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Melvin Wenaus Obituary
Melvin Wenaus
It is with heartfelt love and respect that we, the family, announce the passing of Melvin Alfred Wenaus on Monday, April 22, 2024 at the age of 97 years. Dad taught us how to live life and also how to leave this world peacefully and with dignity. Mel was born to William "Bill" Wenaus and Marjorie (Mackin) Wenaus on September 4, 1926 in the farm house NE 1/4 of Sec. 14-6-27-W2. The farm was half a mile west of Landscape, Saskatchewan; the town had been developed by some of Bill's many siblings after immigrating to Canada from North Dakota in the later half of the 1800's. Dad was the middle child and only boy of 5 children. He absolutely adored his mother and admired and respected his father. Dad was a constant shadow of his Uncle Alfred, who farmed with his brother Bill. To know Dad was to know Uncle Alf and to know Uncle Alf was to know Dad. Growing up on a mixed farm in the 1930's and 40's, Dad learned to be resourceful and frugal. He learned to be a steward of the land and how to care for all animals domestic and otherwise, from chickens to draft horses, from hunter to gatherer. Dad was a very good horseman. He displayed a calm, well thought out, in control, thoughtful relationship with his horses as demonstrated by how he could work with any horse large, small, refined or otherwise, grade or purebred, recognizing when things were going well and when something was off. He also recognized when he needed to ask for assistance or guidance from Uncle Alf, his father, and later neighbors like Angus Stevenson or Doctor Dan. They say you can learn a lot about a person by their relationship with animals. Dad attended Landscape School, Verwood School and the University of Saskatchewan. While he attended the College of Agriculture he was enrolled in the Canadian Officer Training Program. He received his call to military service just as WW II came to a close. Rather than having to go to war he returned to farm duties at Landscape. After his work was done for the day he could be found riding his trusty steed (sometimes by moon light and stars) from Landscape to the town of Viceroy where he had his eye on the beautiful and spirited Loretta Boll. Luckily for both of them her Dad and the Boll brothers approved and he was welcomed into their very large family. They married in Viceroy, Saskatchewan on November 25, 1949. They celebrated their 74th Wedding Anniversary last November. Dad dearly loved and respected Mom with all his heart and soul. He said he was the luckiest man in the world to have married her. One way he cherished her was by bringing her a steamy cup and saucer of Norwegian style brewed coffee in bed every morning of their married life until he was no longer mobile during the last few years. They started with very little and worked hard for what they had. Their dedication to each other and love of family guided them as they raised and educated 5 children, took care of Dad's parents and Uncle Alf and from time to time some of Mom's siblings and a few of their offspring. They went on to build a grain farm and cattle ranch. Dad also operated a mobile grain cleaning business and later marketed insurance. Dad was one of the founding members of the Verwood 4-H Club and Leader of the Light Horse Units. Later on after moving south of Willows, Saskatchewan in 1972, he assisted with the Assiniboia 4-H Club. He was a member of the Verwood and later Assiniboia Masonic Lodge. Masonry was important to him as it suited his moral outlook on life. He was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church and although he seldom verbalized his strong faith, he lived it every day of his life. Those of us close to him knew him to be kind, empathetic and gentle, but, also without a doubt, one of the most determined, hardworking, tough, resilient men put on this planet. The combination of his mental fortitude, physical strength and endurance, even in the face of injury or illness, was something to witness and admire. He was still doing field work, working cattle and riding horses at the age of 85 years. He always had time to help a neighbor, stop and pet a kitten or other pet and enjoy the wonderment around him. Dad outlived his friends, who he dearly missed. In particular Mom's brothers, his brothers-in-law, cousin Johnny Wenaus, and friends like Angus Stevenson, Bob Fletcher, John Viola and Louis LeRuyet, just to mention a few. Dad was proud of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always took keen interest in all their endeavours. Dad taught by doing and not by lecture. Here are a few examples: love, respect and protect your parents, spouse, children and grandchildren; put your spouse and family first; respect yourself and others; control your thoughts and actions. You own them and you are responsible for them; love all living things, take care of them and the natural world; be fair in business but not reckless; pick your friends for what they have in their heart not their wallets; be honest; enjoy simple things; work hard and smart; be resourceful and resilient; never give up; know that there is a season for everything; never take pleasure in others misfortunes; if you have a bad crop there is always next year; don't be a bully and don't be bullied; eat lots of Lutefisk and Lefsa, it's good for you; watch your horses ears, feel his body language, find ways to reassure him. Be ready for anything; if you find yourself on a rough horse, hang on, keep his head up and ride him to a standstill; it's easier to ride with the wind at your back but not always possible, watch out for what the clouds are doing. Remember if worse comes to worse your horse remembers where the barn door is; never