NIEBRUGGE: Joseph
November 21, 1926 – May 6, 2017
The sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Joseph Arnold Niebrugge, 90 years, of Humboldt occurred at his residence on Saturday, May 6, 2017. He was the last surviving sibling in the family. Joe was born on November 21, 1926 to Bernard and Katherine (nee Lohman) Niebrugge at home in the Willmont district, the youngest of 12 children. He completed a grade eight education at Stearns School. Following his education Joe began farming in the Fulda area. On August 1, 1950 Joe married the love of his life Delphine Hauber and together they were blessed with four children. In 1959 due to a tragic car accident Delphine and their daughter Wanda died.  Delphine and Joe were only married nine years at the time. Joe was left with three small children. Due to Joe’s commitment to his marriage vows and strong faith he became a mother and father to his children and raised them with the tremendous help of his brother Wilfred. Joe always put his children first and assured they had all the necessities needed from the physical things to good values and morals. Joe loved music and from the early age of 11 he started playing a guitar. He was inspired by Lynn Kramers guitar playing. At the age of 15 he was in his first band. He later learned to play the accordion, piano and sax. While raising his children as a single parent he taught his daughters to sing harmony and travelled the province with them. They sang on T.V. and radio. One of his fondest memories was when Joe and his daughters sang on CFQC and CBKI T.V. in 1961-1962. Joe played with the Blue Mountain Boys for 20 years. He then later joined the Beir Tent Gang. He thoroughly enjoyed entertaining at many functions around the area. This band brought much happiness and toe tapping memories to many. In 1978 Joe moved to Humboldt and Dale took over the family farm. After moving to Humboldt he became a member of the St. Augustine Knights of Columbus and sang with St. Augustine Church Choir and while on the farm he sang with St. John and St. Joseph’s Choirs. Joe began working at the Bella Vista Inn in 1978 and enjoyed his 10 years there. In 1977 he began driving the school bus. Joe loved seeing the children daily and teasing them a bit and we’re sure many children have fond memories of him. He retired after 18 years with Hertz Bus Lines. Joe was fortunate to meet Bernice Joa in his retirement years; a special companion to travel and golf with and together they shared their families for over 23 years. He loved golf, music, family and good food. Joe also had a few favourite things that he cherished like his Gibson guitar, golf clubs, card games and watching live sports on TV especially the Blue Jays. Some of his favourite places that he visited were Radium Hot Springs, Cuba, Mexico and Waterton to name a few. He was very proud and happy to see his children grow up and get married. Joe was always happy and loved to visit and laugh. He made many people very happy. Being a good father and having a very tight knit family meant a lot to Joe and for that he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his three children: Carol (Daryl) Hushagen of Humboldt; Yvonne (Hal) Turner and daughter Ashley (Jeff) Thiessen and their daughter Georgia, all of Saskatoon; and Dale Niebrugge of Humboldt and sons, Zach (Leanne) Niebrugge and son Dane of Carmel and Cody (Mandi) Niebrugge of Revelstoke, BC; sisters-and-brothers-in-law: Olga Niebrugge of Humboldt, Marion (Ed) Brockman of Middle Lake, Helen (Greg) Wearne of Courtney, BC, Henry (Eyvette) Hauber of Humboldt, David (Dolores) Hauber and Genevieve (Morris) Trischuk both of Cudworth; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents Bernard and Katherine Niebrugge; wife Delphine and daughter Wanda (1959); loving friend Bernice Joa (2009); and by 7 sisters and 4 brothers: Della (Henry), Lena (Casper), Minnie (Val), Clara (Tony), Christine (Tony), Anne (Scott), Gertie (Leo), Tony (Johanna), Norbert (Elvira), Martin and Wilfred. A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. celebrated by Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor, from St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt. Interment followed at St. John the Baptist (Willmont) Cemetery, Willmont District. Memorial Donations in Joe’s memory may be directed to St. John the Baptist Cemetery Restoration Fund (Willmont). Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home, Humboldt, SK.
