near Meeting Lake, Saskatchewan, the second of 12 children to survive infancy.
He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Meeting Lake on August 11, 1929, and confirmed on November 7, 1943.
The Wushkes moved to Wapella in 1947 with Willie arriving in January 1948 after shipping the fattened steers.
Willie met Nora Voelpel by chance, in a Main Street cafe the day he got off the train in Wapella.
Willie and Nora married on November 8, 1951.
They were farmers from that day on, for more than six decades, in the Woodleigh and Cranbrook districts north of Wapella. Willie loved farming and was good at it. He loved his cattle and the changing seasons of the year.
Willie was active in local affairs including serving several terms as councillor in the Rocanville Municipality and on St. John’s Church Council.
He became a curler in his mid-30s and took many years of pleasure from it.
Willie was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Eric, Alma, Albert and Sylvia and niece Edna.
He is survived by his siblings Edwin, Gertie, Bruno, Rita, Hertha, Arthur and Armin and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He is also survived by two first cousins Ely Hanke in Brazil, and Erna Kirsch in Germany.
He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years Nora, and all his descendants: Ralph Carl (David Vereschagin), Allan (Suzanne), Tim (Andria), and Lois.
His loving grandchildren are Amy (Terry Rutten), Martin, Owen (Michelle), and Jeremy (Shonda); Amber (Josh Speas); Michael (Kristina), Scott, Rose (Robert Loch), Tyson (Amey), and Travis (ShanI Jonassen) Coghill.
Willie’s dear great-grandchildren are Katelyn and Kirk Rutten; Claire, Emmett and Hugh Wushke; Reise and Lucas Wushke; Russel, Ryker and Ricky Wushke; and Emery Coghill.
Willie was very outgoing and enjoyed a wide circle of friends. Going for coffee and visiting with neighbours and relatives always made him happy.
Christmas was the happiest day of his year. He was in excellent spirits until two days before his sudden death in Moosomin on Sunday, June 25. The entire family will miss him deeply—above all his great smile.
Funeral service will be held from St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wapella on Tuesday, July 4 at 1 p.m.
Pallbearers are all the grandchildren. Burial is in the Sunset Memorial Gardens, Moosomin next to his in-laws, Carl and Mary Voelpel.
“If we die with the Lord, we shall also live with the Lord.” 2 Timothy 2:11.
Willie’s family expresses deep thanks to all the staff at the Southeast Integrated Care Centre for the excellent and attentive care he received while he lived there.
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