Date of Birth: December 31, 1928
Date of Death: February 4, 2016
BERES – Albert Julius Beres of the Legion Manor, Melville, Sask., and formerly of McKim, beloved husband of Frances (Burant) Beres, was born on Dec. 31, 1928 and entered eternal rest with his family by his side on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital, due to complications from diabetes, which he fought for 29 years.
Albert attended Pulaski Plains School completing Grade 8. In 1946 Albert, along with his parents and three siblings, moved to Okotoks, Alta. for one year where they farmed. The family moved back to Saskatchewan, and Albert worked on the railroad from 1947-1949, but his real passion was farming. In 1947 the family moved to the Vander Gulash homestead where his grandparents originally farmed.
Albert met his wife, Frances, in December of 1947 at a Christmas concert at Happy Home School where Albert played Santa Claus, a talent he perfected with his family over the years. On Oct. 16, 1950 they were married at Most Precious Blood Church and were blessed with six wonderful children.
Albert and Frances resided on the farm for 44 years and retired to Melville in 1995 when their son, Tim, took over the farm. After retirement, one of his joys in life was “crop checking” and his annual combine rides, including this past harvest. As Albert’s health deteriorated, they sold their house and in 2013 they moved into the Legion Manor.
Throughout the years, Albert had many interests and hobbies. He was secretary for Pulaski Plains School, member of the Sask. Wheat Pool Committee, coached the McKim baseball team, and was instrumental in planning a Pulaski Plains School reunion in 1994. He also volunteered to cut grass at St. Henry’s Cemetery. If that didn’t keep him busy enough, he enjoyed bird watching, dancing, playing cards and was on a rural bowling league, winning several
trophies.
Albert was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Mary; his brother, Leonard; his twin great-granddaughters; his father and mother-in-law, Peter and Victoria Burant; five brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of 65 years, Frances; his six children, Geraldine (Ron) Hudy, Janice (Roy) Selland, Ken (Judy) Beres, Tim (Shelly) Beres, Bonnie (Brent) Paidel and Jason (Melynda Olson) Beres; along with 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and was looking forward to meeting the other three new arrivals in 2016; his sister, Mildred (Peter) Novakowski of Dewinton, Alta.; his brother, Edwin (Martha) of Boyle, Alta.; sister-in-law, Donna (Len) of Saskatoon; five sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A vigil service was held for Albert on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville with Rosalie Woloschuk and Dave Hudy presiding. Albert’s grandchildren, Megan Thiedig, Ryan Paidel and Connor Paidel presented a tribute on behalf of the family.
Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Melville with the Rev. Fr. Mitch Burdzy, OMI celebrating. Participating in the mass were: Trent Werner as cross bearer; Ashlyn and Kate Paidel as candle bearers; Tara Beres and Sarah Francis were the readers; the Intercessions were read by Brandi Ottenbreit; the eucharistic ministers were Rosalie Woloschuk and St. Theresa Kreiser; and the music was lead by Len Gadica.
Honorary pallbearers were Frances Yelle, Christine Paidel, Helen Bodnarek, Rosalie Woloschuk, Steve and Anne Matechuk, Meryle and Marilyn Beres,
Henry and Betty Napora, Alfred and Rose Hoedel, Eric and Valerie Olson, Ray and Jean Gulash, and all who knew and loved Albert.
Interment followed in St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery with Kyle Beres, Ryan Paidel, Keith Selland, Steven Beres, Kevin Selland and Connor Paidel as active pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
