Date of Birth: November 2, 1940
Date of Death: August 24, 2016
Edward Wihlidal of Melville, Sask., entered his eternal rest with Gladys and her family at his side on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Home at the age of 75 years.
Edward Wihlidal was born on Nov. 2, 1940, the youngest of 21 children, to Joseph and Anna (nee Batza) Wihlidal. He grew up and received his education at Columbia School and helped his parents on the family farm. After receiving his education he attended SIAST in Moose Jaw, Sask. and received his Journeyman’s Carpenter Certificate. Ed then began his career in carpentry in the Melville and surrounding area.
Ed met Gladys Friesen of Melville and they resided on a farm south of Melville. Ed operated a mixed farming operation and continued with carpentry as well worked for various farmers in the district. Ed semi-retired and grew a large garden as well helped Gladys with the baking which they sold at various farmers markets. He especially enjoyed socializing with whomever he came in contact with.
He enjoyed hockey, baseball, hunting, fishing, dancing, traveling and was very proud to threw the first curling rock in the Provincial finals. He was the president of the Seniors Club in Melville as well the Farmers Market in Fort Qu’Appelle.
Predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Lisa; his siblings, Frank, Michael, Mary, Eva, George, Annie, Elizabeth, Peter, John, Olga, Wilfred, Anthony, Katie, Wihelmina, Sophie and Joe.
Edward leaves to cherish her memory: his wife, Gladys; his children, Sherry (Allan) Aitken and Albert (Robin) Wihlidal, Charlene (AJ) Langevin, Charmaine (John Bakulak), Derek Friesen (partner, Kim Madina) and Terry (Janna) Friesen; 13 grandchildren; his siblings, Philip (Doreen), Valerie (Jack) Novak, Carl, Sylvia Zimmer, sister-in-law, Peggy; as well as Gladys’ family and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral mass was celebrtaed on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. from St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Melville with Rev. Fr. Mieczyslaw Burdzy, OMI as the celebrant.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral Home, Melville.
