Katherine Johanna Winkelman

Katherine Winkelman passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at the age of 98 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Ruth (former spouse Don) Cameron of Calgary AB and  Susan (Larry) Lazurko of Regina SK; her grandchildren, Kristopher (Keely) Cameron of Calgary AB, Jaysen (April Brown) Cameron of Calgary AB,  Stephen (Angie) Lazurko of Regina, SK and Blake (Natalie) Lazurko of St. Albert AB; Katherine's great-grandchildren, Willow and Abella Cameron of Calgary AB, Kieran, Aria and Lachlan of Regina SK and Evie of St.Albert AB; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and one special lady, Aunt Albina (Brother Wilf's Wife).

Katherine is predeceased by her parents, Leo and Margaret Wisser; her ex husband and father of her children,William Winkelman; her partner, Dave Dinwoodie; her siblings, John (Edna), Dorothy (Nick), Lillian (Tony), Irene (Lins, Bauernhuber, Martin), Wilfred, George (Doreen), Leona (Albert), Joesph and Mary Ann (Gysel). 

Katherine was born in Marysburg, SK on February 13, 1925 to Leo and Margaret (née Walz) Wisser. She was the eighth of ten children. Life with Katherine's mother was short lived as she died during childbirth when Katherine was just four years old. Her father, whom she cherished, passed away when she was fifteen years old. Katherine had to be strong  and determined to survive and left home shortly after her father's death. She worked as a nanny to put herself through high school. After graduating, she went on to complete nurses training at Grey Nun's Hospital in Edmonton, AB where she received her RN diploma.

Soon after graduating she married William (Bill) Winkelman. Although the marriage was brief, they had two girls together; Ruth and Susan. Katherine moved herself and her two girls to Saskatoon, SK to work as a nurse and be closer to her family. She continued her career at the University Hospital in Saskatoon, SK. Katherine was a woman ahead of her time, being a single mother in the 50's; working shift work and raising two children alone, she recognized that the impeding implementation of 'Medicare' would need employees with medical knowledge. Katherine seized this opportunity to prepare herself to apply for the launch of Medicare by taking evening administration courses. She was successful in applying and was accepted for a career with the Provincial Government, transferring to Regina.

She achieved a high degree of success during her work with Medicare, being the head of a large staff and overseeing the physician's file in Medicare until her retirement in the 1970's. However, Katherine wasn't done yet!! She studied and passed her RN AGAIN! Which, she said, was much harder the second time! She then began private nursing for elderly patients in their own homes. Katherine then decided it was time to open her own private care home, 'V.I.P personal carehome' which she operated for several years. 

Katherine was a strong, independent and determined woman with remarkable tenacity. She invested in real estate before women did that sort of thing.

Katherine was active in the Canadian Legion Women's Auxiliary, Toastmaster Club and TOPS. She loved getting together with her siblings, singing, playing music and telling stories. She loved to dance with her longtime partner Dave Dinwoodie at the Legion every Friday night. Her favorite getaway was going to Regina Beach with Dave. She was a great storyteller and kept the family history alive with her stories. She had everyone in stitches when she would tell stories of her adventures with her friend Marge, or the dislocation of her shoulder at the lake, or the cruise she took with her sisters. She made an adventure of everything she did.

Katherine will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Dr. D. Kothare for the thoughtful care of Katherine for the many years she lived in Regina. 

A Funeral Service will be held for Katherine on June 22, 2024 in Regina SK.

When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you for a little while
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you through the 
years.

But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name 
Live on and do all things the same,
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
But fill each waking hour in useful ways,
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you 
And hold you near; 
And never, never be afraid to die,
For I am waiting for you in the sky!