Date of Birth: January 5, 1929
Date of Death: October 30, 2023
Arlin Otto Maurer was born on Jan. 5, 1929, at the family farm near Neudorf, SK, the second son of Ludwig and Margaret (Bauer) Maurer, and passed away peacefully at St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville, SK, on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, with his loving wife and two sons by his side.
Arlin was baptized at home on Jan. 8, 1929, by Pastor Crahn with Fred and Barbara Maurer as his sponsors. He was confirmed on April 16, 1944, by Pastor F. A. Miller at Trinity Lutheran Church in Neudorf. Arlin attended Pheasant Hills School up to Grade 7 when, as the oldest son, he was needed to help on the farm. During his school years, he enjoyed playing ball with the Pheasant Hills Ball Club. Arlin began farming on his own in 1950.
Arlin was united in marriage to Doreen Litzenberger on Oct. 16, 1964, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Melville. They were blessed with two sons, Dale and Rodney. Arlin and Doreen farmed together for 32 years before retiring into Melville in 1996. Even though he was not living at the farm, Arlin still spent numerous hours out there helping Rodney. His biggest joy was working on the farm, and, until the very end of his life, he was always concerned with how seeding and harvest were going.
Arlin’s faith was important to him; attending church Sunday morning was always a priority. During his years in Neudorf and Melville, he helped at the church and in the community as needed. Arlin enjoyed playing the button accordion and spent many hours learning new polkas and waltzes, which he played by ear. He enjoyed watching sports on television – hockey, curling and baseball. As
Arlin required more care, he became a resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home in March 2020. He enjoyed taking part in activities as he was able.
Arlin was predeceased by his parents, Ludwig and Margaret Maurer; his parents-in-law, Val and Caroline Litzenberger; an infant brother; brothers William and Fred; sister-in-law Lillian Maurer; nephew Bradley Maurer; and nieces Loni and Lana Gattinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Doreen; his two sons, Dale and Rodney; brother Lorne Maurer; sisters Florence (Lorne) Gottfried and Isabel (Dick) Gattinger; sisters-in-law Vera Maurer and Evelyn Maurer; Doreen’s family; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arlin was a humble and quiet man, devoted husband and loving father, never seeking attention drawn to him. His gentle and quiet presence will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Arlin’s funeral service was held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Melville, on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, officiated by Rev. Ron Shumba, assisted by Rev. Dawn Myrfield, chaplain of St. Paul Lutheran Home. Organist Marilyn Senyk played a special hymn, “Come Home, It’s Suppertime”, before the processional, then led the congregation in the singing of the processional hymn, “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me”. The organist for the remaining hymns, “Softly and Tenderly”, “When Peace Like a River” and “He Leadeth Me”, was Arlin’s son, Dale. A recording of “Beyond the Rainbow’s End” by Daniel O’Donnell was played as a tribute. Interment followed in the Melville City Cemetery with Barry Maurer, Kelly Maurer, Darren Hollinger, Brad Litzenberger, Brian Litzenberger and Keith Litzenberger acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
