Date of Birth: July 13, 1927
Date of Death: January 24, 2019
Hugo Mitrenga passed away at St. Paul Lutheran Home, Melville, Sask., on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019 at the age of 91 years.
Hugo was born on July 13, 1927 and grew up on the family homestead seven miles east of Melville. He attended Fairland School and District Country School up until Grade 8. After completing Grade 8, he stayed on the family farm full-time, learning the art of managing many aspects to farming.
As a kid, he loved to play softball. Music was one of his passions and he taught himself how to play the accordion and later added the guitar.
Hugo met Eleanor Litzenberger at a New Year’s Eve dance in 1957. Six months later, on July 4, 1958, they wed and were married for over 53 years. They were blessed with two daughters, Sheila and Karen. Hugo and Eleanor farmed on the family homestead for the next 39 years, and then moved into Melville. In July 2016, Hugo moved to St. Paul Lutheran Home.
Life on the farm consisted of harvesting grain and raising cattle, pigs and chickens. That being said, life wasn’t all work. In the summers on Sundays, the neighbours would gather and alternate at each other’s homes for friendly horseshoe games. During the winter months, Hugo enjoyed curling and bowling. He also loved to play cards with family and friends.
During his retirement, Hugo was very active at the Melville Seniors’ Centre, where he was the president for many years. He looked forward to weekly dances, organizing the shuffleboard tournaments and calling bingo. Hugo was an avid bowler with a shelf full of trophies to show for it. On any given sunny afternoon, Hugo could be spotted shooting a round of golf at the Neudorf Golf Course. He was also an active member of the Elks.
Hugo was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor; his parents, Michael and Margaret (nee Hickie) Mitrenga; brothers, Melvin Mitrenga and Otto Mitrenga; and sisters, Olga Rutzki, Lydia Metz and Edna Knippleberg.
He leaves to cherish his memory: daughters, Sheila (Jerry) Szaroz of Melville, Sask., and Karen (Doug) Keating of Airdrie, Alta.; four grandchildren, Mandy (John) Syrota of Melville, Sask., and Kevin (Miranda) Szaroz of Regina, Sask., Clinton Keating of Cancun, Mexico, and Chad (Alison) Keating of Airdrie, Alta.; his three great-grandchildren, Carson and Kylee Syrota of Melville, Sask., and Chloe Keating of Airdrie, Alta. Hugo cherished his great-grandchildren, and to them he was known as Great Pa. He is also survived by his brother, Larry (Phyllis) Mitrenga of Stoney Plain, Alta.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and family members.
Hugo’s funeral service was held Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church, Melville, with the Rev. John Nieminen officiating. The organist, Kyler Kitsch, led in the hymns,“Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me” and “The Lord’s My Shepherd” and accompanied the choir for the anthem, “Abide with Me.” Hugo’s daughter, Karen Keating, played the organ for the hymn, “Just As I Am, Without One Plea.”
Karen Keating and Mandy Syrota shared memories of Hugo’s life. All who knew Hugo were considered honourary pallbearers.
Interment took place in the Melville City Cemetery with family and friends as active pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
