WILGER: John
January 5, 1939 – June 20, 2017
John Alvin Wilger of Englefeld, SK, passed away at the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, Watson, SK, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 78 years of age. John was born on January 5, 1939, to Henry and Maria (nee Seier) Wilger on the farm between Englefeld and Watson, SK. On June 1, 1968, he married Barbara Anne Zinterer in Humboldt. Together, they raised their six children on the family farm. John was a determined and kind man, and a true gentleman. He loved being a husband, farmer, father, and especially a grandfather. He could always be counted on to give a helping hand and tell a fascinating story. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 49 years. After moving to Watson, he was usually seen walking around town or riding his bike to and fro. John was extremely loving and proud of his children and grandchildren. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Barbara (nee Zinterer) Wilger; six children and five grandchildren: Doug Wilger and son Bryan of Ottawa, ON; Lani (Terry) Sawchyn and family, Thomas (Tia) and Zachary of Wynyard, SK; Lori (Marc) Adamache of Fort Saskatchewan, AB; Jason (Lucinda) Wilger and family, Roderick and Maron of Watson, SK; Gerald (Elizabeth) Wilger of Swift Current, SK; and Devin Wilger (Stormy) of Yorkton, SK. He is also survived by his brother Wilfred (Rosa) Wilger of Saskatoon, SK; sister Gertrude (Doug) Brown of Calgary AB; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. John was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Maria (nee Seier) Wilger; and a brother Helmut Wilger. The Prayer Service for John was held at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Englefeld, on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., presided by Patsy Knafelc and Marie ven der Buhs. Scripture readers were Carol Sommer and Gail Michel, and the eulogy was delivered by Wilfred Wilger. The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church on Monday, June 26, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Francis Akomeah. Others taking part were: Terry Sawchyn, crossbearer; Carol Sommer and Gail Michel, scripture readers; Gail Michel, intentions; Roderick Wilger and Maron Wilger, giftbearers; Harold and Eleanor Pitka, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by the Holy Guardian Angels Parish Choir. An honor guard was formed by members of the Knights of Columbus. Honorary pallbearers were “all those who shared in John’s life.” Active pallbearers were: Loren Brown, Dean Brown, Mark Wilger, Matthew Sommer, Evan Michel, and Thomas Sawchyn. Interment followed at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Cemetery, Englefeld, SK. Memorial donations may be directed to the Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund, Quill Plains Centennial Lodge or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel.
