Charles Wildeman
July 5, 1951 - October 7, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Wildeman on October 7, 2023, at Pasqua Hospital in Regina.
Charles was born in Saskatoon on July 5, 1951, to Albert and Olive (nee Bresch) Wildeman. He was Albert and Olive’s second son and grew up with his brothers, Lew and Maurice. He obtained his elementary education at Esk School and completed high school in Lanigan. After two years of post-secondary education in Agriculture, Charles returned to Esk to farm with his father and two brothers.
On April 1, 1977, he met the love of his life, a young nurse, Virginia Hrywkiw. After a very short courtship, they were married on December 3, 1977, in Yorkton. They started their life together on the family farm in Esk and were blessed with two sons, Jeff (October 1978) and Scott (December 1981). Virginia and Charles were the perfect match and had almost 46 wonderful years of marriage. While at times opposites, they were best friends and loved each other dearly.
Charles was passionate about all things related to his family farm. He had a fulfilling career farming with his brother, Maurice, for almost 50 years. Both of his boys, Scott and Jeff, also worked on the family farm with Charles as they grew up, helping at seeding, silage and harvest, all the while developing a special relationship with their Dad. Charles always had a project on the go, whether it was in the shop building something or working in the yard with Virginia. He enjoyed being active and outdoors. On Sundays, he could often be found working with various teams of horses he had over the years.
Charles loved his family dearly. When he was not working at the farm, he could often be found spending time with Jeannie, his sons and their families. Charles was so proud of both of his boys and was absolutely delighted to have five grandchildren. When visiting Grandpa, the kids would spend hours with him riding in the tractor or curled up with him on one of his big recliner chairs, excitedly telling Grandpa about school and their interests while sharing a treat together! During family gatherings, there was no shortage of laughter and love.
Charles enjoyed getting involved in his community. He was a member of the Kinsmen and was involved in the Jansen Canada Day committee. But beyond organized activities, Charles simply loved people – he was a kind, caring, and
generous person, who truly enjoyed visiting and teasing everyone. Whether it was going for coffee in Jansen early in the morning before starting his day, visiting others as he was getting parts, or stopping at the neighbours on one of his crop tours – his smile and warmth had a way of lighting up the rooms he entered and making everyone feel at ease.
Charles and Virginia were blessed to spend 24 winters in Mexico. Charles especially appreciated the past two winters there, cherishing the warmth of the sun. While in Mexico, he met many life-long friends, both from Canada and Mexico.
Charles has left a huge footprint in many people’s hearts that will never be forgotten. From his immediate family, to his extended family, and friends and strangers – Charles motto was: “You’re only a stranger till once we’ve met”.
Charles will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife of 45 years, Virginia Wildeman of Esk and their two sons and five grandchildren: Jeff (Jodi) Wildeman of Regina and family Ben and Addison; and Scott (Janelle) Wildeman of Okotoks, Alberta and family Joshua, Matthew and Andrew; brother Maurice (Amy) Wildeman of Esk and sister-in-law Johanna as well as many nieces and nephews. Charles was pre-deceased by his parents Albert (1997) and Olive (2005) Wildeman and brother Llewellyn Wildeman (April 2023). The Wildeman family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Russom Okbazghi and Dr Tanner Dusyk and the staff at the Humboldt District Hospital as well as Dr Carmen Johnson and the staff at the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. The care that Charles and our family received was exceptional and the care and compassion that you showed our family will never be forgotten. Thank you all.
The Funeral Service for Charles was held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jansen Community Hall. A family interment took place prior to the service at the Esk South Cemetery. Memorial Donations in Charles memory may be made to the Sask Cancer Society Prostrate Research or Jansen Kinsmen (Please make cheques payable to the VILLAGE OF JANSEN).
This notice placed courtesy of
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home & Crematorium
Phone: 682-1622