Edwin Joseph BertingMay 25, 1932 - September 24, 2011 The death of Mr. Edwin "Ed" Joseph Berting of St. Mary's Villa, Humboldt, SK, occurred at his residence on Saturday, September 24, 2011. He was 79 years of age. Ed was born on May 25, 1932, to Ben and Louise (nee Zimmerman) Berting at home on their farm three miles west of St. Gregor. He grew up there and attended Golden Rule School. Following his education, Ed worked on the family farm until 1957, when he began working for the Department of Highways at Watson. Later, he began a career with the Department of Natural Resources at various locations, including Hudson Bay, La Loche, Buffalo Narrows and the Hanson Lake Road. In 1961, Ed operated a Caterpillar and a Scraper for the R.M. of St. Peter. The following year, he purchased a Caterpillar and started a land clearing business with his brothers Dennis and Domain, a venture he worked at until the autumn of 1968. In the spring of 1969, Ed began working for Kirsch Construction. On April 29, 1978, he married Loretta Koldeweihe at St. Augustine R.C. Church in Humboldt. Their union was blessed with two children, daughter Crystal and son Keith. Ed and Loretta made their home in Humboldt. In 1983, after a period of 14 years with Kirsch Construction, Ed accepted employment with the rural municipalities of Humboldt, Usborne and Wolverine. In the fall of 2009, he retired. That was a very difficult transition for him though. He had taken great pride in his ability as a heavy equipment operator and found great fulfillment throughout his long and hard-working days. Ed's favorite leisure activities over the years included reading Louis L'Amour novels, watching western movies, touring around with his family to show them the places he had worked, going for Sunday drives to the lake, and joining his friends for coffee and socializing at the Pioneer or Chick Allan's. Among the many memories his children will recall are the mechanic and repair lessons he gave Crystal, and the enjoyable times he and Keith shared watching wrestling on T.V. Due to failing health, on November 3, 2010, Ed became a resident of St. Mary's Villa, where he could receive the on-going medical care he required. Ed will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 33 years, Loretta (nee Koldeweihe) Berting of Humboldt; daughter, Crystal Berting (Rick Austin) of Bruno, SK; son, Keith Berting and his daughter Kira Lummerding of Humboldt; brother, Dennis (Elaine) Berting of Humboldt; sister, Rosemarie (Bob) Pokeda of Courtenay, BC; brother-in-law, Ron Frank of Humboldt; sister-in-law, Liz Berting of Humboldt; Loretta's sister, Louise (Bob) Kopp of Humboldt; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Louise (nee Zimmerman) Berting; four brothers: Bernard Berting, Herman Berting, Clarence Berting and Domain Berting; and by one sister, Bernice Frank. The Prayer Service for Ed was held at St. Gregory R.C. Church, St. Gregor, on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., led by Glenn Taphorn and Della Thieman. Scripture readers were Cindy Greff, Sharon Kabernik and the eulogy was delivered by Crystal Berting. Music ministry was provided by organist Doug Schmidt. The Funeral Mass was offered on Thursday, September 29, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Darryl Millette and Fr. Daniel Muyres, OSB. Others taking part were: Justin Berting, cross bearer; Kendal Wuchner and Ben Plemel, altar servers; Debbie Baker and Lori Wuchner, scripture readers; Erika Berting, intentions; Crystal Berting and Keith Berting, giftbearers. An honor guard was formed by members of the Knights of Columbus. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Ed's life." Active pallbearers were Larry Berting, Ken Frank, Garry Berting, Lee Wuchner, Gordon Berting, Roger Berting. Interment followed at St. Gregory R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. Gregor R.C. Cemetery Fund or the Canadian Cancer Society. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
