Mr. Howard Goltz, beloved husband of Geraldine "Gerri" of Springside, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2016 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Yorkton, SK. He had suffered a stroke during surgery in December and developed serious complications. Howard was born on May 25, 1944, the son of Wesley and Leona (nee Knoll) in Yorkton, SK. He was the second of four children and was raised on the family farm near Orcadia. His hard work ethic and love of farming were instilled in him at a young age. Howard received his degree in Agriculture and Economics at the University of Saskatchewan in 1970. During this time, Howard married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine "Gerri" Gabert on August 31, 1968. Together, they moved to Edmonton, Saskatoon and Regina while Howard was employed by numerous Federal and Provincial Government departments. While residing in Regina, Howard and Gerri were blessed with two sons, Ken and Brad. Howard loved the farm life and so in 1979, Howard and Gerri purchased land near Springside and took over farming his parents' land as well. The following year, their daughter, Rhonda, was born. Along with farming, Howard spent many years involved with the Yorkton Credit Union Board as well as Farm Land Security Board, where he helped many farmers facing financial difficulty. His love of working in the financial field led him to help family, friends and neighbours with their income tax returns. Countless times, Howard took care of Gerri and helplessly watched her struggle with her battle with Crohn's disease. He worked hard to provide a great life for his family but always took the time to visit with friends, wherever he would meet them, especially enjoying gatherings that involved good stories and good food. At an early age, Howard accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He was an active member of the Springside Baptist Church. Along with singing his heart out every Sunday, Howard served in many areas - Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Church Building Committee, participating on the Church Board as well as the Treasurer for many years. Howard was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. His love for God, sense of humor, love of sports and kind-hearted nature will carry on in his seven grandchildren, whom he loved and adored and would pray for every morning. They will miss his cuddles and willingness to play endless games of Memory and Snakes & Ladders. Howard was predeceased by his parents, Wesley and Leona Goltz. He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life, his loving wife of 47 years, Geraldine; his sons, Ken (Louise) of Yorkton, SK and Brad (Amanda) of Springside, SK and their children, Kayla, Sam, Alex and Levi; his daughter, Rhonda (Bruce) Romanow of Martensville, SK and their children, Cole, Emerson and Jordyn; his sisters, Karen (Harold) Kriger of Springside, SK, Ellen (Jon) Konnert of Surrey, BC; brother, Mark (Wendy) of Delta, BC; sister-in-law, Janice George of Victoria, BC and brothers-in-law, Mervin Gabert of Springside, SK and Lonnie (Joyce) Gabert of Springside, SK. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends, neighbours and all who knew him. A Visitation for Family and Friends was held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Pastor Cliff Bergman and Pastor Mike Anderson officiating. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from Springside Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Kauenhofen officiating. The organist and pianist, Diane Jones and Laurel Teichroeb, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Blessed Assurance" and "Victory in Jesus". Special music was shared by Bev Bergman who sang, "Face to Face with Christ my Saviour" and Marlon Milbrandt, who sang, "Go Rest High on That Mountain". Family members shared words of tribute and eulogy. The scriptures were read by Don Goltz and the message was shared by Pastor Cliff Bergman. The special taped music recessional was Elvis Presley singing, "Milky White Way". The Interment Service followed in the Springside Town Cemetery with Con Kriger, Kevin Kriger, Dallas Bond, Brad Fritzke, Nelson Pohl and Marlon Milbrandt 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.
