William "Bill" Hengen

We are saddened to share the death of our Dad, William Francis Hengen, or “Bill” as was commonly known. Dad lived the majority of his life in the Windthorst area. He and Mom moved to Newhope Pioneer Lodge, Stoughton in Feb 2017. Dad quickly became a very active part of the home there. It brought him much joy to connect with other residents and staff there and he made good friendships. He liked to make an event out of everyday activity; that was just his way. He liked to enjoy his day whether it included work or play. In typical Dad fashion, he would chat with a new staff member discovering where they came from and their roots, and seldom did he not find something or someone they had in common. It was comforting for him to know the staff were caring for Mom and he could trust their needs were so well cared for. We are eternally thankful for the loving care that has been given to Dad and continues to be shown to Mom. His last days were filled with kindness and love, and we too felt so well cared for. God bless you at NHPL.

Dad was the eldest child of Matt and Alma (Biggemann) Hengen. Willie as he was lovingly called, spoke fondly of his years growing up with his siblings: Jerome, Veronica, Joe, Bernadette, Edward, Matt and Francis. While he enjoyed school, he left after grade 8 to assist with farming, as was a common practice in those days; that however, did not stop him from continuing his education. Dad loved to read and learn. The Jumble Words in the Leader Post brought him a daily challenge for many years and the big old dictionary he checked words with is so well used!

While Mom and Dad met in a catechism class when they were 8 years old, they did not begin their courting relationship till they were young adults. We remember Pops saying that Mom fed him popcorn at a ball game and the rest was as they say history! Mom and Dad celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in July and they were so grateful to be able to spend their last years and days together. It was a common sight to see them walking down the hallway at the lodge, Pops in the lead with his walker and Mama with her hand in his back pocket.

As children, we were blessed to have a Dad that made time to teach us skills and volunteer his time to support our interests. Coaching sports, driving to and attending events and volunteering in his community and church taught us so much. Dad was a lifetime member of the Windthorst Lions as well as a charter member of #3802 Windthorst Council of the Knights of Columbus. A love of music was key for Dad and he so enjoyed a good singalong. He was very proud of developing a “Jr Choir” at St. Pius Roman Catholic Church in Windthorst. He started Hymn Sing Sunday at NHPL and was faithful to organize music for this weekly event. A source of pride and enjoyment was making music with his brothers. The 8 track recordings of their music could be heard playing through the lodge. How he continued to source out 8 track players is a marvel to us!!

Mom and Dad raised us 5 children, working hard on the farm. Grain farming, cattle, horses and poultry were common staples. Our cousin commented that Dad could make doing chores fun, so it was a good summer holiday to come to the farm and help.

As happens with families, we soon grew to include in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was a devastating blow for Mom and Dad when our sister Joanne died suddenly in 2004. It really showed us the faith they have and it gives us comfort to know that she was there to greet him when he went to his heavenly home.

Those of us left to remember and celebrate Dad's life include our Mom, Lorraine (nee Tholl); his children and their spouses: Tim (Laura), Michael (Dede), Danny (Susan), Monica (Ron) and son-in-law Gerry; 20 grandchildren; 37 soon to be 38 great-grandchildren. Dad is also survived by his sister Bernadette; brothers Edward and Francis and sisters-in-law Yvonne and Lynn.

With both Mom and Dad coming from a large family, Dad is lovingly remembered by a multitude of nieces and nephews from both the Hengen and Tholl families. He took an interest in his nieces and nephews long after they were grown and appreciated your letters, calls and visits. His 90th birthday party last March gave him a great deal of joy and much of that was in seeing many of you.

Anyone who knew Dad is familiar with his ability to tell a story. His wit and phenomenal memory entertained us with stories at gatherings and often in daily chats. We would love to hear your memories of those stories so we can keep them alive in our memory.

Dad was not perfect, no one is, but the way he lived his life made an impact on the people he met. He believed that we should treat people good; try your best; appreciate what you have and have faith. We feel Dad truly made his little corner of the world a better place and we will miss him. Thank you all for being a part of his life; please know that he appreciated you. In talking with Dad on Wednesday, he told us that he felt, “fully satisfied” with his life. We pray that all of us can live our life in such a way to feel that when we come to end of our time here on earth.

A public come and go visitation will be held in the Windthorst Community Rec Centre on Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 2-8 p.m. Please call Tubman Funeral Home at 1-800-667-8962 to request a time.

The funeral mass was concelebrated in St. Pius Roman Catholic Church, Windthorst on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. by Rev. Felipe Faustino & Rev. Francis Hengen. Interment followed in the Parish Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there was limited seating. Please call Tubman Funeral Home at 1-800-667-8962 to rsvp. Livestreaming of the mass will be available with the link below.

Donations in memory of Dad may be made to Newhope Pioneer Lodge Activity Fund, Box 38, Stoughton, SK S0G 4T0 or to the St. Pius Cemetery Fund, Box 175, Windthorst, SK S0G 5G0.