Dorothy Louise Wiechnik (Muhlbach)
June 3, 1927 - December 23, 2013
Dorothy Louise Wiechnik passed away peacefully at Heritage House with all of her children at her side on December 23, 2013 near her favorite time of year, Christmas. Dorothy was born in Alsask, Saskatchewan, the second child of Henry Jr. and Margaret Muhlbach. She had an older brother Clarence and a younger brother Karl Muhlbach. She grew up on the family farm near Esther, Alberta. Before 1948, they were surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins that farmed in the same area. Her grampa Henry Sr. operated a rural post office at one time and built the Sibbald Hotel, which is still in operation today. Dorothy went to school at Rush Center. She liked school, especially the concerts. After completing school Dorothy and Emma (her cousin) headed to Stettler to get jobs and start their adult life. The Muhlbach clan eventually made their way to the Stettler area too and Dorothy's family bought a farm east of Red Willow. Dorothy met John Wiechnik, who was from the south Monitor area and they were married June 17, 1950 in Stettler. From this union there were 3 children born: Doreen, Jerry, and Jeanette. After living four years in Three Hills, they bought the farm at Castor where they worked side by side. When the children were older, Dorothy worked at Macleods, Castor Variety, and Subs n Soda with Doreen. She dedicated her time to her children, grandchildren, church activities, and to her many family and friends. Some of these lifelong friends were formed from the Lend A Hand ladies (United Church Women). Dorothy and John moved into Castor in 1992 and still spent a lot of time going out to the farm where they enjoyed the after chore tea/coffee visits and Sunday meals with Jerry's family. Dorothy and John did enjoy going to family functions, travelling and camping with family. The last trip Dorothy took was an Alaskan cruise with Doreen and Don. Family dinners were huge, and Christmas and other holidays were always celebrated with all the family she could get together. She was never afraid of hard work, loved the farm animals, music, singing, dancing, gardening and of course the flowers. Life changed drastically for Dorothy when she lost John in 2004, Helen Kerbes, her brother Karl, close cousins Doris Hennel, Howard and Bill Muhlbach, other family and friends in a few short years. Sister in law Kathye Muhlbach took Dorothy on many road trips that she enjoyed very much. Dorothy moved to the Castor Lodge in 2009 as her health was failing. After a brief time in Castor's Extended Care, in late September of 2010 she moved to Heritage House in Stettler where she lived until her passing. She was able to make several day trips to Jerry and Joanne's Stettler home for special holidays and her 85th birthday. That day was overwhelming for her, as many Castor ladies along with close family members were there to Dorothy's surprise. Mom especially loved music, and sang in the church choir with daughter-in-law Joanne for several years. She was listening to an old tune that her brother Clarence used to sing that was being played only minutes before her passing.
Dorothy leaves behind her 3 children Doreen (Don) Muth of Edmonton, Jerry (Joanne) Wiechnik of Stettler and Jeanette Brennen (Earl Wiegard) of Courtenay, BC; 9 grandchildren and their spouses, 19 great grandchildren, brother Clarence (Irma) Muhlbach of Stettler as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. Funeral services for the late Dorothy Wiechnik were held at the Knox United Church in Castor on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. Barbara Zimmerman officiating. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Dorothy, memorial contributions may be made to the Knox United Church or to S.T.A.R.S. in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403.742.3315 Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.brennenfuneralhome.com.