Wilbert Ignace Schulzke

Wilbert Schulzke was born February 28, 1938 to August and Clara (Smolkoski) Schulzke. He was raised on the family homestead along with older sister Dolores and younger sister Annette. He attended the Thiel Krentz school, having to feed the horse, start the fire in the caboose and drive to school every day. After chores he loved spending time in the garage sitting by the fire and listening to his favorite radio shows.

Wilbert married Myra Dufort in 1959 and they began married life in Cudworth. They had three children, Al (Carmen Dziendzielowski) Schulzke, Yvonne Gobolos and Ken (Sherry Weisensel) Schulzke.

Wilbert quickly became a prominent businessman in Cudworth, taking over the Zimmer garage and then owning and operating Schulzke’s Service Center. He owned and operated a four-line GM dealership, as well as being a dealer for Versatile and Massey Ferguson farm equipment. He also had the Esso bulk fuel business, an auto body shop and several other ventures always on the go.

He helped run the family farm, eventually taking it over, keeping it in the family for over 100 years. He added another three quarters of land and rented 8 more quarters of land in partnership with Henry & Dave Hauber.  Wilbert also co-rented 7 quarters of land with Jack Marksteiner.

Wilbert was an active community leader as well, having served as Councillor and then Mayor of Cudworth from 1974 – 1990. He was also President of the Lions Club, deputy volunteer fire chief and he was even Santa Claus for 10 years for the annual Santa Claus Day in Cudworth. One of his many accomplishments during his tenure as Mayor was the building of the Cudworth swimming pool.

Life then was full of work, but there was always time for relaxing at the cabin at Wakaw Lake, socializing with many great friends, and travelling.

As life’s roller coaster moved on, he and Myra divorced, he sold his businesses and concentrated on farming, sales and trucking.

Wilbert then met Marguerite Buttinger; they married in 1997 and enjoyed 25+ years together, first at her farm in Lake Lenore and then in retirement in Humboldt. They loved travelling together and camping. He made many new friends and loved having a second family, being a stepdad to Marguerite’s daughters Jennifer Crone, Shelley (Brad) Hiebert, Jean (Calvin) Tameling, and Andy (Tony Samuelson) Buttinger.

Wilbert had many challenges in life and faced them all head on. He improved his reading as an adult so he could become a pilot. He endured recessions, droughts and double-digit interest rates. He defeated cancer three times, survived a stroke and other health afflictions, always with his trademark positive ‘can do’ attitude.

Wilbert was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Ryan (Erin) Gobolos, Chelsey (Joel) Wilde, Brett (Courtney) Gobolos, Quinn (Chris) Wowchuk, Karlee (Landon Robertson) Schulzke, Jenna (Keegan) Diederichs and Tyler (Sarah) Schulzke. They all loved going to Grandpa’s farm where he taught them how to drive, skidoo and motorbike. They loved learning to play cards, raiding his fridge for chocolate bars and having wiener roasts. Wilbert was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren, Amelia, Noah, Cohen, Chase, Crew, Broden, Asher, Jett, Kamdyn, Wesley, Jesse, Jaylyn, Flynn, Remy & Gwendolyn. He was also blessed with eight step-grandchildren Arin (Chanessa) Crone, Jordan (Kathryn) Crone, Josh Tameling, Jade Tameling, Reece Tameling, Cole (Alexa) Hiebert, Carter Hiebert and Drew Samuelson, and four great-grandchildren, Avery, Archer, Craig & Cayden.

Wilbert is survived by his devoted wife Marguerite, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was pre-deceased by his parents, sisters and first wife.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Wilbert’s life was held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 10:30 am. at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, 809 10th Street, Humboldt. Following the Mass, a luncheon was held at the Muenster Community Center. A Private Interment has been held. In lieu of flowers, those who knew Wilbert can pay their respects by making a donation in his honor to any of the following: St. Michaels Haven, Cudworth, Humboldt District Hospital Foundation or Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.