Mildred Barbara Eleanora Nerbas

Mildred Eleanora Barbara Nerbas (Mund) of Langenburg, Saskatchewan, passed away on March 13, 2026.

Today, we remember our mom, grandma and great grandma—a truly beautiful soul. Her happy-go-lucky, bubbly, humble, kind, and caring personality was known to everyone who met her, and she leaves behind a lasting mark on all of our hearts.

Mildred was born on the family farm north of Langenburg on December 15, 1933. She was raised there by her parents Christian and Barbara with her brother Earl. At the age of seven, 1941, her life changed forever with the sudden loss of her mother. During that difficult time, Mildred and Earl were often separated and lived with different family members while their father, Christian, worked to provide for them. She often spoke of how much her father carried on his own, yet despite the hardships, she remembered him singing and yodelling beautifully. They were surrounded by loving grandparents, aunts and uncles who helped create the best life possible for them.

Mildred spoke mostly German growing up, and learning English made school challenging at times. One story she loved to tell was how she and Earl would drive the horse and buggy to school, one day the horse began galloping and Mildred could not hold the horse back with her reins, but they did get to school in record time. At recess, they found that the horse had foaled…this would explain why she was so upset on the way in. Mildred then had to deal with the dilemma of getting a hold of her father, as he had said many times to not call long distance.

Mildred met Norman at a dance, and that was the beginning of a beautiful love story. They were married on November 20, 1953, and began their life together on the Nerbas homestead. There, they built a life rooted in grain farming and raising cattle, horses, pigs, and chickens. Together, they raised three children: Dale (1957), Donald (1961), and Tammy (1971). They farmed until retiring to Langenburg in 1994.

In 1980, Mildred experienced another profound loss when her father passed away in a tragic farming accident. Through life’s hardships and heartbreaks, she remained incredibly resilient, always choosing positivity and happiness. Her warm smile and welcoming personality had a way of bringing people together. Mildred and Norman shared 65 years of marriage before his passing in 2018.

Mildred was an incredibly hard worker. She milked cows, raised chickens and pigs, and became well known for selling some of the best ready-to-roast chickens in the area. She helped during harvest, prepared meals for the fields, and fed hired help—all while working side by side with Norman. And just as much as she worked, she loved to gather people together.

She had a remarkable ability to pull together a meal with nothing planned, creating a spread like no other. Family and friends would gather, enjoy a feast, play a good game of Whist late into the night, and somehow end the evening with yet another round of food.

Having learned to cook and bake at a young age after losing her mother, Mildred became known for her incredible baking. Everyone loved her German kuchen—no matter the flavor: blueberry, apple, raspberry, and more. Her sour cabbage rolls became a treasured Mund/Nerbas family tradition, served at countless holiday meals. Baking was never just one dessert—it was a full assortment of cakes, pies, and cookies. She truly created a bakery in her home, and no one ever said no to her offers of food.

We lovingly called her the “food pusher.” She showed her love through cooking, always making sure everyone had something to eat—and a little bit of everything. Even in the later stages of her dementia at the care home, she would rummage through her drawers looking for something to offer you or insist that you stay and share a meal with her.

Mildred also loved her garden and her flowers. Many summer days on the farm were spent giving tours to friends, proudly showing off her beautiful blooms. She also enjoyed quilting and sewing.

Mildred was a devoted Christian who lived her life through her faith. She was baptized on January 10, 1934, and confirmed on May 9, 1948. She sang in the church choir and served as a church librarian. She was deeply devoted to Norman, caring for and loving him throughout their 65 years together. As we often say, Norman truly hit the jackpot with Mildred.

If there was one thing Mildred would have loved to do in this life, it would have been to become a nurse—it was always her dream.

After Norman’s passing, Mildred moved from Southview to the Langenburg Centennial Special Care Home. Our family will be forever grateful for the care she received from both Homecare and the care home staff. They treated her like their own, and we are so thankful for the compassion and support they gave her and our family throughout that journey. A special thank you as well to Val Kenyon, Mildred’s hairdresser, who always made her feel like a million bucks. Mildred loved to dress beautifully, wore her jewelry with pride, and her radiant smile truly made the world a better place.

Mildred was predeceased by her husband, Norman Nerbas; her brother, Earl Mund; her brothers- and sisters-in-law Jack and Elizabeth Poier, Eddy and Mandy Nerbas, Ewald and Emma Nerbas, Emil and Della Nerbas, Albert (Ella) and Edna Nerbas, Gordon Nerbas, Wilfred Thies, Joan Mund; and her nieces and nephews Paulette Poier, Rod Nerbas, Elda Yakimovich, Trudy Currie, Beverly Davey, Joshua Thies, May Nerbas, Kerry Depape, and Barry Taylor.

Left to cherish her memory are her children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law Doreen Thies and Eleanor and (Al) Hinde.

Her children: Dale (Marlies) Nerbas, Don (Val) Nerbas, and Tammy (Mike) Shannon.
Her grandchildren: Melissa Nerbas (Garrett May), Nikki Schmidt (Devin), Riley Nerbas, Cassandra Nerbas, Brady Nerbas, Tyler Shannon, Eli Shannon, and Patrick Shannon.
Her great-grandchildren: Alexa Schmidt (Kaden Bouvier), Ava Schmidt, and Kylie Schmidt.

We were incredibly lucky to be loved by her. Her kindness, strength, and laughter shaped who we are today. The best way we can honor her is by living with the same love and joy she gave so freely.

“I am the Good Shepherd: The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.”
John 10:11