Obituary of Colleen Altwasser

APRIL 10, 1932 – JUNE 29, 2017

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear Mum, Grandma, and G.G. She was predeceased by her loving husband Alvin in 1995; parents Arthur and Jessie Bakke; three sisters-in-law and their spouses; and two brothers-in-law and their spouses. Colleen will be lovingly remembered and missed by her children, David Altwasser (Nancy Cameron) and family Doug and Jeff, Jim (Peggy) Altwasser and family Jonathan (Sandra), Julie (Paul) and Tara, Darcy Altwasser, Laura (Tim) Hengen and family Anne, Carol (Darin), John (Lauranne), Sarah (Shawn), David (Cadie), Leah (Daryl) and Amy (Jake)  and Lynn (Michael) Fix and family Jennifer (Brett), Elizabeth (Jeff)  and Kathryn (Stéphane), and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. Mum was born at the John Bartlett farm, near Yellow Grass, SK during the depression. Although tough times necessitated several moves, most of her growing years were spent at her parent’s farm three miles from town. After completing grade twelve at sixteen years of age, she moved to Regina for a year to study how to be a seamstress at Balfour Collegiate.  Colleen married her high school sweetheart Alvin Altwasser in May 1950.  Mum and Dad were salt of the earth and wonderful examples of love, faith, commitment, respect and so much more. Mum liked to curl and following the sport was a favourite pastime. She was also a Roughrider Season Ticket holder for thirty years. She supported Dad at the farm and was active in Peace Lutheran Church, Sunday school, community clubs and events. Colleen enjoyed her Yellow Grass home and garden before making a permanent move to Regina. She had a no nonsense prairie charm. She was an independent soul who navigated and met many challenging times head on, especially after her cancer diagnosis in 2014. She kept her sense of humour and we love her for that. We know that she is at peace now. We would like to thank Dr. McMillian for his caring and attention. Funeral Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK, on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Craig Moeller officiating. A private interment will take place. Flowers most gratefully declined. Those so wishing may make memorial donations in Colleen’s name to the Salvation Army, 2240 13th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3M7, Terry Fox Foundation, 8960 University High Street, Suite 150, Burnaby, BC, V5A 4Y6 or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3510 Queen Street, Regina, SK, S4S 2G2.

Miss Me But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little-but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me-but let me go

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me but let me go.