Bessie Gessler

December 20, 1914 – February 11, 2016

Bessie was born in Czechoslovakia on December 20, 1914 and came to Canada in 1921 with her parents. She attended a one room school and found it hard at first. She was unable to speak English, but learned quickly and had to ride her horse three miles to school across the open prairie. In those days school was only during summer months from March to October as most of the people lived some distance away. Also during harvest she stayed home on the farm. She stayed home until her marriage to John Horak in 1935 and had two sons. Ralph was born in 1936 and Carl in 1938. They moved to Radway, Alberta in 1941, then to Prince Albert in 1950 and to Saskatoon in 1956. Both of her sons went to the U of S to become teachers. She worked at the University Hospital for 25 years. Her hobbies consisted of bowling, quilting and playing cards at senior’s clubs. She married Frank Gessler in 1986. Frank passed away in 1996. Bessie was predeceased by her parents in 1973; her son Carl in 2003; and her brothers David and Frank in 2008. She is survived by her son Ralph; daughter-in-law Myrna; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; step daughter Diana and husband Brian; as well as several nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 13th at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church (222 Willow St). The Rite of Committal will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (1910 McIntyre St, Regina, SK S4P 2R3). Arrangements in care of John Schachtel – MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES 306-978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca