Edward Fissel

FISSEL, Edward Michael born December 31, 1919 – January 23, 2018 aged 98 years, entered eternal rest at the Regina General Hospital, with family by his side.

Edward was born to Joseph and Sophie Fissel on his parents’ homestead in the Beaver Plains District, SK. Ed attended the Beaver Plains School and after finishing school he continued farming alongside his parents. In his spare time, Ed enjoyed playing hockey and ball and also loved to attend community dances. In 1941, Ed decided he wanted to farm and he purchased his first quarter of land in Beaver Plains.

Ed met and fell in love with Kathy Rourke from Pelly in 1946. After a short courtship, Ed asked for Kathy’s hand in marriage and they wed on Nov 5, 1947. They began their married life on his parents' homestead in Beaver Plains. Ed and Kathy farmed and also raised livestock and sold turkeys, cream and eggs.

In 1951, Ed and Kathy welcomed their first child, a daughter Sandra and in 1955 they welcomed their second child, a son Dean. One year later, Ed and Kathy purchased from Kathy’s uncle, two quarters of land located two miles east of Pelly. In 1957, Ed moved his family to this homestead and finally, to all of their delight, they had power!

Being so close to town, Ed could now participate in many community activities and functions. In the following years, Ed and Kathy increased their grain farming by renting more land. They kept some cattle for beef and milk, but eventually only kept a few in case the crops were poor as Ed’s love was grain farming. In 1964, Ed and Kathy built a new house and finally had plumbing! They were extremely happy for not having to carry or haul water or melting snow and the outhouse became obsolete. The highlight of Ed’s farming career was to be awarded the Master Farming Award sponsored by the District 18 Agricultural Board in 1969. Ed was extremely proud of this achievement.

In 1981, Ed and Kathy decided to move from the farm into Pelly. They built a brand new house on Main Street and their daughter Sandra and and son-in-law Seven took over farming the family farm. Ed semi-retired from farming at this time but he continued to help out in any way he could on the farm. He especially loved helping out at harvest time and loved to drive the combine.

Ed very much enjoyed travelling and him and Kathy visited many countries over the years as Ed very much wanted to see the world. Ed loved sunshine and warmth and after retiring, him and Kathy spent many winters as snow-birds in Weslaco, Texas. After 14 years of travelling south for the winter, they decided to stay closer to home and bought a home in a retirement complex in Lethbridge, Alberta. For four years, they travelled between Pelly and Lethbridge. Then in 2009, they decided to make a full time move to Regina. Ed and Kathy purchased a condo where they lived until 2014, at which time they moved into Queen Victoria Estates. Ed loved when family and friends stopped for a visit. Ed will forever be remembered for being young at heart.

Ed was predeceased by his son Dean, parents Joseph and Sophie Fissel, sister Edith Seitz, and brothers John, Joe, Willie (Bill) and Frank Fissel. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Kathy; his daughter Sandra (Steven) Nahachewsky; granddaughters Desiree (Jay Lamont) and Deana (Shawn Nelson); great-grandchildren Madison and Zak Lamont and Ethan and Sarah Nelson; as well as many other nieces, nephews and extended family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather uncle and friend. He will be missed beyond words but will forever be in our hearts.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on January 23, 2018 from St. Philip’s Roman Catholic Church, St. Philips District, SK., with Rev. Louis Kim Nguyen officiating.  Interment followed at St. Philip’s Roman Catholic Cemetery.  Memorial donations in memory of Edward, can be made to St. Philip’s Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund.  To leave a note of condolence or to view a video tribute please visit Wolkowski.ca

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