Date of Birth: September 8, 1931
Date of Death: August 11, 2022
On Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, Carl Wesley Sippola, beloved husband of Wendy (Nilson) died in Moosomin Hospital, one month shy of his 91st birthday. Wesley was born to Gus and Sanna Sippola on the family farm in the New Finland District, Sept. 8, 1931. Funeral services were held Aug. 16, 2022.
Wesley and his five siblings grew up speaking the Finnish language and respected the Finnish traditions. He attended Convent Creek School, took grades nine and 10 by correspondence and grades 11 and 12 at Wapella High School. He returned to the family farm and spent most of his time working in the shop. One winter, he and his brother Roy, built a boat up in the loft of the barn. The following summer, this boat was very popular at Round Lake, his favorite place to be on a hot summer day. He enjoyed waterskiing every year, even up to the age of 77. He was very proud of having the strength and agility to enjoy this pastime, and the boat still resides at his farm.
Wesley married Wendy, from Whitewood, on April 25, 1964. Together, they raised a large family on a mixed farm north of Whitewood. They were faithful members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Wesley worked with the Sunday School and Church Council and sang with the choir. Many summer Sunday afternoons were spent at the lake with family and friends.
Wesley had a love for auction sales and getting a good deal, as well as the challenge of fixing equipment. And if he didn’t know how, he would ask Roy, because he would surely know. While he slowed down over the past few years, last fall at the age of 90, he was still using his bulldozer ditching a slough.
Wesley and Wendy enjoyed many North American trips with family. He refused to leave the farm to retire in town. He lived the good simple life, was blessed with a loving family, and leaves a legacy of honesty, hard work and belief in doing your own thing, your own way.
Wesley was predeceased by his parents, Tykko (Gus) and Sanna Sippola; and his brother John (Charlene).
Wesley leaves to mourn his wife of 58 years, Wendy; seven children: Audrey (Ken) Bonkowski, Sharon (Brent) Murray, Wayne (Sharon Marrott), Terry (Kimberly), Joanne (Darren) Shivak, Larry (Lila), Jennifer (Darcy Matychuk); 22 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; as well as his brothers, Roy, Alvin (Seija); sisters, Aila, Velma (Art) Hintz, and many nieces and nephews.
Thank You
The family of Wesley Sippola would like to thank everyone for the visits, condolences, food and flowers since his passing.
We are so grateful for the doctors and nurses at SEICC for their very compassionate care. You helped Dad to die with dignity and in peace, and our memories of his last days will always be easier because of your kindness.
Many thanks to Pastor Cliff, Jean and the LCW for providing a traditional New Finland funeral, followed by a wiener roast. A big thank you to all who shared memories and scriptures during and after the service.
As well, we would like to thank our New Finland friends for hosting a lovely farewell tea for Wendy before she left for her new home in White City.
–Wendy and family