MENSCH: Elfrieda
November 21, 1920 - August 2, 2022
Elfrieda Cecelia was born to Josef and Emilia Wagner on the family farm in the Landestrew District south of MacNutt, Saskatchewan on November 21, 1920, the youngest of 8 children. She went to Zorn school and when she finished grade 7 her father said that was enough school for a girl so she stayed home to work on the farm. She worked in Melville as a hired girl in the late 1930’s and she seemed to have enjoyed her time there. She married Frank Mensch May 11, 1941 and moved to the farm north of Langenburg where he had been born. They lived on that farm for 47 years. They had two children, Marilyn and Barry. Frieda was an excellent cook, but she loved to bake all kinds of dainties and her piecrust was the best. Apple strudel at Christmas was a must. She grew a large garden, not because she particularly liked it, but out of necessity. Card games were the main entertainment of the era and she and Frank enjoyed many with neighbours and friends. She also enjoyed a good movie and dancing. Her hair was important to her and so were her clothes. Everything had to match. Her husband, children and grandchildren were very important and she showed her love for everyone by doing things for them. She never missed sending a card for their birthdays. She was a quiet person, had a great sense of humour and was able to come out with some terrific one-liners which, were enjoyed by everyone who heard them. When they retired she and Frank went on several bus tours. Each stop was judged by how good the gift shops were and how many salt and pepper shakers they could find. She had a collection of over 800 sets. In 1989 they moved to Langenburg and for the first time in her life at the age of 69 she had running water and indoor plumbing. In 1999 they moved to Watrous to Westridge Manor where she lived for 19 years. In 2018 at the age of 97 she went into long term care at Manitou Lodge. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, son Barry, son-in-law Lloyd Sedens, parents Josef and Emelia, siblings Philip, Annie, Lena, George, Lizzie, Louise and Rosie. She is survived by her daughter Marilyn Sedens, daughter-in-law Pauline Mensch, grandchildren Dean Sedens, Angela Uittenhogerd (Kees), Erik Sedens (Melissa), Brent Mensch (Melanie), Haley Bistretzan (Garry), Greg Mensch (Jadah), 17 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service will take place at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church on Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Watrous Cemetery. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation to Manitou Lodge Auxiliary (Activity Department) in memory of Frieda Mensch, please visit: fotheringham-mcdougall.com