Wilhelmina WintersSeptember 4, 1930 - November 29, 2010The death of Mrs. Wilhelmina "Mina" (nee ven der Buhs) Winters of Humboldt occurred at Humboldt District Hospital on Monday, November 29, 2010. She was 80 years of age. Mina, one of ten children, was born on September 4, 1930, to William and Maria (nee Nordick) ven der Buhs at home on their farm in the Englefeld district. She grew up there and attended a rural school where she attained her Grade 8 education. From an early age, Mina was a hard worker. She helped raise her siblings, assisted her parents on the farm, and was employed by neighbouring farm families. On October 15, 1960, Mina married Gilbert Winters at Englefeld. They began their life together on the Winters family farm in the St. Gregor/Annaheim area. Mina and Gilbert were blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. As well, they took in many foster children over the years. In 1973, they moved to Humboldt, and continued to farm from town until 1985 when Gilbert passed away. Mina modeled her life after her mother and was good to everyone who crossed her path. A kind and thoughtful person, she was a hard-working, strong-willed and resourceful homemaker and caretaker for whoever needed her help, roles she truly loved. Home was her favourite place to be, and she not only enjoyed domestic activities such as cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and embroidering, she excelled at them. Reading, doing puzzles, socializing over coffee at Trans Café, and visiting on the phone with family and friends filled many other pleasurable hours for Mina. A lady who lived her life with no regrets, her optimism, ever-present happy disposition, and contagious smile endeared her to all. Mina will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her two children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: Joseph Winters of Humboldt and family, Richard (Jocelyn) Winters and their daughter Makayla of Yorkton, SK, and Melissa Winters of Humboldt, Debbie Winters; and Anna Winters-Jones (Gary Jones) of Minot, ND, and family, Je-Mario, Je-Terrio and De Jarius; Mina's constant canine companion, Mikey; four brothers and two sisters: Raymond (Madeliene) ven der Buhs of Aylmer, PQ, Willie (Marie) ven der Buhs of Englefeld, Ray (Delores) ven der Buhs of St. Brieux, Bernie (Anita) ven der Buhs of Englefeld, Angeline (Arnold) Kirzinger of Cudworth, and Gertrude (Wallace) Stratton of Englefeld; sister-in-law, Marie ven der Buhs of Englefeld; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert Winters (1985); parents, William and Maria (nee Nordick) ven der Buhs; one brother, Henry ven der Buhs; and by two sisters: Elizabeth (Bob) Kirzinger and Marie (Alfred) Miskolczi. The Prayer Service for Wilhelmina was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., led by Marie ven der Buhs. Scripture readers were Maxine Earl and Melissa Winters, and the eulogy was delivered by Joseph Winters and Anna Winters-Jones. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Friday, December 3, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Emile April. Others taking part were: Richard Winters, cross bearer; Kendall Wuchner and Kristin Lissel, altar servers; Judy Plag and Melissa Winters, scripture readers; Gertrude Stratton, intentions; Sr. Clarissa Winters, OSE, and Mary Ann Niekamp, gift bearers; Alfred and Mary Ann Nienaber, eucharistic ministers. Honorary pallbearers were "all Mina's family and friends." Active pallbearers were John Kirzinger, Raymond Kirzinger, Brian ven der Buhs, Rodney ven der Buhs, Michael Miskolczi, and Gerard Pitzel. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery, Humboldt. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Saskatchewan Abilities Council or the St. Augustine Parish Building Fund. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
