Obituary of Eileen Cecilia Minke

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". MINKE - Mrs. Eileen Minke, long-time Springside resident passed away peacefully on December 8, 2014 at the Theodore Health Care Centre. She was 88 years of age. Eileen Cecilia Minke was born on September 15, 1926 to Adolf and Olga (Eichorst) Effa in the Orcadia district. As a child she was a free spirit who loved to run and play ball. Sunday School and church were a priority where she began to develop her faith in God. She attended Grunert School and completed her high school in Yorkton. Her love for learning was evident in that she completed her teaching certificate in Regina. She started her teaching career in MacNut, Saskatchewan and then moved closer to home and taught at Grunert School.On July 24, 1946 she married John Minke. That union was blessed with three children: Wayne, Ron and Brenda. Eileen took on the role of farm wife where she had a large garden, sewed clothing for her children, picked berries, did farm chores and prepared delicious meals for her family and opened her home to guests often. Life as a farmer's wife was never easy but with God's blessing they managed to survive the difficult years and enjoy the good ones. With John, Eileen travelled as much as possible throughout western Canada & the USA. They enjoyed fishing, visiting friends, playing cards, and participating in church activities. Eileen was widowed after 41 years of marriage and at that time moved to Springside. She faced many challenges but her faith in God and her determination to love and serve those around her became her reason to live. She was active in the church, especially women's ministries. She continued to enjoy gardening and developed many close friendships. She travelled numerous times with her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she gave her time and energy freely to spend time with them. She moved from her home to Heritage Place and remained very independent. As her health declined, she required more assistance and moved to Gladstone Seniors Residence and then to the Theodore Health Centre. Eileen was predeceased by her husband John, her parents Adolf and Olga Effa, her brothers, Ewald and Albert and his wife Martha and her sister Joyce and sister-in-law Jean Effa. She leaves to celebrate her life her children: Wayne (Donna), Ron (Cheryl), and Brenda (Steve) Kramer; her grandchildren Pamela (Tim) Kasovac, Tara (Zak) Thomson, Ryan (Karen) Hardie; Tannys (Kurt) Madsen, Graem (Trisha) Minke, Jarred Minke; Kendra (Brad) Dean, Karla (Brent) Shakotko, Kurtis (Meghan) Kramer, Krista (Tim) Krogsgaard; her 17 precious great-grandchildren, her brother Harvey Effa and beloved nieces and nephews. The funeral services was held on Monday, December 15, 2014 from the Springside Baptist Church in Springside with Rev. Richard Kauenhofen officiating. Son Wayne read Romans 8:28-39. Organist, Jeanette Kriger, and pianist, Kitty Arndt led the congregation in the singing of the hymns ‘Softly & Tenderly', and ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness'. The grandchildren sang ‘My Jesus I Love Thee', daughter Brenda sang ‘Celebrate Me Home', a song was sung by Jessica Madsen and a recording of ‘It Is Well With My Soul' by The Master's Singers was played. The interment took place in the Springside cemetery with Graem & Jared Minke, Kurt Madsen, Brad Dean, Brent Shakotko & Tim Krogsgaard serving as the casketbearers. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Theodore Health Care Centre who cared and comforted Eileen through these last most difficult months. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Those wishing can make donations to the Gideon Bible Society, or to the Good Spirit Bible Camp in Eileen's memory. Visitation Details Sunday, December 14th, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm, Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton Service Information Monday, December 15th, 2014 11:00am, Springside Baptist Church Interment Details Springside Town Cemetery