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Tubman Funeral Home
OBITUARY

William "Bill" Hengen

March 7, 1930 – March 20, 2021

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 will be 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 will follow in the Parish Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there is 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.

  • PALLBEARERS

  • John Hengen, Active Pallbearer
  • David Hengen, Active Pallbearer
  • Patrick Sinclair, Active Pallbearer
  • Peter Dayman, Active Pallbearer
  • John Dayman, Active Pallbearer
  • Carter Sproat, Active Pallbearer
  • Andrew Sinclair, Active Pallbearer
  • Mat Barbour, Active Pallbearer
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  • Visitation

    Thursday, March 25, 2021

  • Funeral Mass

    Friday, March 26, 2021

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  • Interment

    Friday, March 26, 2021

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Memories

William "Bill" Hengen

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Laurelle Pachal

April 1, 2021

My deepest sympathies to the Hengen families. I have many fond memories of Bill.

Faye & Wally Muscoby

March 31, 2021

Our condolences to Bill's family on his passing. Faye knew him as having beautiful horses in many parades. Wally played with the Peebles baseball team and remembers Bill as a coach of the team, and sometimes player. Bill was always gentle, enthusiastic and kind in his direction and encouragement. Bill's brother Matt played on the team with Wally.
We were at the 5oth anniversary of Father Ed Hengen's ordination, and had a nice visit with Bill, friends and family.
Our prayers and blessings forBill, Lorraine and family.

Faye & wally Muscoby

Ed Krieser

March 27, 2021

I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing, and wish to extend my condolences to you, Lorraine, and all of your and Bill's families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. May God bless you all, and take care of yourselves.
Ed Krieser

David & Evelyn Willison [nee:Hoffman]

March 27, 2021

also wrote a condolence on another website. My wife Evelyn, said did he have a wonderful singing voice, sang at both her Dads[Art] & mothers[Freda] funerals. What a memory to cherish, there were a lot of good times, it was an honour to know you Bill, knew your father Matt & your mother Elma very well. Our sincere condolences to the Hengen & Tholl families. God Bless

Wendy Corscadden

March 27, 2021

My mom always enjoyed your parents friendship, and your dad's stories about the good old days. With our deepest sympathy to your family Jeannie Corscadden and family

Roy Johnston

March 27, 2021

Roy Johnston and families send condolences to Bill's families. Bill was such an inspiration to Dad. They shared many horse stories and crokinole games at New Hope Lodge! Having that additional interaction with people was so beneifical to Dad. When I would go to visit at the lodge, if Bill saw me coming, we would have a chat and a big hug when that was allowed. Horses are in our veins so converstaions were easy to have. Dad always wanted me to take Bill and himself for a drive to see the colts, but that didn't materialize.
Bill, you will truly be missed. We will still hear you singing, but now it will be from above us.
Roy, Glenda, Terry and families

Gerry & Sylvia Coppicus

March 26, 2021

Our sympathies to all Bill's family. Gerry remembers the many
sing-a-long gatherings around a piano. Also the many hockey games on the frozen slough at the Hengen farm. Bill and his brothers sang at our daughter's wedding mass in Moosomin in 1986 which added so much joy to the celebration. Rest in peace cousin.

Shannon Hengen

March 26, 2021

We send love and support to our Hengen cousins. The live streamed service and eulogies were a great tribute to a wonderful man.

Lucien & Elanor Lepage

March 26, 2021

Sincere condolences to all the family, especially Tim, Laura & your family. Wishes that happy memories remain with you always. take care!

Allan & Dot Tholl

March 25, 2021

We appreciate receiving advice of the passing of cousin, Bill Hengen. I have very fond memories of shinny games at Matt Hengen's farm in the 1940's and of baseball and hockey adventures in the 1950's.

We have always enjoyed encounters and brief visits with Bill and Lorraine( # 1 fan ever of the Peebles Red Sox, at least to me) whenever we got back home to Saskatchewan.

Bill and Lorraine have been on my prayer list for several years. We know Bill is now in a better place than our troubled and confusing world, in the care and company of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

" Blessed be those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ". Matthew 5: 4.

With sincere sympathy and love to Lorraine and all members of the Bill Hengen family.

Allan & Dot Tholl.

FROM THE FAMILY

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