Obituary of Irene Liebrecht

LIEBRECHT - It is with heavy hearts, but also thankfulness for a long and well lived life, the family announces the peaceful passing into God's Garden of our Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend, Irene Liebrecht on February 1st, 2016. Irene was born on the family farm June 17, 1926 in the Wallace District of Rhein, Saskatchewan, the daughter of Mary (nee York) and Alex Schwartz. She was baptized, confirmed and married in the Lutheran Faith at the Christ Lutheran Church in Rhein. She attended the Rhein School, completing Grade 8, with spelling one of her favorite subjects. She continued working on her parent's farm until at the age of 19 was united in marriage to a handsome neighbour Walter Liebrecht, on July 1, 1945. The union was blessed with four children - Judy, Ernie, Joyce and Robert. Irene and Walter made their home on their farm, working together for nearly 65 years, raising their family and enjoying farm and community life. Some of Irene's fondest memories are the earlier years which she spent with her mother and neighbour, picking berries, gardening, and helping each other on their farms. After Walter's passing in 2012, Irene remained on the farm with her son Robert until April of 2014. Following a brief time in the Kamsack Nursing Home, Irene had been a resident of the Yorkton & district Nursing Home since November of 2014. Irene took great pride in her cooking and baking, both German and traditional. Family and friends will always have lasting memories of their favorite food she made, and there was always room for one more around the dinner table to sample her talents. While some are said to have a green thumb, Irene had "ten green fingers" and large gardens of vegetables and beautiful flowers flourished under her care for decades, the canned produce of which lined her shelves for winter months. Also tended under her watchful eye were yearly flocks of chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys - the latter of which graced many a Christmas table throughout the district. Never an idle hand, evenings and spare hours were spent knitting beautiful sweaters, afghans, and patch-work quilting. Irene had a love and respect for the land and nature, wild flowers and all animals both farm and other. Many a cat, dog, bird and whatever other creature presented to her were saved by home remedies to live another day. As a farm woman, Irene was an avid weather watcher and faithfully recorded daily weather conditions on yearly calendars to serve as a future references. Irene kept her faith close to her heart and was a long and active member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Rhein in many capacities, including Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher, choir member, bible studies and the ELW association in which she enjoyed the fellowship and annual conferences at different churches in the province. Throughout their years, Irene enjoyed the many "road trips" she and Walter made throughout the prairie provinces visiting relatives, friends and historical sites. Daily trips were also made to town for tea with friends and neighbors at the Rhein Hotel, or a game of cards at the Golden Agers. During all her life Mom maintained a very strong work ethic and faced all of life's challenges with strength, courage and selflessness. Left to cherish her memories and celebrate her life with love and gratitude are her children: daughter Judy (Don) Leikam of Peace River, AB; son Ernie (Valerie) Liebrecht of Yorkton; daughter Joyce Liebrecht of Regina; son Robert Liebrecht of Rhein; grandchildren: Michelle Leikam of Peace River, AB; Heather Leikam of Toronto, ON; Lennon Leikam (Devin) of Peace River, AB; a brother-in-law Harold Liebrecht of Leduc, AB; as well as special nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. The funeral serviuce was held on Friday, February 5th 2016 from Christ Lutheran Church in Rhein with Rev. Karen Stepko officiating. The eulogy was given by Gail Ross. Organist, Ruth McPhee led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Just As I Am', 'Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me', 'I Love to Tell the Story'' and 'How Great Thou Art'. Soloist, Sharon Coleman sang 'Ava Maria' and 'The Lord's Prayer'. Honorary bearers were all who shared in her life. The interment took place in the Christ Lutheran Parish Cemetery with Barron Stricker, Jason Stiglitz, Lennon & Heather Leikam, and Ernie & Robert Liebrecht. serving as the casketbearers. Memorials were to the Church, condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Visitation Details Thursday, February 4th, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm, Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton Service Information Friday, February 5th, 2016 2:00pm, Christ Lutheran Church - Rhein Interment Details Christ Luthern Church Cemetery