Obituary for Viola Marjorie Schatkoski
Viola Schatkoski (nee Wentland), aged 87, died peacefully on Monday, January 9, 2023 in the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary. She was being treated for aspiration pneumonia.
Viola was born on September 21,1935 in Herbert, Saskatchewan, the eldest of Theodore and Ernestine (Arlt) Wentland’s two children.
She grew up on her parent’s farm in the Leinan district. In 1945 her parents bought the store and post office in Leinan and the family lived upstairs. The family moved onto the Arlt farm north of Waldeck in 1950 where Viola was dedicated to helping her parents as much as she could.
Viola attended the Leinen School, Leonard School, and the Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute (LCBI) in Outlook where she graduated in 1953.
Her work experience began with her first job in 1954 when she moved to Swift Current to work in a bank. In 1958, she began working in flower shop where she was trained in floral design and worked there until her marriage in 1961.
After her marriage, Viola enjoyed contributing to the family’s finances with various jobs she could do from home while raising the kids. She made and sold various crafts, earning enough money to purchase most of the furniture for her and her husband's first home. She also took in ironing and helped her husband with improvements to their farmland. She was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed sewing her own clothes, as well as clothes for her children.
The family moved to Calgary in 1971. They joined Grace Lutheran Church where Viola actively volunteered in many different ways, most notably as financial secretary for over 30 years.
When the children were young, Viola enjoyed taking them to various attractions and events around Calgary, particularly in the summer.
Viola loved serving as a Welcome Wagon hostess and enjoyed traveling. She shared that the highlight of her life were her many travels she went on, enjoying many annual winter trips to Hawaii in the 70's and bus tours throughout the 80's and early 90's. She also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in maintaining her garden and home.
Viola was very frugal and chose throughout her entire life to live below her means. If everyone followed her example, there would be no climate crisis! She will be remembered for her positive attitude, cheerful disposition, her big welcoming smile, and her distinctive and unchanging telephone greeting, “Haaaallo!”
The family is extremely grateful for the love and kindness of mom’s longtime neighbours who helped her out in countless ways, Spencer & Patti, Eldene, Deb, and John.
Viola is remembered by her children, Jody (Joanne), Lana Costello, Lisa, Lynn (Lee) Robertson; her grandchildren, Marina, Ryan, Tim, Claire Costello, and Matthew and Robin Robertson.
A Graveside Service for Viola Schatkoski will be held on Saturday January 28, 2023 at 11:00 am at Mount Pleasant Burial Park in Swift Current, SK with Pastor Greg Kiel officiating.
Donations may be made in Viola’s memory to a charity of your choice. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Viola, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Viola was born on September 21,1935 in Herbert, Saskatchewan, the eldest of Theodore and Ernestine (Arlt) Wentland’s two children.
She grew up on her parent’s farm in the Leinan district. In 1945 her parents bought the store and post office in Leinan and the family lived upstairs. The family moved onto the Arlt farm north of Waldeck in 1950 where Viola was dedicated to helping her parents as much as she could.
Viola attended the Leinen School, Leonard School, and the Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute (LCBI) in Outlook where she graduated in 1953.
Her work experience began with her first job in 1954 when she moved to Swift Current to work in a bank. In 1958, she began working in flower shop where she was trained in floral design and worked there until her marriage in 1961.
After her marriage, Viola enjoyed contributing to the family’s finances with various jobs she could do from home while raising the kids. She made and sold various crafts, earning enough money to purchase most of the furniture for her and her husband's first home. She also took in ironing and helped her husband with improvements to their farmland. She was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed sewing her own clothes, as well as clothes for her children.
The family moved to Calgary in 1971. They joined Grace Lutheran Church where Viola actively volunteered in many different ways, most notably as financial secretary for over 30 years.
When the children were young, Viola enjoyed taking them to various attractions and events around Calgary, particularly in the summer.
Viola loved serving as a Welcome Wagon hostess and enjoyed traveling. She shared that the highlight of her life were her many travels she went on, enjoying many annual winter trips to Hawaii in the 70's and bus tours throughout the 80's and early 90's. She also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in maintaining her garden and home.
Viola was very frugal and chose throughout her entire life to live below her means. If everyone followed her example, there would be no climate crisis! She will be remembered for her positive attitude, cheerful disposition, her big welcoming smile, and her distinctive and unchanging telephone greeting, “Haaaallo!”
The family is extremely grateful for the love and kindness of mom’s longtime neighbours who helped her out in countless ways, Spencer & Patti, Eldene, Deb, and John.
Viola is remembered by her children, Jody (Joanne), Lana Costello, Lisa, Lynn (Lee) Robertson; her grandchildren, Marina, Ryan, Tim, Claire Costello, and Matthew and Robin Robertson.
A Graveside Service for Viola Schatkoski will be held on Saturday January 28, 2023 at 11:00 am at Mount Pleasant Burial Park in Swift Current, SK with Pastor Greg Kiel officiating.
Donations may be made in Viola’s memory to a charity of your choice. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Viola, please visit www.choicememorial.com.