Obituary of Erna Weiss

Erna Weiss (nee Klinger)
1927 - 2023

With sadness, but also gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Erna Weiss of Regina, SK, formerly of Jansen SK, on Friday, November 3, 2023 at the age of 96 years.

Along with her parents, brother Roy and sister Vera, Erna (2 years old), immigrated from Latvia and arrived in the community of Jansen in August 1929. She grew up on the Klinger farm three miles south of Jansen, married neighbouring widowed farmer Bert Weiss in 1949, caring for his four children and later they had four of their own. They lived on the farm until 1970 and then moved into Jansen, becoming more involved in the town community. When Bert passed away in 1979, she and Rhonda moved into a house with a smaller, more manageable yard and truly enjoyed living there. She enjoyed being outdoors in summer, tending her vegetable and flower gardens and could often be found in her productive raspberry patch. During winter, she looked forward to shoveling her driveway, while enjoying the fresh air and getting some exercise. Winter also gave her more time to be involved at church, preparing Kiddie Kits projects, preparing layettes, and quilting and socializing with other ladies and donating the quilts to Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

Winter also gave her time to make wool quilts (having washed and carded the wool in summer) and to crochet hundreds of doilies.

In 1989, her son Norman became quadriplegic as a result of a car accident and needed to live in a care home in Saskatoon until his passing in 2001.  During that time Erna devoted much time travelling to visit with him and his children Shauna and Trevor, often accompanying them to sporting events, school concerts, travelling to the cabin at Candle Lake and various other outings. She was thankful for the time she shared with them and had many lasting memories.

She cherished all her family and was always delighted when children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit.  In her words "Children are a heritage from the Lord and I have been blessed greatly".

One of her Confirmation verses was Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."  In her own words, "This has been a foundation throughout my life, and my source of peace and comfort".

Erna's complete trust and faith in her Lord started in infancy with her baptism, and nurtured by her parents and family was strengthened through her Confirmation years. She carried and relied on this faith throughout life, and it was her wish that her family and all people everywhere could experience the same peace and comfort this brought to her.

In 2018, Erna was persuaded to leave her home and the Jansen community she loved so much and moved to Regina to be closer to family.

Erna was predeceased by husband Berthold; son Norman; daughter Ella Loberg; parents Adolf and Emma Klinger; brothers Roy and Erwin; sister Vera Weber; sons-in-law David Loberg and Irvin Issel; daughter-in-law Joanne Weiss; and brothers-in-law John Weber and Russ Gray.

Erna will be lovingly remembered by her children Nelda Issel, Walter Weiss, Victor (Margaret) Weiss, Bruno (Marj) Weiss, Mervin (Debbie) Weiss and Rhonda (Darren) Burback; grandchildren Curtis (Brenda) Issel, Kim (Vivian) Issel, Bradley (Zahra) Weiss, Pam (Jason) Krause, Brenda Weiss, Melanie Weiss, Jeremy (Paula) Weiss, Sonja (Duane) Paulson, Daniel (Christine) Loberg, Stephen (Kim) Weiss, Bonnie (Jason) Permanand, Sara (Sean) Forster, Shauna (Danial Hildebrand) Weiss, Trevor (Erin) Weiss, Chris Weiss, Stephanie (Aaron Strauss) Weiss, Brennan (Lizzy) Burback, and Jessica Burback; twenty-nine great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. She will also be remembered by brothers Ed (Lois) Klinger, and Walter (Donelda) Klinger; sister Helen Gray; and sisters-in-law Erika Klinger and Zelma Klinger; as well as extended family and many friends.

A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jansen, SK, with interment to follow at Jansen Cemetery.

Flowers are graciously declined, however, if desired, donations in memory of Erna may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jansen; Kinasao Bible Camp, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Sunset Special Care Home (att: Resident Council) or charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mutchmore Lodge, Qu'Appelle House, and especially Sunset Special Care Home east wing caregivers for the compassionate care and friendship provided to mom over the past six years; you truly are angels!