Wilfred Raphael Maier
Wilf was born Oct 24, 1941 in Humboldt at St. Elizabeth's Hospital to parents Ludwig and Sophie (nee Lermer)Maier (both deceased). He was the fifth of seven children: Zita of Humboldt, Rita (deceased in infancy), Ferdinand (deceased in infancy), Bernadette (deceased in infancy), Wilf (Genevieve, deceased) of Yorkton, Norbert (Audrey) of Muenster, Garry (Kathy) of Saskatoon.Wilf grew up on the family farm south of Muenster and attended Banner School. He attended High School at St. Peter's College. After completing his formal education he worked at the Humboldt Co-op Creamery. He completed his Civil Government Certificate through the University of Saskatchewan. Wilf married Genevieve (nee Strueby) on Thanksgiving, October 10, 1966 in Marysburg, SK. They began married life in Estherhazy where Dad was the Assistant Town Administrator. Their girls were born there. In 1970, the family moved to Lanigan as he accepted the position of Town Administrator They remained there until the girls were done high school. In 1986, he accepted an accounting position at Deutscher Kunaman Scott in Humboldt. In 1988, they moved to Yorkton where he continued his career as Secretary Treasurer for Christ the Teacher Catholic School Division where he remained until his retirement in 2006.Dad loved to work and excelled in each position. At a time when computers and technology came into many offices, he took up the challenge and taught himself how to navigate his way becoming so proficient at accounting software he was soon doing consulting work alongside his full time job. He was a carpenter as well renovating their first house in Lanigan and building their garage from the ground up. He loved anything to do with history: books, movies, museums and old machinery. He could name the make and model of any car we pointed out. He felt a deep sense of community pride and volunteerism wherever they lived. He loved to be of service. Over the years he enjoyed working with many volunteer groups too numerous to mention both in community, church and their girls' activities. Dad had a deep faith and love for the Church. He enjoyed serving it in many positions. He was a proud 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Dad and Mom enjoyed their retirement together but their time was cut short when Mom passed away February 24th, 2009 after 42 years of marriage. As the family deeply mourned her loss, Dad was a source of strength as he adjusted to single life. He increased his volunteer jobs and kept up a busy social life with his beloved friends so his girls wouldn't worry so much about him. His health began to fail in 2007 but his "go forward" spirit never wavered. Dad enjoyed being independent and died as he lived - peacefully at home in his favorite place to be - his chair. He passed on Wednesday, March 21st. The first day of a new season. Another beginning.Wilf leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughters and their families: Debra (Darren) Blair of Drake and their children Tyler and Megan; Corrine (James) Rybchuk of Regina and their children Rhys and Ava. He is survived by 33 nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to thank the following: Dad's close circle of friends - particularly Glenn Wiseman, Mary Puchala, Al Herchuk, Art and MaryAnn Scherr - who made his life and passing so much easier; and Larry German and the staff at Bailey's Funeral Home who have made such a difficult time easier.