ride through a neighbour's crop unless a tornado is chasing you and watch out for gopher and badger holes and fallen barbwire. Try to avoid the skunks but there are worse things; don't work your horse harder than he is fit for, keep it enjoyable for both of you, and walk him home. Never put him away wet and always remember a thankful rub and a kind word; never turn your back on the cow when you are treating her baby; a good 3 inch green ash picket will stop a charging bull but not recommended. Get the hell outa there if you can; never trust a rusty honey pail. Dad you live in our memories forever. Your amazing life and impact on everyone close to you will influence future generations for all eternity. The family would like to thank the staff of Ross Payant Nursing Home and Dr. Carulei for the loving compassionate care you gave to our Dad, and all of us, the family, during his time with you there and the care we now continue to entrust you with of our loving Mom. Mel is survived by his wife of 74 years, Loretta (Boll) of Assiniboia, and five children: Pat (Lyle) Galloway, Daryl (Susan) Wenaus, Sandy Hordenchuk, Cori Wenaus, Carter (Lorie) Wenaus. He is also survived by their 15 grandchildren: Chad Galloway, Justin Galloway, Kristofer Galloway, Sarah Wenaus, Andrew Wenaus, Ila Wenaus, Emma Wenaus, William Wenaus, Jody Hordenchuk, Darby Hordenchuck, Baily Hordenchuk, Evan Starling, Kenny Starling, Matthew Starling, Dalton Wenaus and their wives and partners. Also he is lovingly remembered by their 11 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Lucille (Boll) McConkey, brother-in-law David Boll and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Mel was predeceased by his parents William and Marjorie Wenaus, siblings: Myrtle (Ode) Smith, Hazel (Laurence) Mullin, Evelyn (Dick) Thomson, Donna (Herman) Moltz, special Uncle Alfred Wenaus, sons-in-law: Jack Hordenchuk, Camille Dumelie, and Mel Chambers, as well as numerous other in laws and dear friends. A private family Celebration of Life was held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. Pastor Sarah Mowat officiated. Scripture reader was Cori Wenaus, a Tribute compiled by his family was read by Carter Wenaus, urn bearers were Dalton Wenaus, Matthew Starling, and Carter Wenaus. Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Assiniboia. Donations in memory of Mel may be made to the Ross Payant Nursing Home Front Patio Fundraiser. Cheques can be made out to: "Assiniboia Auxiliary for Long Term Care - RPNH" Memo: "Front Patio Project" and mailed to: Assiniboia Auxiliary for LTC, PO Box 454, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0 or dropped off in person at Ross Payant Nursing Home, 300 Jubilee Place, Assiniboia. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Wenaus family may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-3373.
It is with heartfelt love and respect that we, the family, announce the passing of Melvin Alfred Wenaus on Monday, April 22, 2024 at the age of 97 years. Dad taught us how to live life and also how to leave this world peacefully and with dignity. Mel was born to William "Bill" Wenaus and Marjorie (Mackin) Wenaus on September 4, 1926 in the farm house NE 1/4 of Sec. 14-6-27-W2. The farm was half a mile west of Landscape, Saskatchewan; the town had been developed by some of Bill's many siblings after immigrating to Canada from North Dakota in the later half of the 1800's. Dad was the middle child and only boy of 5 children. He absolutely adored his mother and admired and respected his father. Dad was a constant shadow of his Uncle Alfred, who farmed with his brother Bill. To know Dad was to know Uncle Alf and to know Uncle Alf was to know Dad. Growing up on a mixed farm in the 1930's and 40's, Dad learned to be resourceful and frugal. He learned to be a steward of the land and how to care for all animals domestic and otherwise, from chickens to draft horses, from hunter to gatherer. Dad was a very good horseman. He displayed a calm, well thought out, in control, thoughtful relationship with his horses as demonstrated by how he could work with any horse large, small, refined or otherwise, grade or purebred, recognizing when things were going well and when something was off. He also recognized when he needed to ask for assistance or guidance from Uncle Alf, his father, and later neighbors like Angus Stevenson or Doctor Dan. They say you can learn a lot about a person by their relationship with animals. Dad attended Landscape School, Verwood School and the University of Saskatchewan. While he attended the College of Agriculture he was enrolled in the Canadian Officer Training Program. He received his call to military service just as WW II came to a close. Rather than having to go to war he returned to farm duties at Landscape. After his work was done for the day he could be found riding his trusty steed (sometimes by moon light and stars) from Landscape to the town of Viceroy where he had his eye on the beautiful and spirited Loretta Boll. Luckily for both of them her Dad and the Boll brothers approved and he was welcomed into their very large family. They married in Viceroy, Saskatchewan on November 25, 1949. They celebrated their 74th Wedding Anniversary last November. Dad dearly loved and respected Mom with all his heart and soul. He said he was the luckiest man in the world to have married her. One way he cherished her was by bringing her a steamy cup and saucer of Norwegian style brewed coffee in bed every morning of their married life until he was no longer mobile during the last few years. They started with very little and worked hard for what they had. Their dedication to each other and love of family guided them as they raised and educated 5 