Degenstein, August Joseph passed away peacefully at Vulcan Extendicare May 8, 2008 at the age of 94 years.
August was born on October 24, 2913 at Berwick, North Dakota to Joseph and Barbara Degenstein. When August was five years old they moved to Turin, Alberta and later to Lomond.
August joined the Royal Canadian Engineers Corp. in 1942. He married Dorothy Hummel in June, 1943. The following month he was sent overseas and served on the front lines in WWII until returning home in December 1945. August moved his family to Warner where he worked on the Lorne McKenzie farm. In 1948 they moved back to the Champion area where he purchased a farm. August and Dorothy moved into Champion in 1982 where he lived until February of this year when he moved into Extendicare.
August was a fine accordion player and he, accompanied by his wife Dorothy on the piano, played many dances with several orchestras throughout Southern Alberta.
August is survived by his loving wife Dorothy of 65 years, a son Blain (Joan) of Airdrie, a daughter Jacquie Shand (Harvey Kraft) of Calgary, four grandchildren, April Shand, Amy (Roy Stuchkless), Jenny (Tim Becker), Clark Degenstein (Erin) , three great grandchildren, four step grandchildren, seven step great grandchildren, a brother Frank, two brothers-in-law George (Alice) Hummel, Ramon (Jean) Hummel, sister-in-law Racille (George) Ellis and numerous nieces and nephews.
August was predeceased by a baby daughter Dewilla, a daughter -in-law Loree, five brothers, two sisters, his parents and ten half siblings.
Funeral Mass Monday May 12, 2008 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Champion with Rev.Fr. Malcolm D’Souza Celebrant.
Interment Champion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers tributes in August’s memory can be made to either the Champion Cemetery Maintenance Association, Box 99, Champion, T0L 0R0 or Vulcan Extendicare Auxiliary, Box 810, Vulcan, T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.