Obituary of Edna Lanz

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Adena Melita (Edna) Lanz on February 22, 2021, at Rosthern Union Hospital, at the age of 91, after a two-year battle with cancer. Edna was born on October 31, 1929, the third child of Alexander and Rosa Hoffman, on the family homestead near Spalding, SK. She was baptized and confirmed at Good Hope Lutheran Church, at Daphne, SK. Her early years were spent on the family farm, with her parents, brothers, and sister, and attending Clearview School. In 1956, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant, and, over the next few years, worked in several hospitals in Saskatchewan. While working at Rosthern Union Hospital in 1959, she met Kenneth M. Lanz, and they were married on January 7, 1961 at Dovre Lutheran Church in Spalding, SK. In July of that year, Ken and Edna moved to the Lanz family homestead in the Stony Hill district, near Laird, SK. and took over the operation of the farm. Their son Mark Kenneth was born on June 23, 1966. Edna’s family was the most important part of her life, and she was always there to offer love and support for her husband and son. She loved the farm, and her role as a farm wife, both in the house and on the field. There was always plenty of good food in her house, and Ken and Mark especially looked forward to her baking and desserts, which were definitely her specialties. She also took great pride in helping Ken with the farm work over the years, especially after Mark left the farm. Whether it was on the field in the spring, or trucking in harvest, or any number of other jobs around the yard, Edna was an integral part of the success of the farm. Traveling was a great joy of Edna’s, which she shared with her family. Edna loved “trailering,” and Ken, Edna and Mark took many great trips to parks in Saskatchewan, the Canadian Rockies, and the Okanagan. In the later years, when this became difficult, they were still able to travel extensively to some of the most beautiful and exciting places in Canada and the United States. A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Laird since 1961, she served for many years on Ladies’ Aid and as a Sunday School teacher at the church. In 1993, her husband Ken was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Edna dedicated herself to his care, and due to her efforts, he was able to stay on the family farm until December of 2002, when he entered a care facility in Saskatoon. In January 2019, Edna was diagnosed with cancer. I’d like to express our love and appreciation to Dr. K. Johnson and the other people at the Cancer Centre who helped treat her condition with care and skill; to Sarah at Rosthern Home Care and Dr. J. MacMillan, who helped me care for and keep Mom at the farm in Laird that she loved for as long as possible; and to the nurses, doctors and staff at Rosthern Hospital for their concern and kindness is treating her in her last days. We, her family, are thankful for our many years together. “We will always remember your love, your caring, and your strength. You will continue on in our hearts and our memories, forever.” Edna leaves to mourn, her loving son, Mark. She is also survived by her brother Albert (Nita) Hoffman of Spalding; her sister Ella (Irvine) Braitenbach of Lanigan; her sister-in-law Jean Hoffman of Spalding; her sister-in-law, Joyce (Dennis) Foster of Regina; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Edna was predeceased by her husband, Ken (2006); her father, Alex (1983); her mother, Rosa (1996); her brother, Benny (1993); her father-in-law, William (1978); and her mother-in-law, Emmaline (1976). In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Edna’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society, # 2 – 630 45th Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5W9 or to the Terry Fox Foundation, 1812 – 9th Avenue North, Regina, SK S4R 7T4. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (306) 232-5245.