Obituary of Denise Jean Klippenstine
"Please click here to view the livestream of the service".
Klippenstine, Denise Jean (Nee Guraliuk)
September 28, 1950 – February 12, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Denise, late of Regina, SK, after a relatively short illness at the age of 72 years. She was predeceased by her parents Dan and Jean; in-laws Frank and Zelma; brother in-law Duane; and a sister in-law Bethany. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ken; children Danna and Scott, Kent and Tanya; as well as her grandchildren Zara and Daniel, Adam, Benjamin and Jonah; her great-grandsons Brigham and Sidney will know her through our memories. She will also be missed by Ken’s remaining siblings and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and really anyone whom she had met.
Denise was born on 28 Sept 1950, during harvest. And despite that, was the apple of her father’s eye! As an only child she grew up doing a lot to help out around the home and farm in Kayville, SK. Although she was the only child, she had many close cousins on both sides of the family, and she grew up never really feeling like she was the only child. Her home was a gathering place and friends and family in the community were always welcome; which led to Denise being a natural born host!
Denise moved to Regina and began a career at the General Hospital as unit clerk and worked there until her retirement, and beyond. She met Ken and they were married in 1971. They became parents in 1977 and expanded their family in 1979. Ken and Denise built a life they loved. They may not have had an “easy” or “perfect” life, but they loved each other, grew together and were wonderful friends throughout their marriage. Their home was often the gathering place for friends and extended family.
In her young parent years, Denise was often found at her children’s activities cheering, managing or fundraising and in her later years she was often found doing the same for her grandchildren. As Ken traveled for work, she was juggling life as a working mom with kids in several activities on her own and was grateful for good friends and family who would help out with the driving or watching on her behalf. It gave her a “pay it forward” attitude and she was always willing to help others when she could.
As she and Ken reached the empty nest stage of their lives, she often used her time to visit with her mom, golfing, baking, visiting her friends and serving at her church. Her passion was people- feeding them was a close second. Between accompanying Ken on golfing weekends, being with her family, visiting friends, making perogies and cabbage rolls at the church and being at their trailer at Sherwood Forest, she was always where she wanted to be- with the people she cared about. She loved road trips with Ken (but could we just maybe stop at the next town for a bathroom break), she loved her fur babies, and she loved her grandkids and great-grandsons. Nothing pleased her more than having a house full! If Denise found out that you liked something she made, you could count on that being plentiful the next time you got together. She loved making sure everyone she knew was happy and well fed.
Her family will miss her smile, her cooking and the many different ways she pronounced parmesan and aluminum - none of them correctly. It was always easy to tease Denise and she was so good natured about it she would laugh along. She will be missed by so many. Ken and the family would like to thank everyone who has reached out during Denise’s illness, although she downplayed it until the end and surprised many with how sick she truly was.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at St. George Orthodox church, 2005 Edgar Street, Regina SK, on February 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. For friends and family far and wide, there will be a livestream of the service available above this obituary. Please click the link to view.
Given the wonderful care Denise received at the Regina General Hospital from the doctors and nurses in the ER and on units 6A and 5E, and given her many years working there, the family would request that in lieu of flowers please support your local hospital charity- buy yourself a hospital lottery ticket- Denise will be your good luck charm!
