Irene Florence Winzer, born April 20, 1929 to Henry and Lydia Biederman, passed away peacefully with family at her side on November 14, 2009.
Irene is predeceased by her parents, Lydia (1978) and Henry (1980); two sisters, Alma Louise who died in infancy and Edna Hostland in 2008; a baby brother in infancy, as well as Edwin (1965) and Fred (1997).
Irene was raised on the family farm north of Maple Creek attending school at Northridge until its closure at which time she attended the Galaway School. At the young age of 16 Irene joined the work force with her first employment being at the BC Cafe in Maple Creek. Further opportunities found her moving to Okotoks, Calgary and Edmonton, returning home in 1950 due to ill health. Irene was hospitalized in Calgary for eight months with tuberculosis. After recovering from her illness, Irene met the love of her life David John Winzer at the Murraydale Stampede, an ambitious young man who had arrived from England to work on his uncle’s ranch. Subsequently they were married on November 22, 1951. They spent their first few months of marriage in England visiting David’s family, returning to Canada in April of 1952. They worked on the Roy Stewart Ranch until the spring of 1959 at which time they moved to Irene’s family farm where their son Keith, his wife Anita and family now reside. David and Irene raised their five children on the farm enjoying many happy times together whether it be sleighing over to the neighbours in a horse-drawn sleigh or swimming in the nearby dugout. They enjoyed everything together. The day they married was truly a day when two people become one. Good times and bad were endured together always, whether it be dancing at the Big 4 Community Hall, card parties or potlucks.
The ‘70s found David and Irene purchasing a cabin in the Cypress Hills where friends frequently visited for card games, marbles, horseshoes and of course food galore! Dave and Irene moved to Maple Creek in 1987 where Irene thoroughly enjoyed her family and friends.

Irene is survived by her loving husband David of 58 years and their children – Clarene (Barry) Wheeler, Colin (Doreen) Winzer, Heather (Danny) Udal, Shirley (Bruce) Sharp and Keith (Anita) Winzer; grandchildren – Tanya (Scott) Pickard, Jason (Michele) Wheeler, David Winzer, Ashlie Winzer, Shane (Terri) Fournier, Dustin Fournier, Amy (Arron) Gordon, Chelsey (Cody) Thomson, Brittany Udal, Shelton Udal, Jessica Sharp, Amber (Tyler) Steinkey, Trent Winzer and Dayna Winzer; great grandchildren – Ethan, Tate and Taryn Pickard, Jordan and Brooklyn Fournier, Madison, Chloe, Jhett and Blayze Wheeler, Cassidy Gordon and Brana and Walker Thomson.
She is sadly missed by David and families.

The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 18 at the Maple Creek United Church with Eva Stanley officiating. Interment took place in the Maple Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Trent Winzer, Shelton Udal, David Winzer, Arron Gordon, Jason Wheeler, Scott Pickard, Tyler Steinkey, Cody Thomson, Shane Fournier, Dustin Fournier. Honorary pallbearers were Chelsey Thomson, Amy Gordon, Dayna Winzer, Tanya Pickard, Brittany Udal, Jessica Sharp, Ashlie Winzer, Amber Steinkey, Michele Wheeler, and those people who shared in Irene’s life. Tributes were given by Heather Udal and the grandchildren, the eulogy was given by Gordon Hostland and special music by The Hansons.
Those who wish to, may remember Irene with a gift to the new Southwest Health Care Centre Equipment Fund.

To email an expression of sympathy you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca.
Binkley’s Funeral Service, Maple Creek and Leader, in charge of arrangements.

Miss Me – But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road,
and the sun has set for me,
I want no tears or gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little– but not too long;
And not with head bowed low.
Remember the love weall shared;
Miss me, but let me go,
For this is a journey we all must take and
each must go alone,
It’s all part of the Master’s plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
See family and friends we know.
Take time to heal, tho’ we must part,
Miss me – but let me go