Irene Barbara KrakowkaJuly 17, 1922 - Monday, April 18, 2011Peacefully, on Monday, April 18, 2011, our Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma passed away at Last Mountain Pioneer Home in Strasbourg, Sk. at the age of 88 years. Irene was born on July 17, 1922 to Jacob and Mary (nee Terveen) Freilinger at home on their farm one-and-three quarter miles northeast of St. Bernard's Church. Her father died in 1923. Two years later, her mother married Henry Lange. Irene grew up and following her education she met the love of her life, Otto Krakowka. They were married on April 23, 1940 in St. Bernard's R.C. Church. Their marriage was blessed with four children, two daughters and two sons. They lived on the home place of Otto's father for a few years, which was located two-and-a-quarter miles north of St. Bernard's Church. In 1945, Irene and Otto bought the Joe Kirchner farm one quarter mile east of the Village of Pilger. Together they worked the land as well as raising their own beef, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. Irene loved to yodel while she milked cows and it is said that residents in Pilger could hear her on a quiet evening. Her garden was huge and the produce plentiful so she shared with her country neighbours and canned many, many jars of dill pickles. In 1977, they sold the farm and moved into the Village of Middle Lake, as a result more time to enjoy family gatherings, including a good game of cards took place. That also provided the opportunity for Irene to seek a position on the housekeeping staff at Bethany Pioneer Village which she enjoyed for many years, until her retirement. Otto passed away in 1983. The yard work became harder and harder to keep up, so Irene decided to sell her house and move into an independent housing unit at Bethany. She was in her glory, loving her suite and her neighbours. Irene was generous in sharing the produce planted in her small plot at the back of her suite. She did a lot of baking too, especially apple pies. They were so delicious she became known as the "apple pie queen". Irene enjoyed making them in thankfulness to anyone who brought her extra fish, liver, or garden produce. Quilting became another passion with her, and all the grandchildren have a product of her labour of love. In her spare time, Irene began volunteering at Bethany, helping with bingos and resident outings. In early 2010, Irene's health began to decline and, after suffering several falls in December 2010, she was admitted to Humboldt District Hospital. There, the family was told that she could no longer live by herself. In order to be closer to her daughters and extended family members, she was moved to Last Mountain Pioneer Home in Strasbourg. She loved the nurses there and they loved her. Irene's health continued to decline and on Monday, April 18, 2011, she passed away. Irene will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by daughters: Debbie (Arnold) Siba and Doreen Anderson, both of Regina, and son Tom (Jo-Ann) Krakowka of Burlington, ON; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren: Trina (Rick) Slaferek and children Teagan, Cassie and Jaidan, Lisa (Mitch) Molnar and children Ella and Ben, Kristen (Neil) Kowalski and children Alexander and Paige, Kae-Lynn (Colin) Gebhardt and children Abby and Katherine, Steven Krakowka, Brent Krakowka, Darryl (Adelle) Krakowka and children Justin and Josh, Cheryl (Rob) Heron and children Kayla and Larissa, Jocelyn (Patrick) Kennedy, Natasha (Will) Craig, Ryan (Karla) Siba and son Devin, and Daryl Siba; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Otto (1983); son, Jim (1989); son-in-law, Peter Anderson (2004); parents, Jacob and Mary Freilinger; step-father, Henry Lange; and by all her siblings: Marie (Emil) Hauser, Catherine (Allan) Pollmier, Sency (Herman) Lange, Eleanor Kowalchuk, Joe Freilinger, and Lawrence Freilinger. The Funeral Mass for Irene was offered at Canadian Martyrs R.C. Church, Middle Lake, on Monday, April 25, 2011, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Johny Mangalath, VC. Others taking part were: Alexander Kowalski, cross bearer; Kae-Lynn Gebhardt and Kristen Kowalski, scripture readers; Lisa Molnar, intentions; Trina Slaferek, eulogist; Paige Kowalski and Jaidan Slaferek, gift bearers; and music ministry was provided by Rhonda Baker and choir. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Irene's life". Active pallbearers were Ryan Siba, Daryl Siba, Darryl Krakowka, Neil Kowalski, Gerald Lange, and Barry Day. Interment followed at Canadian Martyrs R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Canadian Martyrs R.C. Cemetery Fund. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
