Albert Holstein, resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, February 21, 2016. He was 95 years of age. Albert was born on June 12, 1920 at Rhein, SK, son of Henry & Emilia Holstein. Albert pursued a lifelong career in carpentry with his dad and brother Johnny. They were well known in Yorkton as H. Holstein & Sons. They built homes, did renovations and built many ready-to-move homes. In 1941 he married Margaret Fossey and they were blessed with two children, Garry & Shelley. In their younger years they spent many weekends and summers with the family at the cabin at Good Spirit Lake. With Albert's expertise at carpentry he helped Garry build two new homes for his family, one in Yorkton and one near Ebenezer. One of his last projects was building a new home that Shelley currently resides in which just happened to be next door to his own house. His loving wife Margaret passed away in 1982. Albert retired and met a wonderful lady that he would spend the next 25 years with, Klara Donnelly. He and Klara were able to see Chris and Amanda grow up right before their very eyes. Albert loved fishing and hunting and Chris shared the same passion. They spent many hours together and Grandpa taught Chris everything he knows (even with a few arguments here and there). Albert thoroughly enjoyed his coffee row companions and would sometimes go 3 times a day and taking Amanda along was a good excuse to go. Klara is a great cook and would prepare many of Albert's favourite German dishes. When cancer appeared 15 years ago and with Klara's help he was able to live at home for as long as he did, and for that we will be forever grateful to Klara. Dad/Grandpa and great-grandpa will be dearly missed. Predeceased by his wife Margaret, parents Henry & Emilia, brothers Edward & Fred & sisters Anna Turr, Freda Smith and Emma Fenske. Albert leaves to mourn his death and celebrate his life, Klara Donnelly; brother, Johnny Holstein; son Garry & Valerie and their children Berkeley (Monika), Janelle (Todd), Jackie (Colin) & Carla (Arlyn) and grandchildren and great-grandchildren; daughter Shelley and her children Christopher (Terissa) and Amanda (Kristopher). Klara's children Chrissy (Ken); Jennette (Wayne), Tom; Shelly (Ron) and children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Albert's family gathered on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 for a graveside service in the Garden of St. Matthew at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Crystal Bailey, B.Th. officiated. Soloist LaVerne Spratt sang 'The Old Rugged Cross' at the gravesite and sang 'Grandpa' at the reception in the Family Centre that followed. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials in Alberts' name can be made to one's charity of choice.
