After a long and rewarding life, Conrad Leonard Plemel, formerly of St. Gregor, died at Saskatoon City Hospital in the early hours of New Year's Day, 2012, getting his wish for a "peek" at his 100th year. He was 99 years old. Conrad was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Marie (nee Wegmann) Plemel in 2006; his parents; and his siblings: Katherine (Sr. Veronica Plemel, OSU), Alois, Andrew, John, Rose, Leo and Carl. This special Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his children: Don, Ben (Vivian), Harry (Carole), Vera (Bruce) Taylor, Jim (Lorna), Joan (Rick) Dixon, and Gladys (David) Coombes; and 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters: Cecilia Cook, Agnes Montgomery, and Dorothy Neuses; his brother, Martin Plemel; as well as many nieces and nephews. Conrad was born on April 12, 1912, on the family homestead near St. Gregor, SK. He was the third of 12 children born to Martin and Christina (nee Meschishnick) Plemel. Conrad attended elementary school in St. Gregor and high school at St. Peter's College, Muenster. After working various jobs during the depression years, he gained full-time employment with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in 1940. What he called his first "real job" enabled him to marry his sweetheart, Marie Wegmann, in October of that year. Except for his four years of service with the RCAF from 1942 to 1946, this same job was the start of a long career in the co-operative field, first as a grain buyer in Lake Lenore and St. Gregor, and later as Credit Union Manager in St. Gregor. His commitment to the co-operative model was well-suited to his belief in the importance of service to others. Family was central to the lives of Conrad and Marie. In addition to their own children, at different times over the years, both of their fathers, as well as Marie's brother lived with them. There was always a warm welcome and a bed, if necessary, for relatives and friends alike. Conrad was dedicated to his church and the Roman Catholic faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, receiving his 50 year certificate in 2007. Con was a long-time parishioner and active supporter of St. Gregor Parish where he served in many capacities. He possessed a strong faith, confident that God's plan, whatever it might be, is more important than our own. His commitment to community is another example of his belief in the importance of service. During his years in St. Gregor, Conrad was active on many committees, boards and clubs, including involvement in minor ball when the family was young and, later, as a senior, holding office with the New Horizons Club, as well as many other activities during the intervening years. He enjoyed many hours in his workshop and his creations in wood will always be family treasures. Dad's sincere belief that people are fundamentally good is his legacy to us. He "walked the walk" by helping out people whom others had given up on. We can only hope to live this belief to the same degree. Conrad is survived by his seven children and their families: DON Plemel of Sioux Lookout, ON, Kim Plemel; BEN (Vivian) Plemel of St. Gregor, Kevin (Laura) Plemel, Andrea (Norm) Laferriere and Tanner, Juanita (Dwayne) Saretsky; HARRY (Carole) Plemel of Weyburn, Tim Plemel (Nicole), and Christine (Jay) Busby and Hudson; VERA (Bruce) Taylor of Winnipeg, MB, Sharon Taylor (Esteban Sojo Calderon) and Ruby, Gordon Taylor; JIM (Lorna) Plemel of Saskatoon, Martin Plemel, David Plemel, Ellen Plemel; JOAN (Rick) Dixon of Saskatoon; GLADYS (David) Coombes of Saskatoon, Brent Crittall (Melissa) and Laynie, Curtis (Tara) Crittall, Autumn and Jaida, Mitchell (Avery) Crittall, Barbara (Blair) Smadu, Elizabeth and Samuel; three sisters and one brother: Cecilia Cook, Agnes Montgomery, Dorothy Neuses, and Martin Plemel. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie; parents, Martin and Christina; two daughters-in-law: Irmela and Diane; two great-grandsons: Gabriel and Nathaniel; two sisters: Katie (Sr. Veronica), and Rose; and by five brothers: Alois, Andrew, John, Leo, and Carl. The family wishes to thank Dad's many caregivers, including Dr. Huber, Dr. Classen (and the staff at Lakeside Medical Clinic), Dr. Baldelli, the staff at Columbian Manor, at Cedar Gardens Care Home, and at Veterans' Village in Sherbrooke Community Centre. Special thanks to the people at Saskatoon City Hospital for the care and compassion they provided during Dad's final days. The Prayer Service for Con was held at St. Gregory R.C. Church, St. Gregor, on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., presided by Glenn Taphorn and organist Suzanne Taphorn. Others taking part were: Harry Plemel and Curtis Crittall, scripture readers; Christine Busby and Andrea Laferriere, intentions; Vince and Ruth Morrison, eulogists. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Gregory R.C. Church on Friday, January 6, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Darryl Millette, Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSB, Fr. Bernard Stauber, OSB, and Fr. Ken Beck. Others taking part were: Tanner Lair, crossbearer; John Cook and Gerard Doepker, altar servers; Donald Plemel and Lucille Farrell, scripture readers; Barbara Smadu and Sharon Taylor, intentions; Joan Dixon, Ellen Plemel, Juanita Saretsky and Autumn Crittall, gift bearers; Vera Taylor and Vivian Plemel, eucharistic ministers. Music ministry was provided by organist Suzanne Taphorn and the St. Gregor Parish Choir. Honorary pallbearers were "all Conrad's grandchildren and great-grandchildren". Active pallbearers were Kevin Plemel, Tim Plemel, Mitchell Crittall, Martin Plemel, David Plemel, and Esteban Sojo Calderon. Interment followed at St. Gregory R.C. Cemetery, St. Gregor. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. Gregor Parish Memorial Fund or to St. Peter's Abbey. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
