Agnes Breitkreuz was born in Wluke West Preusen, Germany on June 19, 1922. She was one of five children born to Edward and Martha (nee Graap) Richter. Her childhood was school and lots of chores. On July 5, 1939, she was united in marriage to Herbert Breitkreuz. The young couple began their new life together, only to be separated three weeks later when Herbert was drafted into the army, and she was left to care for two bedridden grandparents. By 1945, Agnes was forced to flee Poland with only a team of horses, three small children and no ideas where her young husband was. Agnes headed for East Germany. One daughter died while fleeing. After the war, Herbert was reunited with his family. It was then Agnes accepted the Lord as her Personal Saviour. By 1948, Herbert and Agnes could see no future for their growing family in East Germany, so they spent much time praying and asking the Lord to show them the way. They felt led to leave East Germany (by cattle train) and go to the border. Upon arrival, the border was heavily guarded and people were being apprehended. Herbert and Agnes were escorted across the border and told to "go in God's peace". In March of 1949, Herbert, Agnes and family set sail for Canada with nothing, only the clothes on their back. Upon arriving in Canada they settled in the Springside District where they had lots of relatives. Life was difficult in Canada. They lived on the Bill Arndt farm, where they worked hard to earn enough money to purchase their own homestead. Church and the things of the Lord were always a very important part of Agnes' life. Agnes was baptized in the river, known as Cussid Creek. Herbert and Agnes were faithful in setting examples for their family, they took their children to church whenever the church doors were open. Agnes worked very hard on the farm, besides raising ten children. She cooked for a gang every day. She knew how to make a meal out of nothing. Agnes loved crocheting and knitting. She did a lot of this after she retired and had more time. She would knit and crochet for hours until her eyesight would not allow her to do that any more. Agnes leaves behind a rich heritage to her children and their families. Agnes was predeceased by her husband, Herbert; an infant daughter, Gisela; her parents, Edward and Martha Richter; her brothers, Arnold and Arno; her sisters, Herta and Ellie; her sister-in-law, Hildegard and brother-in-law, Herman. She leaves behind to cherish her memory and celebrate her life her children, Norbert (Diana) Breitkreuz of Springside, SK and their children, Dale (Wendy) Breitkreuz, Marla (Bill) Dupuis, Carrie (Alfredo) Ferreira, John Fisher, Tanya, Mark and Daniel Breitkreuz; Hardy (Donna) Breitkreuz of Springside, SK and their children, Darren (Corrine) Breitkreuz, Marcy (Allan) Cross, Lynda Betker (Brian Ruf), Joy-Anne (Lee) Horsburgh, Alvin (Colleen) Breitkreuz; Christel (Dan) Derow of Springside, SK; Ed (Donna) Breitkreuz of Regina, SK and their children, Troy (Christine) Breitkreuz, Kevin (Karen) Breitkreuz, April (Dustin) Gilbert; Edith (Ray) Kerber of Red Deer, AB and their children, Timothy (Rachelle) Kerber, Korelei (Vance) Nelson, Tamara (Clayton) Puddicombe; Ernie (Darcy) Breitkreuz of Sicamous, BC and their children, Erin (Drew) Cooper, Adam (Carrie) Breitkreuz and Ross Breitkreuz; Dieter (Sharon) Breitkreuz of Brampton, ON and their children, Melanie (Jamie) East, Trevor (Jessica) Breitkreuz; Lotan (Valdene) Breitkreuz of Springside and their children, Charla (Todd) Wilkens, Cameron (Whitney) Breitkreuz, Chantel Breitkreuz; Ardice (Ron) Daniel of Sicamous, BC and their children, Dustin (Erin) Daniel, Jarret (Tyson) Epp; Herb (Lorna) Breitkreuz of Springside, SK and their children, Brett, Clarke and Katelyn; 36 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A Service of Comfort for Family and Friends was held on Friday, July 19, 2013 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Reverend Richard Kauenhofen officiating. The hymns were "Under His Wings" and "I Know Whom I Have Believed". The Funeral Service took place on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from Springside Baptist Church with Reverend Richard Kauenhofen and Reverend Timothy Kerber officiating. The organist, Loreen Tillman and pianist, Jeanette Kriger led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "He The Pearly Gates Will Open" and "My Jesus, I Love Thee". Agnes' life history was shared by Norm Breitkreuz, tributes were shared by Katelyn Breitkreuz, Clarke Breitkreuz, Joy-Anne Horsburgh, Tanya Breitkreuz and Ross Breitkreuz, the scripture was read by Cameron Breitkreuz and the message was delivered by grandson, Reverend Timothy Kerber. Special music was provided by soloist, Emily Nelson, piano soloist, Laura Betker and by all of Agnes' grandchildren. The Interment Service followed in the Springside Town Cemetery with Mark Breitkreuz, Alvin Breitkreuz, Ross Breitkreuz, Chantel Breitkreuz, Brett Breitkreuz and Clarke Breitkreuz serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
