Obituary of Gertrude Caroline Tank

GERTRUDE CAROLINE TANK It is with sadness, yet with thankful hearts for her life, that we announce the death of Gertrude on Saturday, February 18, 2017. Gert was born January 30, 1926, in the Melville area, the youngest of ten children born to Christina and Phillip Sastaunik. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Rudolf; four brothers, Jack, William, Henry, and Ernest Sastaunik; and five sisters, Katherine Bonick, Elizabeth Jesse, Annie Smith, Ida Jackie, and Marie Reinson. Gert is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Terri Pettit) and Philip and daughter Christine; and three grandchildren, Rachael, Leah, and Sarah Tank. She also leaves to mourn her sister-in-law Frieda Sastaunik; as well as a number of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many dear friends. Gertrude was baptized, confirmed, and in 1944 married Rudolf Tank at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Melville. The couple resided on the Tank farm south of Melville until 1955, when they decided to move to Regina. Once in the city, Gert found employment through the years with the Department of Social Services, the Leader-Post, and finally served in the Department of Justice as a Judicial Officer in Queen’s Bench Court until retiring in 1991. She was a fantastic mom and grandmother, an extrovert who loved talking, baking, and Scrabble. Gert was always interested in gaining knowledge, discussing world and life events, and loved to laugh! She took an active interest and role in the church congregations and communities of which she was a part of. Gert and Rudy were blessed with over 65 years of marriage, and together they were thankful for all the relationships they established. We thank God for the love and caring she so generously shared and we look forward to the day when we trust we will meet again. With a list too long to mention all (we apologize for oversights), the family would like to thank Gert’s doctors, nurses, and caregivers throughout the years; Jim and Doug and the prosthetics department at the Wascana Rehab Centre; care home staffs at Broadway Terrace and Golden Years; and for all the spiritual, emotional, and loving friendship and care shared by her friends and pastors and through so many other fantastic relatives, neighbours, and dear ones over the many years. Thank you again, God bless you all! The Funeral Worship Service will be held at Gert’s faith community of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 190 Massey Road, Regina, SK on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Amber Hoffman officiating. We thank Speers Funeral Chapel for taking care of arrangements.