Gerald Orthner

Gerald “Jerry” Orthner of Raymore, Saskatchewan passed away May 31, 2022 in the Wynyard Hospital. Jerry had just celebrated his 70th birthday on February 14th.

Jerry was the eldest son of Louie and Evelyn Orthner.  He took all of his schooling in Raymore and one year of Commerce at the U of S in Saskatoon.  It was during his time in Saskatoon that he met Susan Hunt. They were married June 1,1974 in Swan River.

He was employed at the Case Dealership for 2 years as a business manager.  In 1976 he and Susan moved to and took over the family farm, purchasing it from his parents. They continued to farm until 2015 when they retired and sold the farm to their son Courtney. Jerry continued to help him on the farm until the end of harvest 2021.

Jerry served on the Board of Last Mountain Coop for 33 years, serving as president for some of those years. He was also an active member of Raymore Baptist Church.  Jerry enjoyed coffee row and visiting with people. Even on warm winter holidays he often sat down and started a conversation with total strangers. Many wonderful lasting friendships came from these conversations.

He coached some hockey and enjoyed playing rec hockey in his younger days.  He enjoyed curling and going to Roughrider games. Summer camping trips and warm winter holidays were some things he learned to enjoy.  He also liked to relax in his recliner and watch TV.

He is survived by Susan, his wife of 48 years. He is also survived by his daughters Robyn Orthner of Redcliff, Alberta and Alia (Jeremy) Fazakas of Didsbury, Alberta and by his son Courtney Orthner of Raymore.  He will be dearly missed by his four grandsons: Brody Fazakas, Ethan Fazakas, Landen Fazakas of Didsbury and Jax Chamberlin of Redcliff.  Also mourning his passing are his mother Evelyn Orthner of Silver Heights Care Home and his brothers and sisters: Barbara (Brian) Boudignon, Janet (Don) Love, Pearl (Donavon) Block, Terry (Cindi) Orthner, Dale (Bonnie) Orthner, Earl (Gladys) Orthner, and Murry (Gail) Orthner.  He was predeceased by his father Louie (1984) and brothers Bruce (1978) and Roger (2012).

We say farewell to a wonderful man.  He tried to be fair and honest with all people.  He believed in hard work and in taking time to relax.  Many will remember how he loved to tease.

“He who dwells in the memory of his loved one is not dead, he is only distant.” (Heidi and Frank Tippelt, Leipzig Germany)

Memorial donations can be made to any of the following organizations:

Raymore Baptist Church Building Fund

PO Box 65

Raymore, SK  S0A 3J0

-or-

Palliative Care Rooms

Wynyard Hospital Auxiliary

PO Box 1873

Wynyard, SK  S0A 4T0

-or-

Strasbourg & District Health Center

PO Box 217

Strasbourg, SK  S0G 4V0