Obituary for
John Ens
John Ens
June 18, 1918 – April 16, 2016
John Ens, aged 97, passed away at Watrous District Health Complex on April 16, 2016. John was born at Schoenfeld Sask to Bernhard and Maria (Wiens) Ens. He was the third oldest of 9 children. John moved to the Stalwart area in 1944 to work for Bert Thresher on his farm. There he met Kathrine Ens and they married on October 12, 1955. They had three daughters, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. John farmed his own land west of Stalwart while also working for several local farmers. He retired from farming after selling his land in 1990. After retirement, they enjoyed a few vacations and camping trips with relatives and friends. After selling their acreage in Stalwart, they moved to Simpson where they lived for 16 years and then to Imperial in 2015. John enjoyed gardening and making rope, a job he learned at a young age from his father. His ropes were in great demand and are spread throughout Saskatchewan and some even went overseas in children’s shoeboxes. The farmers around Simpson appreciated receiving his ropes and kept him supplied with bailer twine to ensure he had a steady supply of ropes. He enjoyed hearing about all the different uses people had for his ropes.
John will be remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 60 years, Kathrine; daughters, Sharon Purdue (Joe Scott), Yvonne (Michael) Bourassa, Marlene (Charles) Moore; grandchildren, Sean (Dawn) Purdue, Derek Purdue (Kim McKnight), Jennifer Moore, Sarah (Trevor) Morris, Amanda Moore, Sandra Moore and Andrew Moore; great-grandchildren, Seth, Gracie, Tatum and Damon Purdue; sisters Tina Murray and Elizabeth (Martin) Krahn; brothers and sisters in-law; Jim Friesen and Mary Ens; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his parents, Bernhard and Maria Ens; stepmother Helen Ens; brothers and sisters-in-law Ben and Susie Ens, Cornelius and Helen Ens, and Abe Ens; sisters and brothers-in-law Agnes Ens, Helen and John Rempel and Mary Friesen; and son-in-law Lyle Purdue.
At his request there will be no funeral service. Cremation, ashes to be scattered at a later date. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation to the Long Lake Valley Health Foundation “In Memory of John Ens” please visit www.fotheringham-mcdougall.com