PRATCHLER: George Martin
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August 2, 1942 鈥� October 27, 2015
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It is with broken hearts that the family of George Martin Pratchler of Humboldt, SK, announces his sudden and unexpected passing at Royal University Hospital on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. He was 73 years of age. George, the eldest of two children, was born to Martin and Elizabeth (nee Taphorn) Pratchler on August 2, 1942, in Humboldt. His early years were spent on the farm in the St. Gertrude district. George attended St. Gertrude School and later, St. Peter鈥檚 College in Muenster, SK. He was only six years old when his father passed away, so at an early age, he learned what responsibility and hard work were all about as he helped his mother with domestic and farm chores. Those attributes remained with him throughout his life. In 1973, following his education, George began his lifelong profession as a baker. Initially, he was employed at the Humboldt Bakery for five years before moving to Saskatoon, where he worked at the Co-op Bakery. In 1967, George met Jenny Bergermann of Muenster and they were married on November 8, 1969. Between 1970 and 1987, they were blessed with five children, two sons and three daughters. George and Jenny began their life together in Outlook, SK, where George worked at the Outlook Bakery. An opportunity to work at the bakery in Humboldt arose, so the Pratchlers relocated to be closer to home. They bought The Danish Oven in 1987 and, with all the family involved, have continued to operate the business. Over the years, George was very involved in his community and church. He was a member of the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department, and of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years, presently serving as Treasurer. An avid sports fan, in earlier years George played football, baseball and hockey. He continued to enjoy those sports as a spectator. A talented woodworker, carpenter, and musician, many fulfilling hours were spent working on various projects in his shop, listening to music, and playing guitar and singing at family gatherings. Other enjoyable activities included playing cards, especially Kaiser,听 window shopping at Peavey Mart and Canadian Tire, and visiting with family and friends. George was a very good storyteller, and liked to 鈥渆mbellish鈥� his stories to make them more entertaining. More than anything, his life revolved around his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Taking time out from his busy work schedule for annual family vacations, which usually included camping, was very important to him. George had a special place in his heart for each grandchild and spent numerous hours playing with them. A gentle, loving and caring man of integrity who lived the Golden Rule and taught by example, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.听 鈥淕one from our sight, but never our memories. Gone from our touch, but never our hearts.鈥� George will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of nearly 46 years, Jenny (nee Bergermann) Pratchler; their five children and eight grandchildren: Sean (Madeline) Pratchler and children Daniel, Arianna, Aleah and Mattaya; Lori (Victor) Rowat; Chris Pratchler (Janice Schlosser) and children Gabrielle and Violet; Megan (Darren) Lueke and son Sawyer; and Sarah (Darcy) Weinrauch and son Barrett. He is also survived by his brother Ben (Anne) Pratchler, and a large extended family, including Lori (Tim) Trafford and their family. George was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Elizabeth (nee Taphorn) Pratchler; Jenny鈥檚 parents, John and Clara (nee Draude) Bergermann; as well as numerous extended family members. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt, on Friday, October 30, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., con-celebrated by Fr. Cosmas Epifano, OSB, Fr. Demetrius Wasylyniuk, OSB, and Fr. Paul Paproski, OSB. Others taking part were: Carol Bergermann and Donna Lee Bergermann, scripture readers; Sheila Kiryk, intentions; Jordan and Donna Lee Bergermann, giftbearers; Sylvia Koski and Marian Wassermann, memorial table attendants; Sean Pratchler and Chris Pratchler, urnbearers. Music ministry was provided by members of the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. An honor guard was formed by members of the Knights of Columbus. Honorary pallbearers were George鈥檚 family. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to either STARS Air Ambulance or the St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