children, took care of Dad's parents and Uncle Alf and from time to time some of Mom's siblings and a few of their offspring. They went on to build a grain farm and cattle ranch. Dad also operated a mobile grain cleaning business and later marketed insurance. Dad was one of the founding members of the Verwood 4-H Club and Leader of the Light Horse Units. Later on after moving south of Willows, Saskatchewan in 1972, he assisted with the Assiniboia 4-H Club. He was a member of the Verwood and later Assiniboia Masonic Lodge. Masonry was important to him as it suited his moral outlook on life. He was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church and although he seldom verbalized his strong faith, he lived it every day of his life. Those of us close to him knew him to be kind, empathetic and gentle, but, also without a doubt, one of the most determined, hardworking, tough, resilient men put on this planet. The combination of his mental fortitude, physical strength and endurance, even in the face of injury or illness, was something to witness and admire. He was still doing field work, working cattle and riding horses at the age of 85 years. He always had time to help a neighbor, stop and pet a kitten or other pet and enjoy the wonderment around him. Dad outlived his friends, who he dearly missed. In particular Mom's brothers, his brothers-in-law, cousin Johnny Wenaus, and friends like Angus Stevenson, Bob Fletcher, John Viola and Louis LeRuyet, just to mention a few. Dad was proud of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always took keen interest in all their endeavours. Dad taught by doing and not by lecture. Here are a few examples: love, respect and protect your parents, spouse, children and grandchildren; put your spouse and family first; respect yourself and others; control your thoughts and actions. You own them and you are responsible for them; love all living things, take care of them and the natural world; be fair in business but not reckless; pick your friends for what they have in their heart not their wallets; be honest; enjoy simple things; work hard and smart; be resourceful and resilient; never give up; know that there is a season for everything; never take pleasure in others misfortunes; if you have a bad crop there is always next year; don't be a bully and don't be bullied; eat lots of Lutefisk and Lefsa, it's good for you; watch your horses ears, feel his body language, find ways to reassure him. Be ready for anything; if you find yourself on a rough horse, hang on, keep his head up and ride him to a standstill; it's easier to ride with the wind at your back but not always possible, watch out for what the clouds are doing. Remember if worse comes to worse your horse remembers where the barn door is; never ride through a neighbour's crop unless a tornado is chasing you and watch out for gopher and badger holes and fallen barbwire. Try to avoid the skunks but there are worse things; don't work your horse harder than he is fit for, keep it enjoyable for both of you, and walk him home. Never put him away wet and always remember a thankful rub and a kind word; never turn your back on the cow when you are treating her baby; a good 3 inch green ash picket will stop a charging bull but not recommended. Get the hell outa there if you can; never trust a rusty honey pail. Dad you live in our memories forever. Your amazing life and impact on everyone close to you will influence future generations for all eternity. The family would like to thank the staff of Ross Payant Nursing Home and Dr. Carulei for the loving compassionate care you gave to our Dad, and all of us, the family, during his time with you there and the care we now continue to entrust you with of our loving Mom. Mel is survived by his wife of 74 years, Loretta (Boll) of Assiniboia, and five children: Pat (Lyle) Galloway, Daryl (Susan) Wenaus, Sandy Hordenchuk, Cori Wenaus, Carter (Lorie) Wenaus. He is also survived by their 15 grandchildren: Chad Galloway, Justin Galloway, Kristofer Galloway, Sarah Wenaus, Andrew Wenaus, Ila Wenaus, Emma Wenaus, William Wenaus, Jody Hordenchuk, Darby Hordenchuck, Baily Hordenchuk, Evan Starling, Kenny Starling, Matthew Starling, Dalton Wenaus and their wives and partners. Also he is lovingly remembered by their 11 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Lucille (Boll) McConkey, brother-in-law David Boll and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Mel was predeceased by his parents William and Marjorie Wenaus, siblings: Myrtle (Ode) Smith, Hazel (Laurence) Mullin, Evelyn (Dick) Thomson, Donna (Herman) Moltz, special Uncle Alfred Wenaus, sons-in-law: Jack Hordenchuk, Camille Dumelie, and Mel Chambers, as well as numerous other in laws and dear friends. A private family Celebration of Life was held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. Pastor Sarah Mowat officiated. Scripture reader was Cori Wenaus, a Tribute compiled by his family was read by Carter Wenaus, urn bearers were Dalton Wenaus, Matthew Starling, and Carter Wenaus. Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Assiniboia. Donations in memory of Mel may be made to the Ross Payant Nursing Home Front Patio Fundraiser. Cheques can be made out to: "Assiniboia Auxiliary for Long Term Care - RPNH" Memo: "Front Patio Project" and mailed to: Assiniboia Auxiliary for LTC, PO Box 454, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0 or dropped off in person at Ross Payant Nursing Home, 300 Jubilee Place, Assiniboia. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Wenaus family may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-3373.
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Published by Assiniboia Times from May 31 to Jun. 30, 2024.