Catherine Fogen
November 14, 1912 – November 12, 2015

 

The death of Mrs. Catherine “Katie” (nee Heitmar) Fogen of St. Mary’s Villa, Humboldt, SK, (and formerly of Muenster, SK), occurred at her residence on Thursday, November 12, 2015, just two days short of her 103rd birthday. Catherine was born on November 14, 1912, to John and Katarina (nee Volkenstolfer) Heitmar at Isztimer, Hungary. In the spring of 1927, John immigrated to Canada and bought land south of Muenster in preparation for his family. That fall, Katarina and their three children, Katie, John and Tom set sail aboard the Stuttgard on an eight-day journey to Pier 21 at Halifax, NS. From there, they travelled by train to Muenster where the family was reunited. The Heitmars farmed for a few years but then lost their land due to early frost and poor crops. They moved into Muenster and lived in a house that was supplied to them with food in exchange for providing cooking and cleaning for the family who owned the house. Katie then started to work as a domestic aid for various families. In 1930, a third son was born to John and Katarina. They moved to Kindersley with their sons, and Katie stayed in Muenster where she continued to work. It was at that time that she met Herman Fogen at a parish picnic. They were married on November 14, 1934, and started their life together on their own homestead. Three children, two sons and one daughter, were born to them. Katie and Herman farmed together well into the 1980s, even after they moved into Muenster in 1981.   In their leisure time, they loved fishing, camping and hunting. As well, Katie enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and was an avid sports fan who loved watching football and baseball. She was very proud of the fact that the year she was born, the Saskatchewan Roughriders Club was also born, and she treasured her Roughrider jersey and Blue Jays ball cap. Katie also enjoyed taking part in various events as a member of the C.W.L. and Christian Mothers. Her greatest joy was derived from spending time with her family and especially loved being a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her deep love for each family member was always evident, and they have been left with many cherished memories of her. Sadly though, Katie endured many heartaches with the loss of her husband in 1986, sons Walter in 1989 and Hermy in 2009, as well as her oldest grandson Kelly in 1989. A very optimistic and positive person, she never lost her passion for life. During her 102+ years, she lived through some very sensational world-wide events and astounding inventions, including the Second World War, Ford’s Model T being massed produced, women’s right to vote, the shortwave radio, pop-up toaster, television, automatic washer and dryers, traffic lights, ball-point pens, air-conditioning, microwaves, computers, internet, insulin injections, pacemakers, and laser vision correction, just to name a few. A warm, loving, hospitable and young-at-heart lady, she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Katie will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jane Reger (Ed Heinz) and her family, Kyle Reger, Alva Reger, and Deanna Reger; daughter-in-law, Arlene Fogen (+Hermy) and family, June Fogen (+Kelly), Dale (Karen) Fogen and their children Dillon Fogen, and Dawson (Paige) Fogen, Shirley Fogen, Wayne Fogen (Bobbie-Lee Carrier) and children Jordyn Fogen, Austyn Fogen, Tyson Carrier, and Collin Carrier, Lisa Fogen Holoboff and children, Katrina Holoboff and Whitney Holoboff, and Ryan (Veronica) Fogen; daughter-in-law, Ursula (Art) (Fogen) Klassen (+Walter) and her family, Cheryl (Wayne) Hoffman and son Darian Hoffman, and Randy (Jamie) Fogen and children Dion (Amanda) Fogen and daughter Kingsley Fogen, and Darcy Fogen; one brother, John Heitmar; one sister-in-law, Joan Heitmar; numerous nieces and nephews; and by her special friend and caregiver, Marie Aubin.  She was predeceased by her husband, Herman Fogen; two sons: Walter Fogen and Herman Fogen Jr.; one grandson, Kelly Fogen; parents, John and Katarina (nee Volkenstolfer) Heitmar; two brothers: Tom Heitmar and Albert Heitmar; and by two sisters-in-law: Vi Heitmar and Nel Heitmar. The Prayer Service for Catherine was held at St. Peter’s R.C. Cathedral, Muenster, on Sunday, November 15, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., led by Donna Lee Bergermann. Scripture readers were Shirley Fogen and Karen Fogen, and the eulogy was delivered by Wayne Fogen. Music ministry was provided by organist Christy Waldner. The Celebration of Life was held at St. Peter’s R.C. Cathedral on Monday, November 16, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Demetrius Wasylyniuk, OSB, and Fr. Daniel Muyres, OSB. Others taking part were: Lisa Holoboff, crossbearer; Shirley Fogen and Karen Fogen, scripture readers; Lisa Holoboff and Bobbie Carrier, intentions; Catherine’s great-grandchildren, giftbearers; Bernadette Heitmar, memorial table attendant. Music ministry was provided by organist, Christy Waldner, soloist, Katrina Holoboff, and the St. Peter’s Parish Choir. Honorary pallbearers were “all those who shared in Katie’s life”. Active pallbearers were Wayne Fogen, Dale Fogen, Austin Fogen, Dillon Fogen, Bill Heitmar, and Dan Pilla. Interment followed at St. Peter’s R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the St. Peter’s R.C. Cemetery Fund.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)