Agnes Rose Richelhoff (née Witzaney) died peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 95. Blessed with a long and fulfilling life, she leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, resilience, and love.
Agnes was born on January 24, 1931, and grew up on a farm 10 miles north of Denzil, Saskatchewan, during the hardships of the Dirty Thirties. Alongside her brothers and sisters, she attended Le Sueur School and experienced the challenges of difficult winters, poor crops, the loss of her sister Catherine and a devastating fire that took their home. Through it all, her parents, Joseph and Margaret Witzaney, remained steadfast in their faith, a gift that became the cornerstone of Agnes' own life.
She met Alex Richelhoff at a dance held in a country schoolhouse. Upon seeing her he asked the fellow beside him if he knew who she was because she was the prettiest girl there and he was going to marry her! It happened to be her older brother; Raymond and he obliged by introducing them. Alex worked as a mechanic in Denzil, and they married in 1949 and began building a life together, founded on hard work. In 1954, Alex purchased a farm machinery business, and they moved to Major, Saskatchewan, with their growing family. Their first home was fashioned from two granaries joined together and lacked modern conveniences, yet their resourcefulness carried them through those early years.
Agnes and Alex raised seven children: Tim, Maureen, Hugh, Sheila, Charlet, Joanne, and Elaine. A major challenge they faced arose when, as an infant, Joanne was diagnosed with a serious heart defect requiring open heart surgery, only available for infants at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Agnes, who had never been on a plane nor travelled outside of the province, went alone with Joanne. Agnes spoke of how through God’s grace, mail from home with photos of the children and Alex’s writing on the backside connected her to her family, along with the devoted support of the Nuns at the hospital, she was able to persevere, while her daughter received successful treatment.
In 1965 the family moved into a new home and Agnes found that running water, a telephone and an automatic washer were a dream come true. She delighted in gardening, canning, summer trips to the lake, harvesting meals in the field and countless family gatherings. She was active in the Catholic Women's League and the Major Community Club. Family celebrations, especially weddings, brought her joy, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved. As Alex's business grew, the couple enjoyed opportunities to travel and explore destinations they had never imagined visiting in their younger years. Travel became one of Agnes' adventures, and Palm Springs remained among her favourite destinations. In 1985, Agnes and Alex built a home in Saskatoon, followed by a second home some years later, where Agnes lived until her final days. The move to the city brought Agnes many opportunities to take a greater and deeper involvement with her church, the CWL and all the programs and opportunities for retreats, guest speakers, bible studies and Lay Formation, as well as pilgrimages to other countries. As their family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she valued keeping close connections with all of them and helped out in many ways.
Agnes will be remembered for her deep faith, quiet strength, and commitment to her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Tim (Margaret), Maureen (Jerald Young), Hugh (Lorraine), Sheila (Don Berry), Charlet (Kelly Ryberg), son-in-law Brian German, and Elaine (Randy Roesler); her 26 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren…all of whom were very special and greatly cherished by her; sister in law Mary Witzaney, Barb Witzaney; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Margaret; siblings: Ray, Wilf, Marie (Cseh, Teszner), Marge (Perenack), Catherine, Joe, Dora(Boschman), and Ted; husband Alex (2006); daughter Joanne (2018); and great grand-daughter Lily Rose (Porter 2024).
A Mass of Christian Burial presided by her grandson, Fr. Geoffrey Young will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Lunch to follow with a private family interment.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers for their compassionate care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Autism Canada in Agnes' honour.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21-23
