Katie Louise (Kendel) Halwas

It is heart breaking to announce the death of our Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother at Tudor Manor in Okotoks, Alberta on December 26 at the age of 96 years. 

Katie was born on October 18, 1926 in the Hoffental District of the municipality of  Churchbridge SK.   Her parents were Margaret and Frederick Kendel. She was baptized and confirmed at Hoffental Lutheran Church.  She dearly cherished her happy childhood growing up on a farm (near Shellmouth, MB) along with her 4 sisters and 2 brothers. She attended Flower Valley Country School.

Katie married Harold Halwas of Inglis, MB on July 22, 1945.  They farmed on the Halwas farm 5 miles east of Inglis.   Katie and Harold were immensely proud of their four children and encouraged them to follow their dreams. Together they built a foundation of faith for their kids, established strong work ethics and a tremendous sense of responsibility.

Enormous vegetable gardens, long rows of raspberries and a huge strawberry patch kept Mom very busy throughout the summers.  She kept her freezer full of delicious baked goods and farm raised meat and poultry.  Her canning shelves were never empty!  Hosting dinners for family, friends and neighbors was something Katie always enjoyed – the more the merrier! The lively dynamics of farm life enticed many cousins to spend holiday time at the farm.  So many enjoyable memories were created and Mom loved to retell the treasured and humorous stories right up until her last days. 

Katie served Bethany Lutheran Church by faithfully teaching Sunday School for many years.  She also enjoyed her work as a member of the Altar Guild.  She was involved in making quilts and assisted with preparing meals and baking for community and church weddings, bridal showers, and funerals. She also helped with 4 H sewing for several years.    

Katie and Harold semi-retired in 1978 and moved into Inglis. They celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in 1987 and only months later Harold passed away due to illness.   Katie’s long-time friends and neighbors offered her support and kindness as she began her journey as a widow.  She valued her time spent with The Lunch Bunch, Friday Morning Coffee Group, curling and bowling teams, and loved playing cards with friends.  

In 2013 Katie was persuaded by her grandchildren to move to Okotoks, Alberta to be closer to her family.   This move allowed her to get to know all of her great grandchildren.    She quickly made friends through Holy Cross Lutheran Church and in the condo where she first lived.   

Katie’s three sons, Dale (Janet), Gerald (Marilyn) Raymond (Denise) and only daughter, Joanne (Don) Olson will cherish memories of her.  She will be tenderly missed by her grandchildren: Mark Halwas (Angela), Marni Halwas, Heidi (Eric) von Engelbrechten and Haley (Justin) Carrier; and Great Grandchildren: Alek Halwas, Fynn and Svea von Engelbrechten, and Everly and Aria Carrier.   She is survived by her sister, Louise Giesbrecht, and two sisters-in-law, Pearl Kendel and Enid Mack, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Members of Katie's extended family are: Step-grandchildren: Sue (Donnie) Jensen, Cody (Gilliam) Nernberg, and Melissa (Keith) Genik. Great Step grandchildren: Daisy Jensen, Kaden, Kai, and Nya Nernberg, and Adalyn and Emerson Genik. Katie was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Connie Halwas, Dale's first wife and mother to Mark and Marni.

She will always be remembered for the deep love she had for family.

A graveside service will be held from the Freefield South Cemetery, Inglis on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

All who were acquainted with Katie are respectfully invited to join her family at the cemetery for the graveside service.

After the committal service, everyone is invited to the home of Gerald & Marilyn Halwas in Inglis (261 Blighty Street) for some of Katie’s favorite appetizers and desserts.

Come as you are; dress code is casual & relaxed.