MIERKE - Leo, son of William & Ottila Mierke, was born on November 1, 1917. His father was married in Wisconsin in 1910, and had two children with his first wife. The family of four immigrated to a farm near Watson, SK and shortly thereafter, his wife died. Leo’s father married Otilia a couple of years later and they had nine children including Leo. Leo’s mother passed away on July 5, 1934, and his father followed two years later on January 17, 1936. At about the age of 20, Leo borrowed money from his uncle to make the trek south to look for work. His uncle had suggested he try his luck in the Gull Lake area, but when he arrived, work was hard to find. He was eventually hired by a Mr. Nesbitt, who farmed in the Gull Lake area. He worked as a farm laborer, and in 1942, was able to purchase farmland of his own. He continued working for the Nesbitt’s who let him use their machinery to farm his own land as well. In 1947, when the Nesbitt’s quit farming, Leo was able acquire more farmland. Leo loved farming and continued until 1972. While farming, he always raised a few cattle for market, but mostly he was a grain farmer. After many years of farming, Leo moved into Gull Lake where he worked for Al Nyen at the local John Deere dealership until 1982. He enjoyed square dancing and joined a singles dance club. It was here that he met Patricia Radtke from Swift Current. They were married on October 26, 1991, and moved to Swift Current. Until his recent illness, he enjoyed going to the Senior Citizen’s Drop-in-Centre to visit, gossip and play billiards. Leo enjoyed spending time with family, talking and reminiscing about farming, and always appreciated when people took the time to come and visit. Leo was predeceased by his parents William & Otilia; his sisters, Annie, Ella and Alma; his brothers, Ray, Clarence, Adolf and Lloyd. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his sisters, Rose Procter and Nora (Pat) Cotts; and by many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 2:00 pm from the Chapel of Swift Current Funeral Home with Christine Ciona officiating. The Scripture readings were Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 and Psalm 23. “Church in the Wildwood”, “I’ll Fly Away” and “I Danced in the Morning” were sung by the congregation. The Interment Service was held at Memory Gardens Cemetery with Murray Radtke, Kendall Radtke, Ted Radtke, Wilfred Campbell, Terry Cooke and Darren Radtke serving as Pallbearers. Donations made to the Swift Current Senior’s Centre would be appreciated by the family. Funeral Arrangements were in the care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.