Obituary of Orval Ens

 

January 30, 1928 - July 16, 2024

96 Years

 

Orval Ens went to be with Jesus on July 16, 2024, at Cypress House in Swift Current, Saskatchewan with family by his side.

Orval was born in the farmhouse close to Waldheim, Saskatchewan on January 30, 1928, to Jacob and Helena Ens.  He had seven siblings, Ed, Bill, Ruby, Dennis, Emery, Amy, and Mavis.

Growing up in the dirty thirties wasn’t easy with little rain and poor crops.  Orval recalls milking a cow as young as six.  During the summer months, he often herded cattle or picked rocks.  He helped with chopping wood, with harvesting vegetables and picking wild strawberries, also, stooking and threshing.  Spiritual instruction was a high priority in the home. Youth activities in the neighboring church were always an exciting time.  At the age of 11 years, He decided that he wanted to have Christ as his Savior.  He wanted to know that when he died, he would go to be with him.

He took Grades 1-10 in Danzig School and finished at Waldheim High School and graduated in 1946.  He took his teachers training and University, in Saskatoon.  He taught in rural schools for 16 1/2 years.  They were Usherville, Hoffnungsort, Rosthern, Birsay and Ruth School near Unity.  After one year of sabbatical leave, he went to Cut Knife Elementary School where he was vice Principal for two years, and taught grade eight. Then he was principal for 20 years, and taught grade six.  With numerous correspondence and summer classes Orval got his B.A. and B. Ed Degrees.  He taught a total of 38.5 years. He estimates he taught about 1020 students.

Orval married Martha Kreiter on May 7, 1950.  Together they had two children, Barbara Ann, who passed away in childbirth and Randal Curtis.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, acting, various art projects, and of course playing the Mennonite game. Within minutes he would know how he was related to you. His mind was sharp, and he had a great sense of humor.  He loved history and did many tours to Cut Knife Hill.

While teaching, and in his superannuation years he was quite involved in different organizations, usually in a leadership role.  One year he was chairperson of five organizations.  He was also zone leader 8 out of 38 years of work with the Gideons.  In 1995, he was chosen Cut Knife Citizen of the Year.  He taught Sunday School, ushered, and preached on numerous occasions.  He enjoyed being involved with the Silver Songbirds in Cut Knife.  He had a passion for researching family roots and completed three genealogical books.  At 80 years, he wrote and published his autobiography.’ Called “Odds and Ends” which he wrote especially for his grandchildren.

Orval and Martha travelled to every Canadian Province, to Europe, and parts of the USA and Mexico.

After several years of failing health, Martha was confined to the Cut Knife Special Care Home for seven months.  The Lord was merciful and took her home on March 31, 2006.

Orval is survived by Randy and his wife Dolores, their children, Jeremy Ens (Shauna) and their children Calista (Carson) and Damian; Jody Ens (Melanie) and their children Kaiden and Avianna; Jillian (Tyler) Pointer, and their children, Sullivan, Loxley, and Hutchens; Jaelynn and Tim Birkedal.  Also, his brother Emery (Mary) Ens, sisters Amy Loewen, Mavis Ens, sister-in-law Joyce Kreiter and numerous very special nieces and nephews.

Orval had many friends in Cut Knife, from former students to coffee row.  He also had many dear friends in the Unity Baptist Church.

In 2013 he moved to Riverview Estates in Swift Current, Sask. to be closer to family.  Here he got involved in singing, drama, reading Daily Bread, and games.  He gained many more friends during his eight years there.  In 2021, his health declined, and he moved to Cypress House, where he received excellent care until his home going.

Orval’s favorite scripture was Isaiah 40:8. The grass withers and the flowers fade but the Word of the Lord stands forever. 

His message to his family and friends is from Matthew 6:33, Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. 

 

 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday, September 14, 2024

2:00 P.M.

Rosthern Mennonite Church

3016 5th Street, Rosthern, SK S0K 3R0

 

URN COMMITTAL SERVICE AT GRAVESIDE

Rosthern Cemetery (New section, west end)

 

Following both services,

everyone is welcome to join the family

for a fellowship lunch in the church basement.

 

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

Gratefully accepted toward the Gideons,

now ShareWord Global

501 Imperial Road North, Guelph, ON Canada N1H 6T9

 

Arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK

 

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