Gerald Emil Wirges
May 10, 1933-May 9, 2020
The family of Gerald Wirges (Jerry) is sad to announce the passing of our “Good Shepard”, just before his 87th Birthday on May 9, 2020 at Pioneer Lodge, Moose Jaw. Jerry was born the eldest of 4 children on May 10th, 1933 on his uncle’s homestead north of Courval, SK. The family farm near Coderre turned out to be his home base and at the age of 19 he met and fell in love with Claire Gaucher, despite the objections from her parents. They were married on November 17th, 1954 and after living in a number of places in addition to adding a few children, built their first house in 1962 about 7 miles north-east of Coderre, near his parent’s homestead. With an incredibly strong work ethic Jerry and Claire successfully raised their family of 6 children by grain farming and raising sheep for a number of years. Jerry maintained that he chose to raise sheep due to a promise he made with a few of his friends and Claire’s brothers during a “night on the town”. Apparently being the only man of his word in the entire group, Jerry followed-up on his promise and maintained a successful herd for 25+ years. Being the only sheep farmer in the local area, people would come from miles around to see the lambs or watch the shearing of the sheep. Jerry and Claire would be eager to welcome all visitors to their home enjoying great times with friends and family. In 1989, Jerry and Claire made the decision to permanently move to Moose Jaw to where they resided on Warner St. for the rest of their lives. Jerry is pre-deceased by his wife of 54 years, Claire; infant son Emil; parents Pearl and Emil and sister Gladys. He is survived by his brother Ken (Betty); sister Faye Marchbank (Owen); and brother in law Rudy Bassendowski; children Leona Ballantyne (Jim); Susan Bolen; David (Evelyn); Paulette (Joe); Sandy Osmond (Randy), and Michael (Nancy); Jerry was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren in addition to numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He will be missed by his wonderful friends and neighbors whom he considered his second family including Laverne Lenius, Dennis and Collette Delwo, Tim and Daphne Yates, Henry and Kay Froese, Wade and Leahn Froehlich, Brett and Kristine Martynook. A heartfelt “Thank you” goes to the staff at Pioneer Lodge for making dad’s final days as comfortable as possible. A “Celebration of Jerry’s Life” will be held at a future date, with the internment taking place in Coderre, SK. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Pioneer Lodge Palliative Care Suite 1000 Albert St, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2Y2 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. In living memory of Gerald, a memorial planting will be made by Jones - Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca (Obituaries).
Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director
