Paulina “Lena” Bakus, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at the Herbert Integrated Health Facility. Lena was born on August 31, 1923, at the homestead at Flowing Well, SK, the youngest of eight children. Even with the passing of her father in 1928, her mother and the children continued to farm the homestead. Lena completed her grade 10 at Meadow School. Things were tough, living through the 1930’s as an adult. Lena and Heinz Bakus were married on October 10, 1945. They celebrated a significant milestone of a 60th wedding anniversary. While on the farm they raised 5 children to adulthood as well as growing the farm in size and production. In the early years, gardening, knitting and mending were necessities for a growing farm family, but in later years they became hobbies. She also enjoyed crocheting, putting puzzles together, making candles from raw materials and the making of ketchup and tomato juice from a surprise 800 pound crop from 10 plants! To help with the long cold winters, wine was made from rhubarb and dandelions, both plentiful on the farm, and required frequent sampling!! In the mid 1970’s, Lena & Heinz moved from the original homestead house - with no running water and oil for heating - to a new home with all the modern conveniences. Lena also had a long-lasting battle between her and her wringer washer. But, she always won by talking to it in German, which she would never translate for us! Lena loved her little dogs, first a Pomeranian and later a Terrior, both named “Poochy”. They would follow and accompany her all around the farm. Lena was predeceased by her husband, Heinz (2008); her daughter, Mary-Ann Sayese (2001); her parents, Alexander & Christina (nee Roh) Maurer; and by all her seven siblings, Alex, Peter, Fred, Katie, Ted, Christina and Mary. Lena was the youngest of eight children and lived to be 91 years, the oldest of all. She is survived by her four sons and their spouses, Ken, Robert, Rod and Randy; ten Grandchildren; fifteen Great-grandchildren; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 2:00 pm from the Swift Current Funeral Home Chapel, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Alex Allan officiating. The Interment will be held at the Memory Lane Cemetery, Morse, SK at a later date. In memory of Lena Bakus, donations made to the Herbert Heritage Manor or to the Herbert St. Paul’s Lutheran Church would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com