Loralee M. Doepker September 17, 1953 - January 30, 2011The death of Mrs. Loralee "Lori" (nee Denis) Doepker of Saskatoon occurred at St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon on Sunday, January 30, 2011, with her devoted family by her side. She was 57 years of age. Loralee was born on September 17, 1953, to Joseph and Adelaide (nee Doepker) Denis in Humboldt. She grew up at Annaheim, where she attended and graduated from Annaheim School. On October 30, 1971, Lori married Marvin Doepker at Annaheim. Their union was blessed with four children, two daughters and two sons. The Doepkers lived in Humboldt for a few years, where Lori was a "stay-at-home mom". In 1977, the family moved to a farm near Annaheim. As well as being a busy homemaker, tending to the needs of her children, and being a school bus driver, Lori helped Marvin in all aspects of their farming operation, from driving the tractor and combine to butchering chickens. After having a chat with Fr. Maurice Weber, OSB, about her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, with his encouragement, Lori started classes at St. Peter's College in Muenster. Always a very optimistic, determined, and confident person, the fact that she was 30 years old and a hard-working wife and mother, did not deter her from pursuing her goal. In 1989, Lori convocated from the U. of S. in Saskatoon with a Bachelor of Education degree; she took 24 consecutive months of classes and also received a Postgraduate Diploma in Education of Exceptional Children in 1991, and in 2003 she attained a Master of Education degree. Lori started her teaching career at Muenster for the 1989-90 school term and continued to teach there until 1997, when she accepted a position with the Catholic School Division in Saskatoon, teaching in many schools there. During the last seven years, she taught at George Vanier Catholic Fine Arts School, where she also served as vice-principal. In all the schools she taught in, she absolutely loved the kids and they held a special place in her heart. Throughout her career, Lori continued to be a super wife, mother and grandmother. From young on, Lori had a zest for life and pursued her hobbies and interests with a passion. She loved writing, reading, camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and sports, especially curling, ball, and table tennis, winning a provincial championship in 1972. This driven, energetic, compassionate, fun-loving wife, mother, educator, and administrator truly felt blessed to have found her calling. Indeed, Lori accomplished much and enjoyed a better life in her 57 years than many do in 90 or more. "May your spirit continue to soar Lori!" Lori will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her husband of 39 years, Marvin Doepker of Saskatoon; their four children and five grandchildren: Jinny (Darren) Frederick and daughter Leah of Saskatoon; Chad (Rachel) Doepker and family, Varyk and Kyra of Rainbow Lake, AB; Davin (Nicole) Doepker and sons Zayden and Bently of Lloydminster, AB; and Erin Doepker of Calgary, AB; three sisters and three brothers: Connie (Donald) Olivier of Saskatoon; Danny (Shauney) Denis of Prince George, BC; Nancy Denis (Ron Pawluk) of Saskatoon; Donna (Jamie) Haeusler of Annaheim; Brian (Delores) Switzer of Calgary, AB; and Larry Denis of Annaheim; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Addie (nee Doepker) Denis; and by one sister, Mary Belle Denis. The Prayer Service for Lori was held at Holy Family R.C. Church, Saskatoon, on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., officiated by Deacon Bob Williston. The scripture reader was Robyn Dietrick, and words of remembrance were given by members of Lori's family. Music ministry was provided by the George Vanier Catholic Fine Arts School family. The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Family R.C. Church on Thursday, February 3, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Ron Beechinor, Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSB, and Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSB. Others taking part were: Colten Doepker, cross bearer; Megan and Ross Bulat, urn bearers; Adina Hopfner and Riley Morris, scripture readers; Trina Doepker, intercessions; Sarah Olivier and Mark Olivier, gift bearers; George Vanier family, music ministry. Honorary pallbearers were Varyk, Zayden, Leah, Kyra, and Bently. Interment will take place at St. Ann's R.C. Cemetery, Annaheim, at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Holy Family Parish Building Fund, 101 - 104th. Street, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 1M8, or the Canadian Cancer Society, 101 - 440 2nd. Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2C3. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
