Joan Spitzke, beloved wife of Harvey, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina due to health complications. She was 79 years and 6 days old. Joan was born on May 20, 1937 at the Yorkton Union Hospital. She was the only daughter born to parents, Otto and Olga Fichtner of Springside, SK. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in Springside. Joan had a great work ethic from a young age, helping neighbours with various odd jobs on the farm. When she was 18 she got a job at the telephone office in Springside. It was at this time that she started dating her friend, Harvey Spitzke. She then moved to Prince George, BC and worked as an aid in the hospital. Harvey couldn't stay away and followed Joan to B.C. They got engaged on Christmas Eve in 1956. The couple moved back to Springside and on July 3, 1957, Joan was united in marriage to her best friend and the love of here life, Harvey. Six years after they were married, they started their family and were blessed with two daughters and two sons. Joan and Harvey made their home on the farm in the Springside area. They worked side by side to make their farm a success. Joan was an avid curler and truly loved the sport. She also spent many happy hours tending to her garden and flowers. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Otto (1989) and Olga (2011); a sister, Lovina, in infancy and a son, Blaine, in infancy. She leaves to cherish her memory her best friend and loving husband of 58 years, Harvey; her daughter, Lynette Ostafie (Lorelei) and her son, Dylan (Amber) and Dylan's daughters, McKenzie and Hailey; her daughter, Maureen (Murray) Werner and their children, Denean, Travis (Jennifer and their children, Reagen, Alyssa, Gage and Brody), Caylee (Richard Hiebert and their children, Kaycee and Maddee); Logan (Ian Spearman and their children, Nicole and Devon): her son, Robert and his children, Jaime (and her son, Jaxson), Jordan and Richelle; her son, Verdell (Janet) and his children, Rylie (Lance Tabin) and Colben (Tanna). Joan is also survived by her brothers, Archie (Val) Fichtner and Mervin (Hannie) Fichtner, her brother-in-law, Bill (Eileen) Spitzke and sister-in-law, Anne (Don) Bilokreli, as well as her aunts, uncle and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation Services took place at the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, June 2, 2016 from the Springside Baptist Church in Springside, SK with Pastor Richard Kauenhofen officiating. The organist, Jeanette Kriger and the pianist, Kitty Arndt, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art", "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "Abide With Me". A musical tribute, "My Jesus I Love Thee/Until Then" was shared by the Ladies Trio. The Scripture Reading was given by Pastor Mike Anderson and Words of Tribute and Eulogy were shared by Clayton Fichtner. The Interment Service took place in the Springside Town Cemetery with Travis Werner, Dylan Ostafie, Colben Spitzke, Jordon Spitzke, Richard Hiebert and Ian Spearman serving as Casket Bearers. Friends may make donations in Joan's memory to the Springside Baptist Church Memorial Fund or to STARS Air Ambulance as tokens of remembrance. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
