Obituary of Helene Gutsche

HELENE (Fercho) GUTSCHE

July 1, 1928 – September 28, 2024

Helen passed away into the arms of the Lord at Points West Living Lodge in Stettler, Alberta at the age of 96 on September 28, 2024.

She was born in Manukbejewka, Bessarabia on July 1, 1928, to parents Jacob and Maria Fercho.  Maria, Helen’s mother passed when Helen was only four years old.  Her dad remarried Ottilia Gunsch who became the only mother she knew.

Life in their small village was good where they farmed until 1940 when the family became displaced and separated because of the war.

Through sponsorship and hard work the family saved their money and immigrated to Canada in 1953.    Helen met the love of her life Herb Gutsche through family acquaintances in Calgary that came from the same village from where both she and Herb were born.  They were married in Hanna, Alberta on July 2, 1954. 

She settled into the community of Endiang learning a new language and way of life. Helen became involved in the Willing Workers’ Endiang Cemetery club, volunteered for the Sullivan Lake West Ag Society, and the Community Hall.  She was a cherished member of the Open Bible Fellowship church in Endiang and later the Alliance church in Hanna.

Helen had a lot of pride in her beautiful flowers and productive vegetable garden.  Her hobbies included playing the very competitive and fun Rooke card game with the Fercho clan, knitting, crocheting, camping with family and friends, travelling, floor curling and as of late Bingo.

Helen became well known for her good German home cooking especially her cabbage rolls.  The cabbage rolls were often requested at Alliance church potlucks, and even a family wedding.

Herb and Helen lived and raised their four children in Endiang until their retirement from the farm in 2006 and moved into Hanna.

Helen was a wonderful mom, grandma, and great grandmother and all will have many wonderful memories of all the things she did to make them feel special.

Helen is survived by her children: Edwin (Nola) Gutsche, Marlene (Lorne) Wallace, Raymond (Stacie) Gutsche and Sylvia (Jim) Wells; grandchildren:  Melissa (Steve) Hopkins, Ryan (girlfriend Karla) Gutsche, Adam Gutsche, Shawna (Darren) Benson, Jeffrey (girlfriend Kelley and her son Mav) Wallace, Sabrina Gutsche, Chantal Gutsche; step grandchildren:  Aaron, Katrina & Tyler; great grandchildren:  Samuel Hopkins, Vanessa Hopkins, Cameron Benson, Carter Benson; step great grandchildren Troy and Austin; sister Anne (Paul) Engelmann; brother Art Fercho; sister-in-law Emmy Fercho; brother and sister-in-law Art and Lucy Gutsche; as well as numerous nieces and nephews other relatives and many dear friends.

Helen was predeceased by her husband Herb; parents Jacob and Maria; beloved stepmother Otillia; siblings: Emanuel (Rosena), Arnold, Emil (Lydia), John, Erna, Henry, and sister-in-law Sheila.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all friends and relatives for your love and support.

Funeral Service

Wednesday, October 9^th at 1:00 p.m.

Endiang Community Hall, Endiang, Alberta

Memorial donations in Helen's memory may be made to the Endiang Cemetery or to the Endiang Community Hall.