William Wocknitz

WILLIAM (WILLIE) JAMES WOCKNITZ, beloved husband of Norma Wocknitz passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 27, 2008 in Magrath at the age of 93 years. William was predeceased by his first wife Dorothy Bly in 1986. He is also the loving father of: Shirley (Victor) Boychuk of Lethbridge, Donna (Lawrence) Landy of San Diego, California, Carol (Eugene, deceased) Dahl of Raymond, Robert (Joanne) Wocknitz of Magrath, and the step father of: Rian (Jane) Anderson of Fairview, Utah, Susan (Roger) Dixon of West Jordan, Utah, Eris Cloward, and Karen (Bruce) Despain of West Jordan, Utah. He is also survived by two sisters; Alice Brietzke of Three Hills, Alberta and Stella Salberg of Raymond, and two brothers; Earl "Bud" of Magrath, and Leonard of Trenton, Ontario. Willie was born on March 6, 1914 at the farm home north of Magrath to Paul and Susan Wocknitz. Farming has been his life. After working many years on the "home" place, he purchased the farm next door. Through the years he quickly adapted to the rapid changes in technology as he progressed from working with horses to powerful four-wheel drive tractors and computerized combines. Early in his life he displayed an aptitude for fixing things. He became a licensed mechanic, gaining a reputation of honesty and integrity as he repaired vehicles for many friends and neighbors. Later in life, his interest turned to restoring antique cars. He would commandeer children and grandchildren to help drive his fleet of nine antique and classic cars in local parades. Willie served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Dorothy served in the Holbrook Arizona Mission where they worked with the Navajo people. The second mission, with Norma, was served in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah After his marriage to Norma, he divided his time between his farm home in Magrath and her home in Utah. Willie shared his love with his two families; the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will lovingly be remembered by all of the "Susies" and "Georges". Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, Magrath Garden Place Chapel with Bishop Harold Murray officiating. Friends may meet the family at the church in Magrath on Friday February 1, 2008 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. as well as Saturday, February 2, from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Magrath Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, 402-740-4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9.

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