Jack Ross Opfergelt
August 27, 1929 – August 20, 2023
Jack was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to Walter and Eileen (née Kimball) Opfergelt on August 27, 1929. He was one of five children raised on the farm near Annaheim, SK and attended Old Hat Creek school, completing Grade 8. He was a hard worker, even at a young age, helping on the farm and also spending winters with his brother Vernon (Sonny) working at a lumber mill in Ontario. He recalled only having beans and Kobasa to eat while he worked away. In between his work, he played with the neighbour Roenspies boys, always finding plenty of shenanigans. This is where he met his first love and bride to be, Mary Roenspies. Everyone is sure it was the pretty girl that he wanted to spend time with, more than the boys. Jack and Mary married October 30th, 1951, in Muenster, SK and raised a family on the same farm he spent his entire life. They were fortunate to have 54 years together. Life was busy and also hard at times, especially losing several infant children. But the bond remained strong while raising four children: Vonda, Donald, Cheryl and Pat. He and his brother Sonny had a successful farm operation, with one of the biggest hog operations in the district during the 1960’s. Along with cattle, milk cows, chickens and grain farming. He still found time to go on adventures with the kids, grandkids, and extended family, especially fishing and camping trips. Jack and Mary enjoyed travelling, but Marean Lake had a special place in their hearts. There are countless memories from summers with the Opfergelt Clan. He enjoyed hunting with his younger crew, never struggling to keep up. You could also find him bowling, curling, playing cards and gardening, but fishing most definitely took priority about four times a week. These pastimes helped ease the loss of his son Donald (1996), wife Mary (2005) and daughter Cheryl (2019), and with having a close family and good friends pulled them through. He took pride in his farm and what he built, which is where he stayed until he met his second love, Hedy Jasken. They married on January 2nd, 2016. His days were then spent between Caleb and the farm. There was always something to fix, invent, build, or a chance to jump on that 9600 combine to help his son-in-law, Gerry. Jack’s last two years were spent at Quill Plains Lodge in Watson, with a staff who cared deeply for him. This is where he passed peacefully among family, leaving behind many hearts that he touched throughout life. Jack was a generous, supportive family man who lived a large full life. He led by example and mentored others in his own way, with actions more than words. He was considered a man of great character, a legend so to speak. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by many. Jack is survived by: his wife of 7 years, HEDY Opfergelt; Hedy’s family, Myra (Lee) Materi - children Talen and Landon; daughter, VONDA Opfergelt and family, Lynette (Andy) Stewart - children Arden and Ava, Warren Doepker - daughter Penny, and Roy Doepker; daughter PAT (Gerry) Gerwing and family, Calvin (special friend Raquel) and Mitchel Gerwing; daughter-in-law, DONNA (Jamie) Haeusler and family, Adina (Curtis) Hopfner - children Callum and Marshall, Colin Opfergelt, and Megan (Ross) Bulat - children Lauren and Cohen; sister Audrey Hauser; numerous friends, cousins; nieces; nephews; and many relations in the Roesnspies family. Jack was predeceased by: wife, Mary; sons, Donald, Walter and Gordon; daughters, Cheryl and Yvonne; his parents, Walter and Eileen Opfergelt; parents-in-law, August and Bula Roenspies; siblings: Lois Schmidt (John), Vernon (Helga) Opfergelt, and Phyllis (Niel) Pineau; and brother-in-law, Tony Hauser. The Celebration of Life took place at Annaheim Hall, Annaheim, SK, on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Pastor Doug Hacking. Others taking part were: Pat Gerwing and Vonda Opfergelt, eulogists; Sheila Lefebvre and Tracy Rueve, memorial table attendants; Lynette Stewart, urn bearer; and honorary pallbearers were all of Jack’s grandchildren. A memorial luncheon was held in the Annaheim Hall, following the celebration of life, and interment took place after the luncheon at the St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Cemetery. Donations may be forwarded to Quill Plains Centennial Lodge - Recreation Department (PO Box 459, Watson, SK, S0k 4V0) or St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund (PO Box 120, Annaheim, SK, S0K 0G0).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)