Obituary of Dode Matzner (Helm)

Dode Matzner (1923 – 2013) We are honoured to be giving the eulogy today as Dode’s granddaughter, Deanna Ledding and favourite son-in-law, Larry Ferster. Grandma was born on July 5, 1923 to Karl and Emelie Schmalz in the Brightholme District. She was the fourth daughter of five and was raised on the farm south of Shellbrook and attended school at Mount Teviot where she completed Grade 8. She was the apple of everyone’s eye and maybe even just a little bit spoiled because of it. Grandpa Schmalz once turned the buggy around and drove back 2 miles to town just to get his girl her 2nd ice cream. Grandma worked very hard growing up and many commented on how she was the son her dad never had. Even though she had it pretty good being her daddy’s girl, she must not have loved being part of a family of only girls, because she once told a neighbor boy that if he didn’t let her play with them, she would marry him one day. Ever true to her word, Grandma married Ervin Helm on October 19, 1944 and together they raised their four children Ron, Verne, Deb, and David. It wasn’t all work on the farm! Grandma was known for her “helpful” ways – some may interpret this as bossiness. Grandpa once had had enough of her helpful ways and boarded her up in a bin to keep her quiet. This was one of the only times she must have been quiet about farming. Grandma loved the farm and even up until this fall, there was never a day that she wouldn’t call her kids for the latest crop report or ask to go for a drive to see how the fields were doing. In 1967 tragedy struck the family when Ervin died in a fatal highway accident. After the accident Ron and Verne took over the farm, Debbie took over the household duties, and Dave became responsible for the chores. Grandma came in from the farm one day to find that Debbie had fed her garden peas to the pigs… because she didn’t want to pick any more peas! Within just a few years, the family grew. Ron married Inez, and one month later, Verne married Joanne. Debbie married Larry a year later, and four years after that Dave married Lorinda. In the midst of her children’s marriages, Grandma also married Joe Matzner in October of 1972. Since Joe was retired, Grandma and Joe were able to travel the world for ten years. She was always telling us stories of the places she had seen. Between travels, Grandma and Joe resided on an acreage for 13 years just outside of Shell Lake. Grandma stayed there by herself for two years after Joe’s death in 1986 and then moved to Shellbrook to be closer to her children. After all of her children’s weddings, Grandma felt the natural order of things would be grandkids. She began crocheting baby clothes in hopes of grandchildren and was blessed with three in a row in 1977. This was just the beginning and Grandma’s 11 grandchildren were fortunate to have her at every piano recital, ball game, hockey game, drama performance, dance recital… the list is endless. Grandma’s devotion to her kids and grandchildren didn’t end there. Between games and recitals, she spent her evenings knitting afghans for each one of us and baking for her families, all the while making sure she was up to date on all of her “stories” on the T.V. Even with all these grandkids, that still wasn’t enough for Grandma. She spent several years babysitting the Pepper girls and inherited two more granddaughters. As her grandkids, we always knew Grandma loved us unconditionally. We felt so special when she called us her “little scheisters” – that is until we found out what that really means. For those of you who don’t know German, ask us after the funeral! It wasn’t only her family that Grandma looked after, though. As she liked to tell us, she never felt old enough to join the senior’s club – even though at the time she herself was already 80 years old. Being so young at heart, Grandma would take it upon herself to drive other “seniors” around – to church, uptown to get groceries, and wherever someone else might need a ride. In fact, I think she felt safest when she was behind the wheel herself as she was often commenting on how her sister and sons weren’t very good drivers and was always offering driving tips. I remember just this past summer I was driving a car full of ladies to a funeral at Brightholme – which is where I grew up, by the way – and I told Grandma she wasn’t allowed to tell me how to drive. Before I even turned the first corner, she was already telling me I was going the wrong way. Grandma was also a really good card player – and couldn’t figure out why some people would play the way they did. And did we also mention that she wasn’t a very good loser? But her competitive nature also made her a passionate person who was completely committed to her family and her faith. Even at the end, when Grandma had a difficult time speaking, she was still an example of grace and peace. She would quietly fold her hands in prayer and never once complained. She left the world the same way she lived – with grace, dignity, and peace. The only regret we have at the end is that Grandma – who always vowed that a little shot before bed helped her sleep – didn’t get her one last “little schnick” before she went to sleep on December 17, 2013 in Shellbrook, SK. at the age of 90 years. “Oh mein yamma”, Grandma. We love you. To hear your voice and see your smile To sit with you and talk awhile To be together in the same old way Would be our greatest wish today So please God take a message To our precious Mom up above Tell her we miss her terribly And give her all our love. Dode is lovingly remembered by: Her children: ~ Ron (Inez) Helm and children: Erin (Todd) Hartlaub and children, Kenneth and Tessa , Stacy (Dennis) Lair and children, Easton and Bryce, Sean (Kerri) Helm and son, Nash, ~ Verne (Joanne) Helm and children: Tyler (Crystal) Helm and son, Gage, Nicole (David) Philp and children, Marcail and Caleb, Kyle Helm (Janelle) and son, Kasen, ~ Deb (Larry) Ferster and children: Drew (Tanya) Ferster and children, Ashton, Kassie and Kallie, Deanna (Jeff) Ledding and children, Ava and Emmy, ~ David (Lorinda) Helm and children: Kris Helm (Jade) and children, Lyndin, Kaya, Austin and Jaylynn, Brad Helm, Kendra Helm, Her sister, Lucy Sommerfeld, Her brother-in-law, Reynold Sommerfeld , Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She is predeceased by: Her first husband, Ervin Helm , Her second husband, Joseph Matzner, Her parents, Karl and Emilie Schmalz , Her parents-in-law, Ludwig and Mathilda Helm, Her sisters, Agnes Marie Schmalz, Martha Weiss and Erna Thiel, Her brothers-in-law, Clarence Thiel and William Weiss. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 20th, 2013 ~ 11:00 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan with Pastor Chris Dean as officiant. The Readers were Erin Hartlaub and Stacy Lair. The Music was done by Nicole Philp, Janet Gray and Shalom. The Eulogists were Larry Ferster and Deanna Ledding. The Honorary Pallbearers were “All relatives and friends who have shared in Dode’s life.” The Pallbearers were Drew Ferster, Tyler Helm, Kyle Helm , Sean Helm, Kris Helm and Brad Helm. Memorial Donations in memory of Dode may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Shellbrook Integrated Health Facility. The Final Resting Place was in South Hill Cemetery, P.A. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home- Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Shellbrook (306-747-2828).