Louise Schmalz (nee Lesser) was born on June 25,1925 the twelfth child of John & Katherine (Brethauer) Lesser.  She was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Rosthern and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Hague.  She was raised on the farm south of Hague and attended Kenmare School.  In 1945 her parents retired to Rosthern where she worked for the Co-Op and Department of Telephones.  On July 9, 1947 she married Harry Schmalz at Brightholme Lutheran Church and farmed in the Pine Grove District.  She was active in the ELW and also played organ in Brightholme and Shellbrook and sang in the Shellbrook choir.  She was instrumental in mentoring young organists and helped out in Sunday school.  Music and her religious faith were central to her life.  Prayers were read before bed and songs were sung.  Recitations were memorized for Christmas Concerts.  Her children and grandchildren were very important.  Favorite dishes and desserts were prepared.  Even the dogs her daughters brought home were special. She sewed dresses for Easter and Christmas.

She enjoyed travelling, playing cards, dancing, picking Saskatoon berries with her sisters and blueberries with her sisters in law and being around happy occasions.

She found a new passion of painting when she entered Parkland Integrated Home and was also a member of the Chime Tones.

She is survived by her four children:  Wayne (Margaret George); Myron (Caroline); Valerie (Henry Wonderham); Patricia (Mark Fusick).  Grandchildren Eric (Lesley) Schmalz; Edward (Christina) Schmalz; Adam (Brianne) Schmalz; Lisa (Isaac Saba) Schmalz and Trinity Fusick. Five great grandchildren; Arlise, Leila and Maximus Schmalz: Jayda Schmalz and Sofia Saba.  Two sisters in law Esther Schmalz of Shellbrook and Emma Lesser of Toronto.  Nieces, nephews and a host of friends.   She was predeceased by her husband Harry and two infant sons.  Her parents John and Katherine Lesser.  Sisters Louise (Edgar) Knippel, Mary (Dan) Rudolph, Martha (John) Wagner, Molly (Fred) Wagner, Katherine (George) Hoffman. Emma (Herman) Markwart.  Brothers John (Elizabeth) Margaret) Lesser, Jake (Mary) Lesser and Billy Lesser.  The Funeral Service for Louise was held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. from St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Trent Felstrom officiating.  Louise was laid to rest in the Brightholme Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Louise to the Brightholme Cemetery Fund or to the choice of the donor. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart – Director (306-747-2828). 

• Date : 2015-05-07