Obituary - Harold Jackle

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Louis Jackle. He slipped away peacefully in his sleep in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 20, 2025, at the age of 95 years. Born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on April 18, 1930, Harold was the second of four children to Louis and Caroline (nee Glass). He was raised on the farmstead at Fox Valley, SK and his upbringing was molded by the hard work that was needed to be done by all to make a farm successful in that area. Although the work was difficult, it was balanced by the realization that there was joy to be found as well. Church activities, community involvement, family gatherings and friendships offset the stresses of creating a successful farming operation. It was at one of the ball tournaments organized by the Church, that he met a beautiful blonde girl from Leader, SK. It is accurate to say that it was love at first sight and Dad married Irene Grace Wenzel on November 30, 1956. They celebrated the birth of Cheryl in 1960, Marlan in 1963 and Ken in 1965. Their love and commitment to each other was constant, steadfast and an inspiration to us all until her passing on September 29, 2021. They were married for nearly 65 years.

Harold is survived by his two sons: Marlan and his three children, Daniel (Tia), Sherene (Nico) and Travis (Robin); and Ken (Phillane) and their two daughters, Tiara and Tenille (Matt). He is also survived by Cheryl’s three sons; Robert (Kirstie) Evans, Marlan (Jenna) Evans and their children, Noah and Charlotte, Michael Evans and Cheryl’s extended family. He also leaves to mourn his two brothers-in-law, Bert (Arlene) Wenzel and Doug (Dorie) Wenzel along with many, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife, Irene; his cherished daughter, Cheryl Triskle (2015); his sister and brother-in-law, Esther and Bruce Martin; his brother, Edwin (Margaret) and his brother, Gordon (Anita). He was also predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Art Wenzel, Melvin and Ella Wenzel, Reuben and Ellie Wenzel, Merrel Wenzel, Rod (Diane) Wenzel and his sister-in-law Jean (Max) Brautigam.

He loved and treasured all of these people along with all the friends he gathered on his life’s journey. Family was very important to Dad. Mom and Dad accumulated many friends over the years. Having good times with them was very important for both, especially the celebrated card games with close neighbours, which became a tradition after the farm received an inch of rain. Dad was a true farmer, heart and soul. He lived his life in tune with the weather, the earth and with the Spirit all around him. He was always thankful for the bounty the farm provided, both for our family and for the world.

Dad believed that one should always use their talents to improve the lives of others. Because of this, he offered his service whenever he could. He served as Director of the United Grain Growers Local 574 for 27 consecutive years and as chair for 16 years. He proudly served the R.M. of Fox Valley #171 for 29 years. During this time, he was the Deputy Reeve for 11 years and the Agricultural Councilor for the R.M. for 17 years. He is recognized as the longest serving councilor for the R.M. since its incorporation in 1913. He was the Sub-Unit Director of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities for 4 years as well. He organized the first Spring Rate Payers meeting in Fox Valley and then chaired the meetings for the next 16 years; represented the R.M. on the Agriculture Development and Diversification Board; was on the Chinook Regional Library Board and the Maple Creek Union Hospital Board; was a founding member of the first rural snowplow club in the R.M. and was the Director of the Fox Valley Rural Telephone Company until it was taken over by Sasktel. He was active in the 4-H Club and was a Crop Reporter for decades and also served as an Elder and President for the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fox Valley. He loved to sing; was a member of the Golden Prairie Community Choir and was also happy to volunteer at the many events that were held in Fox Valley.

His commitment to community service can only be described as exemplary. He never sought recognition for this service and was greatly humbled to receive the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal for his service in 1993. When he received this prestigious award, he commented, “every community is made up of a wheel and a hub and I was simply a spoke in the wheel. God’s help from above has helped me carry out this work.”

Perhaps to counter the quietness of an empty nest, Dad developed incredible skills in wheat weaving, willow basket weaving and the making of willow furniture. His wheat weaving skills can only be described as incredible. Examples of his work are in the Canadian embassy in Germany and were in the head offices of both the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and the United Grain Growers in Regina. He was commissioned by the University of Saskatchewan to create the gifts given to the ten keynote speakers for the 1997 International Symposium on Wheat Genetics. He also won several first place ribbons for wheat weaving and for his wheat sheaves at Agribition in Regina. His teardrop ornaments, stars and other decorations adorn many Christmas trees of his family and friends and his windmills, house blessings, sunbursts and other creations decorate many homes. Some of his favorite memories were of taking his grandchildren to find the perfect grove of willows to cut for his amazing creations or teach them how to weave a basket or take them to the pasture to collect flowers. These are the memories his grandchildren will cherish as well.

Even after his sight, hearing and many of his artistic skills were taken away by his strokes in 2011, he was still able to weave some beautiful decorations and braid innumerable ropes that were either very intricate or incredibly strong. He struggled at first but his innate skill came to the fore and resulted in the many treasured heirlooms and precious gifts that he created after he and Mom moved to Medicine Hat. These items also decorate the many homes where he so generously gave them.

Psalm 81-6: “I relieved his shoulder of the burden, His hands were freed of the basket. You called in trouble and I reassured you. I answered you in the hiding place of thunder.”

Matthew 11, v 6: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Dad is at peace.

The family would like to thank all the staff at River Ridge Seniors Village for the many years of care and support they gave Dad. He was always thankful for the assistance and friendly help that was always available.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Lutheran Hour, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medicine Hat or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Harold’s life was held at St. Paul Lutheran Lutheran Church,515 Sprague Way S.E., on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ken Edel officating. Interment will be held at a later date near Fox Valley, SK.

Harold’s service can be viewed in the video below. Thank you to all who attended both in-person and online.

July 19th