ROENSPIES: Benjamin 鈥淏en鈥� Elias
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December 16, 1924 鈥� April 27, 2015
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Benjamin Roenspies of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, Watson, SK, (and formerly of Silver Park, SK), passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, April 27, 2015, at the age of 90 years. The oldest of ten children, Ben was听 born to Frank and Eleanor (nee Voelk) Roenspies on December 16, 1924, at home on their farm in the St. James district, where he grew up. After spending a few years working in the bush in other provinces, Ben decided to come home to farm. On June 29, 1964, he married Mary Sterner at St. James R.C. Church. Together they farmed for a couple of years near St. James, then moved to a farm near Silver Park and farmed there for many years. Ben had a gentle, easy-going way about him. He had many friends and was very active socially. Ben loved to play cards and share a good joke. He loved animals - his cows, chickens and, especially, his dog. Ben was also at home in the berry patches 鈥� both tame and wild. Ben will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by three brothers: Melvin Roenspies of Taber, AB; Maurice (Leona) Roenspies of Lethbridge, AB; and Rodney (Brenda) Roenspies of Borden, SK; five sisters: Cora (Jerome) Dosch of Humboldt, SK; Geraldine (Carl) Dosch of Annaheim, SK; Dolores Meyer of Lethbridge, AB; Luella (Willie) Holland of Ottawa, ON; and Bonita (Leland) Schmitz of Whelan Bay, SK; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 50 years, Mary (nee Sterner) Roenspies (April 28, 2014); his parents Frank and Eleanor (nee Voelk) Roenspies; one brother, Daniel Roenspies (in infancy); brother-in-law, Melvin Meyer; and by his sister-in-law, Edna Roenspies. The Prayer Service for Ben was held at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK, on Friday, May 1, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., officiated by Fr. Richard Meidl, OSB. The eulogy was delivered by Boni Schmitz. The Celebration of Ben鈥檚 Life was held at St. Anthony鈥檚 R.C. Church, Lake Lenore,on Saturday May 2, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Richard Meidl, OSB. Others taking part were: Leland Dosch, crossbearer; Gwen Fagnou and Leanne Wuchner, scripture readers; Tricia McEwen, intentions; Helen and Donald Hueser, giftbearers. Honorary pallbearers were 鈥渁ll those who shared in Ben鈥檚 life鈥�. Active pallbearers were Don Schuler, Brian Dosch, Rupert Dosch, Lionel Dosch, Lorne Dosch, and Fred Dmytrow. Interment followed at St. Anthony鈥檚 R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Alzheimer Society or the St. Anthony鈥檚 R.C. Cemetery Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
