Obituary of Manske Magdalena Stella

Stella Magdalena Kosakowsky was born on April 22, 1927. This is where her uniqueness would begin. Stella was left in a basket on the doorstep of the church. The priest found her and almost immediately brought her across the street to John & Emilia Kosakowsky who took Stella in without hesitation, as fate would have it Emilia had been adopted as well. Stella was their first child but would be the first of eight - five girls and three boys. Stella grew up in rural Saskatchewan until 1943 when the family would move to Handel, Saskatchewan. Along with her mother, father and brother - Stella worked for a farmer for one month stoking and stacking sheaves. They were each paid two hundred dollars for the month's work. Stella gave her money to her parents which allowed them to buy a house for six hundred dollars. Her mother and father would live in that house for 33 years or until 1976. This was a strong quality that reflected in Stella's life. Family was everything and she would constantly put family and others before herself. This was not a privilege limited to family; it was also extended to many neighbors, friends and even strangers. In 1948, Stella would leave Handel and carry on to post-secondary to receive her Teacher's Certificate. She taught one year at Cranich Lake School near Carmel, Saskatchewan. Following this she would move on to teach at Meadowlands School north of Macklin, Saskatchewan. During this time Stella would meet her future husband, William Herman Paul Manske. Stella and William were married in Handel on July 3, 1951 and together they would have two children, William and Linda. The family would call the farm their home and together they worked very hard to raise cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, cats and dogs. It was through these many parts of their farm that Stella and William were able to show their children the value of hard work and family. Sadly, William Sr. passed away suddenly on August 11, 1970 leaving Stella and William Jr. to tend to the many demands of the farm. Following some tough years and adjustment, Stella and Bill would continue to run the farm and Linda was able to move onto a career of nursing. Stella had many hobbies but without doubt one of her favorites was music - specifically playing guitar, blowing harmonica or yodeling. She also enjoyed playing women's softball and had always wished to be a catcher if they would have had a big leagues for women. To her family, Stella was one of the most intelligent people they would ever know. Over the years, along with guests and Bill, Stella would stay up stay up to the early hours of the morning listening and talking with other intellects. Along with her genuine nature and intellect, Stella was also a fantastic cook. If you ever left her house hungry, it was likely your own fault as she would often prepare large quality meals. Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Stella was a terrific friend to both Bill and Linda. As children and family they would receive the definition of unconditional love. Stella will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her son, William R. Manske; daughter, Linda (Ray) Gagne; granddaughter, Janelle (Gavin); brother, Nick; as well as numerous other friends and relatives. Stella was predeceased by her husband, William H. Manske; four sisters and two brothers.