MICHEL: Lena Bertha
September 3, 1916 - December 7, 2013
The death of Mrs. Lena Bertha (nee Hertzke) Michel of Aspen Manor, Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake, SK, occurred at her residence on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at the age of 97. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Lena, the second youngest of seven children, was born on September 3, 1916, to Otto and Margaret(nee Kaun) Hertzke at home on their farm in the Middle Lake district. She grew up there and attended Middle Lake Country School #2271. Due to the premature death of her mother in 1930, Lena quit school and stayed home to help with the domestic duties and the farm chores. On November 1, 1940, she married Roy Michel at Trinity Lutheran Church in Middle Lake. Their union was blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. Lena loved her role as a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking(her flapper pies were the best), sewing, quilting, crocheting and gardening. She was in a friendly rivalry with her sisters, trying to outdo and outgrow her garden in comparison to theirs. Lena was also known for her hospitality and was always happy to have company, serve a delicious meal, and play a game of cards. As well as being a busy homemaker, Lena devoted her time to the Lutheran Ladies Aide and the local 4-H Club. Lena and Roy farmed together until 1978, when they retired and moved into Middle Lake. During their retirement years, they spent a lot of time socializing and playing cards with family and friends. Roy passed away on March 7, 1991. At the age of 88, Lena moved into Birch Manor at Bethany Pioneer Village and then into Aspen Manor in 2011. "We, the family of Lena Michel, wish to extend a special thank you to the staff of Aspen Manor for their loving care and support." Lena will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her two children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: Glen (Joyce) Michel of Prince Albert, SK, and their family, Amanda(Onile) Finnestad and children, Benjamin and Fiona of Saskatoon, and Chad Michel(Candace Bella) of Regina, SK; and Carol Michel of Regina, SK; sister-in-law, Ellen Hertzke of Abbotsford, BC; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Roy Michel; parents, Otto and Margaret (nee Kaun) Hertzke; three sisters: Ella (Bill) Hoffman, Meta(Lancy) Michel, and Edna(Harry) Dickhoff; and by three brothers: Harry(Peggy) Hertzke, Maynard Hertzke, and Clifford Hertzke (in infancy). The Funeral Service was held at Faith Lutheran Church, Middle Lake, on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor John Rapp. Music ministry was provided by organist Sharon Carter. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Lena's life". Active pallbearers were Chad Michel, Marvin Michel, Clifford Hoffman, Mark Dickhoff, Onile Finnestad, and Harold Hertzke. Interment followed at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in the Middle Lake district. Memorial donations may be directed to either Faith Lutheran Church or Bethany Pioneer Village. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
