ENGEL
July 16, 1922 - July 19, 2014
Fern was born at Halkirk, July 16th, 1922, the 7th child of Harry and Celia Duncan. She had 5 sisters, who she shared a special bond with Beatrice Godberson, Peggy Dahmer, Celia "Sis" Creasey, Doris "Toots" Fowler, Jean Plouvier, and her 4 brothers Alex, Donald, Jimmy, Harry Duncan. Brother Edwin passed away as a young child and Sister Mary died as an infant. Fern spent her childhood living on the Duncan family farm south of Halkirk. Fern enjoyed the farm life and the freedom they all had. When the work was done, there was always time to explore and entertain. She spoke of the skating down the creek near their farm and school functions and dances that she attended. Fern attended school at Leader. She stayed home to help her mother on the farm for several years. On February 16th, 1952 she married Louie Engel. They moved onto the "Kobi Place", just two miles from Duncan's, into a 3 room house. In 1957, with 3 small children they moved a mile west to Louie's dads place, the Alex Engel farm. They farmed there until 1964, when they bought a home in the village of Halkirk. Fern lived her entire adult life within this area, and she was so proud of Halkirk. In 2006 Louie and Fern sold their Halkirk home, moving into Castor Senior Housing, then Paintearth Lodge, Coronation Assisted Living, and eventually Coronation Continuing Care. Fern is fondly remembered by staff and residents for her time with them.
Fern loved to visit and many people have fond memories of sitting at the kitchen table, watching her birds, and enjoying a cup of instant coffee. She had a closeness to her sisters and brothers and as they all lived so near, there were many visits, outings and enjoyable times with family. Fern was a long time member of The Sunny Circle Club and Royal Purple and was always there to help with numerous activities. Louie kept Fern busy, for he had large gardens, a green house and a Saskatoon orchard, that she harvested and canned the produce and made countless pies. During the winter months Fern kept busy by keeping up with curling, puzzles, her beloved Oilers and crocheting blankets and mittens for her children and grandchildren, and snowmobiling.
Fern is survived by her husband Louie who resides in Coronation; her four children: Don (Kjerene) Engel, Doris (Dennis) Cordel, Wayne Engel and Dianne Engel (Stuart Bates); 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren: Jennifer (Colin) Pekrul, and their children Emily, Austin and Greyson; Brad (Erica) Engel and their daughter Sloan; Corrine Cordel (Randy Tebbe)and Corrine's sons Dawson and Blade Bateman; Jason (Frances) Cordel and their children Carlene, Farica and Ferron; Adrian (Cassandra) Cordel and their son Caleb; Rae-anne Cordel (Mark Smith); Nicole Thomson; Dayle Kimmel (Nicolas Renggli); Mackenzie Kimmel (Tyler Hobbs)and their daughter Emree; Madison Kimmel. She is also survived by brothers Jim Duncan and Harry (Hazel) Duncan and sisters-in-law Irene Duncan and Lena Knight, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Fern Engel were held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 in the Halkirk Community Hall, Halkirk, Alberta with Reverend Barbara Zimmerman officiating. Fern was laid to rest at the Halkirk Cemetery, Halkirk, Alberta. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made in memory of Fern to Halkirk Cemetery, Paintearth Lodge, Coronation Hospital Foundation - Assisted Living or Extended Care or a charity of choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422, who were entrusted with the care and arrangements.
To send or view condolences to Fern's family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com