Henry Monsebroten

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Henry George Monsebroten of Edmonton, AB, a former longtime resident of Prince Albert, SK, and Spruce Grove, AB, announce his peaceful passing on June 9, 2024, at the age of 93 years. A ferocious blizzard on October 19, 1930, welcomed Henry to the farming community of Canwood, SK. Dad was the fifth of nine children born to Scandinavian immigrants Hans and Sina (Swenson) Monsebroten. Dad loved growing up on the Mayview, SK farm, especially working with the animals. The farm never left his soul.

In 1952, Henry was hired by the Canadian National Railway in Prince Albert as a brakeman and then later, a conductor. He was proud to represent his fellow employees for 19 years as a shop steward to improve the safety and working conditions at the time. Dad retired from the CN in 1987, but he never quit working. In 1972, Henry purchased land near Holbien, SK, and started a mixed farm. His land also had a gymkhana grounds for 4-H light horse competitions. He thoroughly enjoyed his time with members of the Wild Rose 4-H horse club and the friendly folks from the surrounding districts.

In 1985, Dad married Betty Brunet and they enjoyed nearly 30 years together before her passing. For six summers after retirement, Henry and Betty managed the Marina at The Narrows in the Prince Albert National Park and then were avid travellers in the winter. Dad was a lifelong learner with a variety of interests including reflexology and natural healing. He was a member of the Masons Kinistino Lodge #1 of Prince Albert and Toastmasters lnt. Dad will be remembered for his faithful attendance at our parent/teacher interviews, his efforts to make Christmas a happy occasion for everyone, his work ethic and for his famous advice, “If all else fails, read the instructions”.

Henry will be remembered by his four loving daughters Jenica Ashlie of Mill Bay, BC, Cheryl Stevenson of Prince Albert, SK, Dr. Darlene Chalmers of Saskatoon, SK and Ellen Harkness (Brad Boist) of Breton, AB, his treasured grandchildren Lexi Harkness (great grandsons Easton and Brooks Campbell) Parker Rawlinson (Piper) and Sarah (Mathew) Bernauer (great grandchildren Quinn and Kali), the mother of his cherished daughters, Ann Monsebroten, his brothers Arthur, Lawrence and Arnold (Julie), sister-in-law Alma, and numerous other relatives. Henry was predeceased by his 2nd wife Betty, siblings Mabel (Edward) Hubel, Grace (Allan) Skidmore, Harold, Gladys (Colin) Willoughby and sisters-in-law Jean, Joy, Shirley and Lois, sons-in-law Allan Harkness, Brent Rawlinson, nephew Bradley Monsebroten and niece Marlene Ducommun.

Henry’s family will be eternally grateful to the many compassionate health care workers who have assisted dad, particularly at St. Michael’s Grove Manor, Spruce Grove, AB, Glastonbury Mews, Edmonton, AB and Westview Health Centre Hospice Care, Stony Plain, AB. In keeping with Henry’s wishes, a graveside service at Memorial Gardens in Prince Albert will be held in late summer, date TBA. Arrangements entrusted to Westlawn Funeral Home, AB.