Phyllis Theresa Willenborg
July 17, 1942 – March 16, 2024
The death of Phyllis Theresa (nee Buchacher) Willenborg of Arborfield, SK, (and formerly of Humboldt, SK), occurred at Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert, SK, on Saturday, March 16, 2024. She was 81 years of age. Phyllis was born on July 17, 1942, in Humboldt, SK, to Frank and Mary (née Kenkel) Buchacher. She was the fifth of seven children and one of five girls. Phyllis grew up south of Stony Lake and attended St. James Country School from Kindergarten to Grade Nine. Shortly after, she left home and started working at Nick Kramer’s store in Annaheim, SK. She met Leonard Willenborg in 1961, and they were married October 9, 1965, at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in Annaheim. Phyllis continued to work in Kramer’s store for nine years, and then decided to stay home and take in teacher boarders for extra income. Phyllis started working at the Annaheim Post Office as well as in Humboldt at the Five Cent to a Dollar store for over two years. Len and Phyllis welcomed Craig into their home, followed by Lori in 1978. In 1984, the family relocated to Humboldt so Phyllis did not have to drive in the unpredictable Saskatchewan winters while working at the Humboldt Co-Op, where she was promoted to manager of the Hardware Department, and worked for approximately 35 years. She won Manager of the Year in 1989 and was extremely proud of that accomplishment. After retiring from the Co-Op, Phyllis missed being around and helping people, so she started working at Yuen’s Family Clothing until 2016. She is remembered fondly by customers, at both stores, for having lollipops and stickers for children and knowing them by name. Phyllis enjoyed attending Polka Fests, bingos and casino trips, as well as spending countless hours tending to her garden and flower beds, making jam and canning fruits/vegetables in the fall. She had a natural ear for music and was well-known for singing and playing guitar, organ and accordion around a campfire. Phyllis was fiercely independent and a hard worker which guided her personal and professional life. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren and she loved hearing about their growth and the multitude of activities they were involved in. She will be remembered for her “mom” cinnamon buns and bread by all of them. Phyllis will be loving remembered and sadly missed by: Leonard; son Craig (Katrina), and family: Camden and Nate; daughter Lori (Keith), and family Karisa; sisters: Marianne (Joe), and Bernice; sister-in-law Levina Buchacher; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Mary (née Kenkel) Buchacher; brothers Ed and Walter Buchacher; sisters Helen Fahl, and Margaret Burak; brothers-in-law George Fahl, and Walter Burak; and by sister-in-law Darlene Buchacher. The Prayer Service for Phyllis was held at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., presided by Janice Dobmeier. The readers were Sarah Kociuba, Elizabeth Poblete, and Katrina Poblete, and the eulogy was delivered by Craig Willenborg. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt, on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Colin Roy. Others taking part were: Neil Buchacher, crossbearer; Sarah Kociuba and Elizabeth Poblete, scripture readers; Katrina Poblete, intentions; Camden Willenborg, Nate Willenborg, and Karisa Wilson, giftbearers; Lori Wilson and Craig Willenborg, urnbearers; Kathy Kunz and Shirley Fischer, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by director Loretta Schugmann, pianist Carol Esler, and members of the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. Interment followed at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Cemetery, Humboldt. Memorial donations may be directed to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, #1 – 345 3rd Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1M6; Phone: 1-888-808- 5437; Visit: Donate Now - Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation (pattisonchildrens.ca))
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)