Joseph PoelkingMay 31, 1937 - September 23, 2012
The death of Mr. Joseph "Joe" Poelking of Humboldt, SK, occurred at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, on Sunday, September 23, 2012. He was 75 years of age. Joe was born on May 31, 1937, to Ferdinand and Anna (nee Stienke) Poelking in Humboldt. He grew up on the family farm south of St. Gregor. Joe attended South St. Gregor School and then St. Peter's College in Muenster, SK. He then moved to Regina, where he was employed as a plumber. Soon after he moved to Englefeld where he began his farming career. In July 1962, Joe married Elsie Niekamp in Annaheim. In 1963, their first son Steven was born and in 1965 they were blessed again with the birth of their second son Les. Joe loved farming and remained actively involved up until last year. In July 2012, he and Elsie moved to Humboldt. Another important event that month was the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Over the years, Joe pursued a variety of hobbies and interests. He loved nature, going for drives in the country, and enjoyed fishing, boating, and spending time with his family at their Greenwater Lake cabin. Joe also instructed judo in Quill Lake with his brother Frank. Joe loved visiting with friends and neighbors at coffee row, and also liked to communicate with others by means of his ham radio and later on the computer. Joe had a sense of humor and loved sharing jokes at coffee row. His greatest passion was his family and grandchildren. Joe will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 50 years, Elsie (nee Niekamp) Poelking of Humboldt; two sons and their families: Steven (Janneke) Poelking of Mississauga, ON, and children, Edric, Tineke and Markus; and Les (Nancy) Poelking of Victoria, BC, and children, Roman and Sabine; two brothers: Frank (Francis) Poelking and Ferdinand (Donna) Poelking; and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Ferdinand and Anna (nee Stienke) Poelking; one sister, Elsie (Bernard) Kunz; a brother; a baby in infancy; and one granddaughter, Anke Rixt Poelking who was stillborn. The Funeral Mass for Joe was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., concelebrated by Fr. Darryl Millette and Fr. Demetrius Wasylynuik, OSB. Others taking part were: Gordon Kiefer, crossbearer; Steven and Les Poelking, urnbearers; Alice Radoux and Marie ven der Buhs, scripture readers; Marie ven der Buhs, intentions; Ferdinand and Donna Poelking, giftbearers; Marie Meckelborg and Dora Kiefer, eucharistic ministers; Sherilynn Kiefer, Debbie Lueke, and Darlene Thiemann, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by organist Marie Aubin and the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Joe's life." Interment followed at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Cemetery, Englefeld. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Cemetery Fund or the St. Augustine Parish Building Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK. (306-682-4114)
