Bernard Joseph Taphorn
February 24, 1941 – November 4, 2024
Bernard ‘Ben’ Taphorn passed away at the Humboldt District Hospital, Humboldt, Saskatchewan on November 4, 2024, at the age of 83. He was born to Ben and Mary (née Fouhse) Taphorn at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Humboldt, SK, on February 24, 1941. Ben was raised in a large close-nit home by St. Gregor, SK on the family farm. He attended the nearby Sjolie School and after completing Grade 8, Ben worked for several neighbours, and logging camps all while still helping on the family farm. He started his farming career with his brother Albert, eventually purchasing his own land which included his father’s homestead. Ben also worked at Western Industries for nearly 20 years. While farming and working, he lived with the Frerichs family for 23 years, becoming a member of their family; a bond that continued for the rest of his life. Ben retired from a successful farming career in 2008, he continuously kept a very well-maintained yard, and garden in his home in St. Gregor. As a hobby, he began restoring old tractors to prime working conditions. Ben was also an active community member, he always enjoyed helping and participating in the many activities in and around St. Gregor. Ben loved going to the coffee shop every morning to drink coffee and visit with his friends. He had an open house policy, welcoming anyone, anytime, and always had lots of visits from his relatives and many friends. He attended all the family gatherings, which included a yearly Taphorn family reunion throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and Northwest Territories for over 40 years. In August 2024, a family reunion was held at his home, in St. Gregor to celebrate 50 years since the start of the Taphorn reunions. It was incredibly meaningful for everyone who attended, and as always Ben was a great host. Ben was a humble, gentle, caring, and wonderful man with a personality that everyone loved. He was a joy to be around because he always left you feeling happy whenever you talked to him. Ben will be missed by all that knew him. He just seemed to always be there, particularly for his family members, through visits and phone calls. Ben will be lovingly remembered by his: siblings: Mary Tameling Korte, Andrew Taphorn, Martha (Alex) Ropchan, Ted (Karen) Taphorn, and friends: Sr. Donna Smith, and Marianne Frerichs (and her family); He is predeceased by: his parents Ben and Mary; siblings and spouses : Clara (John) Ropchan, Leo (Jean) Taphorn, Albert Taphorn, Margaret (Nick) Boran, Paul (Annie) Taphorn, Sr. Alexis Taphorn, and Joseph Taphorn (in infancy, 1920); brothers-in-law: George Tameling, and Joe Korte; and sister-in-law Sally Taphorn. The Funeral Mass was held at St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church, St. Gregor, SK, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:30 am, celebrated by Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSB. Others taking part were: Doreen Taphorn and Lynda Higgins, scripture readers; Jo-Anne Boran, intentions; Delores Goeson and Dorothy Frey, gift bearers; Suzanne Taphorn, music ministry; and Glenn Taphorn, eulogist. The urnbearer was Ted Taphorn with Honorary Pallbearers being St. Gregor Coffee Row Friends. Inurnment was at St. Gregory Roman Catholic Cemetery, St. Gregor, SK, followed by a Memorial Luncheon at the St. Gregor Hall. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Gregor Town Hall (c/o St. Gregor Community Club, PO Box 45, St. Gregor, SK, S0K 3X0)
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)