Obituary of Madeline Goertzen

Madeline Goertzen (nee: French) of Spiritwood passed away peacefully at the Battlefords Union Hospital January 16, 2013 at the age of 79. A service celebrating Madeline’s life was held January 19 at the Chitek Lake Community Hall with Delores Beaulac officiating and Ruth (Herman) French as organist. Madeline’s eulogy was given by her Granddaughters and urn bearers were her Grandsons. Following the service, lunch was served by the Chitek Lake Ladies. Memories of Madeline will always be cherished by her family; Husband, John Levi; Daughters, Donna (Greg Hamilton) Goertzen and Ramona (Kelly) Parker; Grandchildren, Joe (Vanessa) Desrosiers, Tyler Durette, CJ, Jackson, and Jessica Parker; Great-Grandchildren, Adalee and Jayden Desrosiers; Brothers and Sisters, Herman (Ruth) French of Chitek Lake, Kay (Jack) Wilson-Woods of Salmon Arm, BC, John (Ruth) French of Belbutte, Zelma (Allen) Simpson of Spiritwood, Irene (Ronald) Fox of Eston and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Delta French and a brother-in-law Lyle Wilson. Madeline was born August 14, 1933 in Kerrobert, SK. In October of the following year her family moved to a homestead in the Spruce Creek Area, southeast of Chitek Lake. Growing up, Madeline attended the Spruce Creek School, participated in sports, and had many responsibilities at home being the oldest daughter. August 17, 1957 Madeline married John Levi Goertzen. For the next 25 years she worked alongside Levi to make their farm at Spruce Creek a success and raise their two daughters. In 1982, they moved to Chitek Lake and enjoyed the offerings of the resort community, but they missed the farm life, so in 1989 they moved to a quarter near Chitek. In 2002, Madeline and Levi moved to their current residence in Spiritwood. Here with a smaller yard, she was able to dedicate more time to her flowers, crocheting, and visiting with family and friends. Madeline’s gentle and caring ways will be sadly missed by her family and all those who knew her. Memorial donations are of the donor’s choice. Email condolences will be forwarded to the family. Ed Beaulac of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home of Spiritwood entrusted with arrangements.