Gertrude "Gertie" SAATHOFF

It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Gertrude Saathoff on May 10, 2021 at the Elrose Health Center. She was predeceased by her husband Alvin on January 17, 2008. Gertie is survived by her children Barry, Harry (Laura), Glen (Rhonda), Sharon (Ken) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Gertie was born November 1, 1939, to her parents Jacob and Gertrude Funk. Her siblings Ben, Diedrich, Sarah, Edward, Wilfred, and Delores. Gertie married Alvin December 11, 1956 and joined another large family.  Gertie and Alvin were blessed with 3 sons and a daughter.  Barry (1957), Harry (1959), Glen (1961), and Sharon (1962). 

Gertie was a very busy Mom.  She raised 4 children on the family farm and always had extra kids to take care of. Kids always showed up on the weekends or summer months.  The nieces and nephews from the city came to the farm where they enjoyed every minute of the freedom.  Gertie loved to play her guitar, and she'd listen to all kinds of music, but mainly Country Classic.

Once Gertie’s children left home she trained to become a Home Health Aide or as we know today Home Care Aide.  She put a ton of miles going from here to there taking care of others. Rain, Snow, Storms did not stop her.   

She loved to garden and always had a big one.  The kids loved to pod peas. (NOT) They would start at the farm and then go to Wallace’s and any where there were peas to pick.

Alvin and Gertie moved off the farm and came to Elrose. They purchased their home in Elrose September 2000.  They fixed up the house by painting, new flooring, and anything that needed fixing. Alvin built planters in the front yard for flowers.

Gertie loved her coffee row.  She walked and walked, and walked, everyday until she reach the tavern.  She would meet her coffee friends and then get a ride home.  When her family came from out of town they would stop at the Tavern and find Gertie there.  Coffee friends were an important part of her day. Gertie would walk down the middle of the road where she would stop traffic and not be concerned, she knew people were watching out for her. When Gertie would fall there was always someone there to pick her up.  

Gertie also loved getting her hair and nails done at the beauty salon.  Karen would pamper her and Gertie just loved it.  She would come out of the salon a new person.  Gertie’s eye sight was always poor.  She memorized every step she took. I am sure that she knew every pot hole in Elrose and she never stepped in one. She could walk home from our house to her house without hitting a pot hole.  I was never that lucky.

Gertie loved the sounds and sites of nature, but especially the sounds of the birds.  Birdhouses were a common site on Gertie’s home, and outside her window at the health centre.

Years after Alvin’s passing, Gertie and Mike became close friend They would go camping together for months.  They were either up north at Stoney Bay Campground, west to Taber, south to Clearwater Lake and in the later years Fairview Dam. Gertie was so fortunate to have Mike in her life.  I should say we were fortunate that Mike was in Gertie’s life.  They took care of each other.

After a lot of discussion Gertie moved into the Elrose Health Centre in August 2019.  The girls at the health centre soon learned that Gertie was a social butterfly.  Every meal Gertie would go from table to table to visit.  She loved people. Gertie and Rose Tansey became very good friends. They had some laughs and some tears.  2020 was a tough year on everyone.  Restrictions were in place and visiting was minimal.  This was hard on Gertie.  Gertie would stay in her room and listen to her Country Classics. Gertie was a strong willed, feisty, sweet and kind woman, who made friends where ever she went.  We will miss you Gertie.

Due to the Covid 19 restrictions, a private family graveside service will be held at the Lacadena Cemetery on Saturday May 15, 2021.  A recording of the service will be available after the service at shanidarfuneralservices.com. Memorial donations can be made in Gertie name to the Elrose Monet Uniplex Rec Board c/o RM of Monet PO Box  370 Elrose, SK  S0L 0Z0