Obituary of Fern Mary Engel

Fern was born at Halkirk, July 16th 1922, the 7th child of Harry and Celia Duncan. She had 5 sisters with whom she shared a special bond: Beatrice Godberson, Peggy Dahmer, Celia “Sis” Creasey, Doris “Toots” Fowler, Jean Plouvier, and her 4 brothers Alex, Donald, Jimmy, Harry Duncan. Brother Edwin passed away as a young child and Sister Mary died as an infant. Fern spent her childhood living on the Duncan family farm south of Halkirk. Fern enjoyed the farm life and the freedom they all had. When the work was done, there was always time to explore and entertain. She often spoke of skating down the creek near their farm and school functions and dances which she enjoyed. Fern attended school at Leader. She stayed home to help her mother on the farm for several years. On February 16th, 1952 she married Louie Engel. They moved onto the “Kobi Place”, just two miles from Duncan’s, into a 3 room house. In 1957, with 3 small children they moved a mile west to Louie’s dads place, the Alex Engel farm. They farmed there until 1964, when they bought a home in the village of Halkirk. Fern lived her entire adult life within this area, and she was so proud of Halkirk. In 2006 Louie and Fern sold their Halkirk home, moving into Castor Senior Housing, then Paintearth Lodge, Coronation Assisted Living, and eventually Coronation Continuing Care. Fern is fondly remembered by staff and residents for her time with them. Fern loved to visit and many people have fond memories of sitting at the kitchen table, watching her birds, and enjoying a cup of instant coffee. She had a closeness to her sisters and brothers and as they all lived so near, there were many visits, outings and enjoyable times with family. Fern was a long time member of The Sunny Circle Club and Royal Purple and was always there to help with numerous activities. Louie kept Fern busy, for he had large gardens, a green house and a Saskatoon orchard that she harvested and canned the produce and made countless pies. During the winter months Fern kept busy by keeping up with curling, snowmobiling, puzzles, her beloved Oilers and crocheting blankets and mittens for her children and grandchildren. Fern is survived by her husband Louie who resides in Coronation; her four children: Don (Kjerene) Engel, Doris (Dennis) Cordel, Wayne Engel and Dianne Engel-Kimmel (Stuart Bates); 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren: Jennifer (Colin) Pekrul, and their children Emily, Austin and Greyson ; Brad (Erica) Engel and their daughter Sloan; Corrine Cordel (Randy Tebbe) and Corrine’s sons Dawson and Blade Bateman; Jason (Frances) Cordel and their children Carlene, Farica & Ferron; Adrian (Cassandra) Cordel and their son Caleb; Rae-anne Cordel (Mark Smith); Nicole Thomson; Dayle Kimmel (Nicolas Renggli); Mackenzie Kimmel (Tyler Hobbs) and their daughter Emree; Madison Kimmel. She is also survived by brothers Jim Duncan and Harry (Hazel) Duncan and sisters-in-law Irene Duncan and Lena Knight, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Interment Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. Halkirk Cemetery, Halkirk, Alberta Funeral Service Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Halkirk Community Hall, Halkirk, Alberta Donations in memory of Fern are gratefully accepted to Halkirk Cemetery, Paintearth Lodge, Coronation Hospital Foundation – Assisted Living or Extended Care or a charity of choice.