Olga (Gurke) Kautz

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Olga Kautz (nee Gurke) announce her passing on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon.  Olga was born on November 6, 1929 at home on the family farm near Jansen to Henry and Annie (nee Machdanz) Gurke.  She grew up on the farm and attended Auderville School and then Illinoise School, completing grade 8.  Following her education, Olga stayed at home to help on the farm.  She met Arnold Kautz and they were married on October 1, 1948 in Regina.  They lived in Lanigan where Arnold was employed as a mechanic and then moved to Wishart for a time.  In the fall of 1952, they returned to Lanigan to take over the Kautz family farm.  Olga worked side by side with Arnold on the farm as well as keeping busy with the daily aspects of raising a growing family.  She was an excellent cook and baked many loaves of bread for her family.  Olga loved quilting and her children and grandchildren all have quilts that she lovingly made and gifted to them.  She was active with the Trinity Lutheran EWL and the church quilting group, The Stitchers.  Olga and Arnold loved travelling around the countryside, attending auctions, where they were always sure to meet friends and end up visiting.  She had an incredible memory, never missing anyone’s birthday or special occasion.  Following Arnold’s death in 2007, she stayed on the farm and then in 2008, Olga moved to Humboldt to the Harry Ford Center.  In December 2020, she moved to Quill Plains Lodge in Watson and then just recently in May, she moved to Manitou Lodge in Watrous.  Olga loved being with her family and was excited with each new addition.  Olga will be lovingly remembered by her eight children, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren:  MARY (Harley) Waters and family Evan (Erin) Burr and children Graham and Elliot, and Jennine Burr (Johnny Ilg) and children Kaleb, Hailey, Conner and Rylee, all of Saskatoon; ART (Bea) Kautz of Zehner and family Benton Kautz and Brandon (Laura) Kautz and daughter Selena, all of Regina; CAROLINE Kautz (Brent Ehrl) of Richmond, BC; IRENE (Lewis) Jaeb of Saskatoon and family Calvin Jaeb (Jenn Stock) and children Luke and Erik, Derrick (Amanda) Jaeb and children Kate and John, all of Saskatoon, and Nathan (Megan) Jaeb and son Jameson of Young; MILLIE Beaudry and family Amanda Beaudry (Don Hui) and Justin Beaudry, all of Saskatoon; JEFF (Leeann) Kautz of Regina and family Ashley (Lorne) Mackie and son Dylan of Prince Albert, Allison (Ryan) Hilbert of Annaheim, and Jenna Kautz of Regina; FREDA (Richard) Klassen of Winnipeg, MB and family Nickolas Klassen of Winnipeg, and Sarah (Casey) Howard of Kitchener, ON; and RICHARD (Shamala) Kautz of Nokomis and family Savanna Kautz (Drake Strand) of Regina and Cammren Kautz of Saskatoon; one sister Ludema (Alvin) Kuechle of Saskatoon; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Olga was predeceased by her husband Arnold; and three children:  James and Arnold in infancy, and Gerald (1986).  A Funeral Service for Olga was held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Humboldt officiated by Pastor Clint Magnus.   Interment  followed in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Lanigan.  Memorial Donations in Olga’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan or the Canadian Cancer Society