Martin Henry NiebruggeMarch 8, 1923 - January 30, 2011Martin Niebrugge of Humboldt passed away peacefully on January 30, 2011, at Humboldt District Hospital, at the age of 87. The 10th of 12 children, he was born on March 8, 1923, to Bernard and Catherine (nee Lohman) Niebrugge at home on their farm in the Wilmont district. He grew up there and attended Stearns Rural School. Martin then followed the footsteps of his father and brothers into farming. In 1945, he purchased the John Lueke homestead, in preparation for a life with his new wife, Olga Kalthoff, whom he married in St. Joseph's R.C. Church at Fulda on October 8, 1946. Together, they raised five children on their farm. Martin and Olga welcomed Olga's sister Dora Kalthoff into their home in 1970. The three of them moved into a new house in Humboldt in 1974. Dora lived with them until her death in 1999. During his lifetime, Martin was a well-respected member of the Fulda and Humboldt communities. He was well-known for his spirit of volunteerism. Martin was heavily involved in his parish, multiple choirs, Knights of Columbus, Humboldt Vintage Club, Meals on Wheels, and the Humboldt Housing Authority. He had many leisure interests, including curling, golf, watching baseball and hockey, fishing, and taking short trips to visit family and friends. Martin was a founding member of the well-known Bier Tent Gang. His alto voice was recognizable during their performances and recordings. Martin was a devoted husband and father, and always attentive to his children, from infancy to adulthood. He took great joy in his grandchildren and, in turn, they adored him. His sense of humor and wit were unforgettable to all who crossed his path. He was truly "larger than life". Martin is survived by his loving wife of almost 65 years, OLGA (nee Kalthoff) Niebrugge of Humboldt; five children and their families: LEON Niebrugge (Anne Stockwell) of Fulda and her family, Ricky Stockwell, Cheré (Cesar) Calderon and five sons; and Cinthia Stockwell (Joe Dingman) and three children; JUDY (Jim) Catterson of West Kelowna, BC, and family, Marshall Catterson, Kathryn (Trevor) Klassen and son Hunter; LOIS (Gil) Bourassa of Redcliff, AB, and family, Sean (Kassie) Bourassa and children Reese and Libby, Tyson (Robyn) Bourassa and children Riley and Tara; TERRI Bentley of Saskatoon and family, Jenna (Tyrell) Vaughan, and Morgan (Stephen) Christensen; and HARVEY (MaryLou) Niebrugge of Martensville and her family, Jill (Chris) Popplewell and son River, and Jeremy Mantyka; one brother, Joe Niebrugge of Humboldt; sisters-in-law: Elvira Niebrugge and Clara Kalthoff; Olga's sisters: Freda Bolster and Mildred Frank; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Bernard Niebrugge (1953); mother, Catherine (nee Lohman) Niebrugge (1971); seven sisters and three brothers: Della (Henry) Theissing, Lena (Casper) Theissing, Minnie (Val) Beuker, Tony (Johanna) Niebrugge, Anne (Scott) Freer, Clara (Tony) Weinrauch, Gertie (Leo) Ebner, Christine (Tony) Tegenkamp, Norbert Niebrugge, and Wilfred Niebrugge; sister-in-law, Delphine Niebrugge; Olga's family: her parents, Edward and Clara (nee Dust) Kalthoff; three sisters and four brothers: Hilda (Peter) Lux, Sylvester (Lydia) Kalthoff-Kloppenburg, Emil (Julia) Kalthoff, Dora Kalthoff, Henry Kalthoff, Eugene (Agnes) Kalthoff, and Gertie (Roman) Langenhoff; and brother-in-law Frank Bolster; and by several nieces and nephews. The Prayer Service for Martin was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Friday, February 4, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., led by Walter Sarauer. Scripture readers were MaryLou Niebrugge and Kathryn Klassen, and the eulogy was delivered by Dennis Ebner. Music ministry was provided by the Bier Tent Gang. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Saturday, February 5, 2011, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Emile April. Others taking part were: Sean Bourassa, cross bearer; Lois Bourassa and Harold Theissing, scripture readers; Jenna Vaughan, Kathryn Klassen, and Morgan Christensen, intentions; Judy Catterson, Lois Bourassa and Terri Bentley, gift bearers; Lois Theissing, Lucille Niebrugge, and Karen Fleischhacker, eucharistic ministers; Carol Hushagen and Yvonne Turner, special music; and Dale Niebrugge, urn bearer. An honor guard was provided by members of the Knights of Columbus. Active pallbearers were Martin's grandchildren: Tyson Bourassa, Jenna Vaughan, Kathryn Klassen, Morgan Christensen, Marshall Catterson, Jill Popplewell, and Jeremy Mantyka. A private family interment service was held at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. Augustine Parish Building Fund or the Humboldt District Hospital General Equipment Fund. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
