Obituary of Keith Washenfelder

Obituary of Keith Washenfelder “Washy”

Keith Conrad Washenfelder of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, beloved husband of the late Brigitte Washenfelder, passed away suddenly on December 23, 2023. He was 83.

Keith was born September 4, 1940 in Yorkton. He spent his early years in Rhein, Saskatchewan with his seven siblings. In 1949 the family moved to a farm near Waldron, Saskatchewan and two years later in 1951 settled in Yorkton. It was there Keith met and married his wife Brigitte in December 1965.

As a young adult, Keith’s career path led him to working at Northern Motors as a car salesmen and then sales manager. Keith’s ambition led him to leave the company, and along with his son Brooks ran Thoen’s Sales and Leasing for many successful years.

Keith’s passions were family, friends, baseball and selling cars. His memory will be cherished for his passion, intensity, generosity, and his boisterous voice. There were many memorable family vacations travelling across Canada and the USA, and of course this included watching a ballgame or two! It was the love of the game that ignited the same passion in all his kids.

Keith’s career as a player, coach and organizer of baseball in Yorkton spanned four decades, from the time he played in the minor baseball ranks in Yorkton to his teams’ success in Provincial and Western Canadian Championships. He served as president of the Cardinals taking responsibility for organization, tournaments, facilities and player acquisition. In the end his hard work did not go unnoticed as he was inducted into both the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.

After retirement, many happy winters were spent in Mesa, Arizona with Brigitte attending baseball games and entertaining family and friends. Keith also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and wouldn’t hesitate to give advice and support. His presences will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Keith was predeceased by his father Conrad (1976), mother Sophie Balles (2000), loving wife Brigitte Boras (2021) he is survived by his mother-in-law Elfriede Boras, his brother Donald (Marilyn) his sister-in-law, Judy Heyer, his daughter Kimberley Langen (William), his sons Brooks (Jaclynn), and Chris (Cheryl); grandsons James, Carter, Luke, Cole, and granddaughters Kaylee, Halle and Macy.

The Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 29, 2023 from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Yorkton with Rev. Kim Sherwin officiating. The organist was Linda Sogbetun. James Langen delivered the eulogy and Brooks Washenfelder shared words of remembrance. The interment followed in the Garden of Memories, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Carter Washenfelder serving as urn bearer.