James Edward Wacholtz
May 19, 1943 – July 24, 2023
James Edward Wacholtz was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan on May 19, 1943, to Paul and Everetta (née Steiner) Wacholtz of Englefeld, SK. He grew up north of town on the family farm and attended Englefeld School. High School in Englefeld introduced a certain girl from the nearby town of Romance who became of far more interest than any book. After six long years of dating, Jim married Beatrice DeSchryver in the summer of 1966. While honeymooning across Canada, they discovered their love of exploring new places, which would last throughout their 57 years of marriage. Jim and Beatrice planted roots on their family homestead just west of Englefeld, raising four children. In the early years Jim worked long hours both farming and working at Schulte Industries. His hard work paid off; the farm grew. At its height, JimBea Enterprises owned and rented several thousand acres of land, managed a large hog barn, a small herd of cattle, and chickens. Eventually Jim focused on grain farming, and after 35 years he and Beatrice retired and chose to rent the land to tenants he trusted to care for it as they had. Jim was more than a born farmer though. He served for many years as both board member and president with the Englefeld Credit Union. Refereeing hockey at countless games all over central Saskatchewan led to a natural place within the community as an ump at many a Hogfest, and he also gave countless hours to local initiatives. In later years, he and Beatrice enjoyed membership in the Good Sam Club. A proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Jim became a 4th degree knight, and regularly expressed his faith through song as a member of the church choir. Jim’s post-harvest calendar for decades simply had “hunting” written across it for weeks on end. He was a member of the local Wildlife Federation and submitted many animals for judging and awards. Aside from his passion for hunting big game, Jim was also an avid coin collector, a lover of action movies, and held a lifelong interest in the stock market, which he shared with his father Paul. Jim laughed easily, was merciless in his good-natured teasing, and infected all around him with his gentle soul. His obvious drive to succeed in all things was grounded by one thing - family. He worked very hard for Beatrice and his children, wanting to provide them, and future generations, with all the opportunities in life. He strove to create an environment where he provided the tools that would allow his family to build upon his legacy. He actively encouraged this, and his selflessness and generosity of spirit in all things will live on. His is a legacy of knowing the value of hard work, service, lightness of heart, and love. Jim will be kept close to all of us in our vivid memories of him. He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife and partner of 57 years, Beatrice; his four children and their families: Michelle (Darren) and Jared, Tyler (Sydney) and Kiersten; Gregory (Michelle) and Melinda, Jennifer, Myles and Braxton; Patricia and Nicole, Samantha and Madisyn; and Michael (Danielle) and Tessa and Scarlett; brother Donald, sisters: Louise (George), Paulette, and Joyce (John) and families, six very important Goddaughters; and his DeSchryver in-laws and their families. He is predeceased by his parents Paul and Everetta, as well as many relatives on both sides of the family.Prayers were held at Holy Guardian Angel Roman Catholic Church, Englefeld on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., with Audrey Zimmerman and Marie ven der Buhs presiding; and Patricia Wacholtz and Michelle Wacholtz, scripture readers. The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Englefeld, on Monday, July 31, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Francis Akomeah. Others taking part were: Dan Streiner, cross bearer; Braxton Wacholtz, candle lighting; Kiersten Olson and Madisyn Davis, scripture readers; Samantha Davis and Jennifer Wacholtz, prayers of the faithful; Tessa Wacholtz and Scarlett Wacholtz, gift bearers; Sandra Athmer, organist and Michael Wacholtz; words of remembrance. Pallbearers were Melinda Wacholtz, Nicole Muyres, Jared Olson, Tyler Olson, Myles Wacholtz, and Murray Wacholtz; and the Knights of Columbus formed the honour guard. Interment followed at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Cemetery in Englefeld, SK, followed by a memorial luncheon which held at Holy Guardian Angels Parish basement. Memorial donations may be sent to Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund (PO Box 26, Englefeld, SK S0K 1N0), or to the Central Parkland Lodge (PO Box 459, Lanigan, SK, S0K 2M0).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)