Obituary of Philip Theodore Veller

Philip Theodore Veller was born May 1, 1923 on the family farm in the Revenue, Saskatchewan district to Nicholaus & Elizabeth (Bitz) Veller. Philip was the fourth oldest in a family of nine children. His early childhood was spent growing up on the family farm and attending West Princeton School. During World War II he was called to military duty on November 1942 and served as a gunner in the Army. Most of his war service was spent at military placements on the west coast. Upon his discharge from the Army he returned home to assist his father on the family farm. Although Philip was a farmer at heart he also ventured into other off-farm employment endeavors such as mechanics and welding and became certified in these trades. Later in life he also added carpentry, painting, and tool sharpening to his varied repertoire of skills and jobs. Philip obviously was not hesitant to accept new challenges and demonstrated an aptitude for continuous learning throughout his life. In 1965 he left the family farm and began a farm of his own in the Mildred district near Spiritwood, Saskatchewan. Although this was very challenging Philip was equal to the task and over time he turned his mixed farm into a successful operation. Eventually the farm was sold and Philip moved into Spiritwood and built a house there. During this time he began a successful tool sharpening business and continued to apply his carpentry and painting skills doing jobs throughout the Spiritwood area. Philip lived in his home until January 2009 when ill health required him to take residence in the Spiritwood & District Health Complex. Being a life-long bachelor allowed Philip to devote considerable time to his brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces. He took great pride in their achievements and, when needed, shared in their sorrows. Philip established a number of friendships with people in the Spiritwood area. He was an active member of the Spiritwood Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and really enjoyed his involvement with this organization. Philip is survived by two sisters Mary Lauinger (Unity) and Anna Kruesel (St. Walburg); one brother Nicholaus Veller (Kamloops, B.C.); brother in-law Joe Ott; sister in-law Betty Veller. He is also survived by 34 nephews and nieces as well as numerous great and great-great nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Nicholaus and Elizabeth; brothers John, Balzer, and Leo; sisters Agnes (Gerein) and Angela (Ott); brothers' in-law Frank Gerein, George Kruesel, Raymond Lauinger, sisters' in-laws Katie Veller, Eva Veller, and Barbara Veller; and several nephews and nieces. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 10:00 a.m from the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan with Rev. Fr. Francis Agbezuge as celebrant the music was directed by Bill Martodam, the Royal Canadian Legion formed an honor guard, the honorary pallbearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Philip's life, the pallbearers were Felix Ott, Robert Gerein, Derald Layinger, Leo Veller, Michael Kruesel and Clifford Veller. Philip was laid to rest in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Unity, Saskatchewan. May God grant him peace. Memorial Donations in memory of Philip may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Mass Intentions.