Mary (Eckert) ZimmerNovember 12, 1914 - June 13, 2011"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Mary Anna (nee Langhorst) (Eckert) Zimmer. Her death occurred at her residence, St. Mary's Villa, Humboldt, on Monday, June 13, 2011. She was 96 years of age, and the last surviving member of her generation." Mary, the youngest in a family of ten children, was born on November 12, 1914, to Joseph and Ida (nee Hilgertfort) Langhorst at Willmont. She grew up there and attended Willmont Rural School. In 1937, Mary met Henry Eckert and, on November 6, 1939, they were married in St. Bruno R.C. Church, Bruno. Seven children, four sons and three daughters, were born to them. During the first few years of their marriage, Mary and Henry resided in Bruno where Henry was employed as a printer at the Bruno Leader paper. Later, they operated the Middle Lake Hotel. Eventually, Mary and Henry moved to Humboldt. Mary worked at Daniel's Drycleaners and for 16 years at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Henry died on February 15, 1988. Mary continued living in Humboldt. On May 8, 1999, she married Emerich Jr. "Jim" Zimmer who had also lost his first spouse. They had five wonderful years together until Jim's death on June 21, 2004. Mary lived a very full and happy life, other than the times she was widowed. In her early years, she enjoyed bowling, curling and playing ball. Other favourite activities over the years were baking, cooking, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, dancing, going to Bingo, and playing cards, especially 65, Kaiser, or Canasta. Mary will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her seven children: Ron (Clara) Eckert of Humboldt; Irene (George) Galambos of St. Benedict; Cliff Eckert of St. Benedict; Sylvester (Donna) Eckert of Saskatoon; Dennis (Wanda) Eckert of Winnipeg, MB; Jane (Myron) Kennedy of Humboldt; and Mary Lee (Mark) Zimmer of Humboldt; 23 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; her extended family, eight step-children: Mark (Mary Lee) Zimmer; Carl Wlodarczyk; Paula Zimmer; Joan Zimmer; Donna (Eugene) Crook; Lois (Terry) Indzeoski; Rita (Brian) Bart; and Annette (Al) Horvath; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Christine Langhorst of Humboldt; brother-in-law, Irvin Eckert of Long Beach, CA; and by many in-laws of the Zimmer family. She was predeceased by her first husband, Henry Eckert (1988); second husband, Emerich Zimmer (2004); parents, Joseph and Ida (nee Hilgerfort) Langhorst; five brothers: Joe, Henry, Paul, John and Frank Langhorst; four sisters: Annie Stumborg, Katie Percy, Josephine Honish, and Mary Elizabeth (in infancy); and by step-daughter, Agatha Wlodarczyk. The Prayer Service for Mary was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., led by Nestor Trach and organist Kathy Detillieux. Scripture readers were Lois Indzeoski and Don Sather, and the eulogy was delivered by Christa Sather. The Funeral Mass was offered on Friday, June 17, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Emile April. Others taking part were: Lynne Schwartzenberger, cross bearer; Trevor Eckert and Don Sather, scripture readers; Rhonda and Brad Orosz, intentions; Shannon Saliken and Kim Waldbillig, gift bearers. Honorary pallbearers were all Mary's grandchildren. Active pallbearers were Chris Kennedy, Sheldon Zimmer, Terry Galambos, Adam Eckert, Scott Kennedy, and Shawn Eckert. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Mary's Villa Foundation. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
