Obituaries

Edna June Gessner (nee Hanson) passed away on December 3, 2025 in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan at the age of 89.

Edna was born and raised on her parent’s farm in the Norrona area west of Bulyea, Saskatchewan. She attended Stoney Croft School and later high school in Strasbourg. Edna worked at the Royal Bank in Regina, Saskatchewan before getting married to the love of her life, Allen Gessner on July 18, 1955. Together they raised a family of 6 children. Their son Ray was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba then they moved to a new home in Regina where daughters Glenda, Donna, Pam and Kathy were born. While living in Regina, weekends were spent helping at the farm. In 1966 they moved out to the farm full time. Joanne was born soon after. In 1973 they built a new home on Allen’s family farm.

Edna was a hard worker raising 6 children and helping on the farm. Edna always had a huge garden and did a lot of canning and baking. Buns and tarts were her specialties. Edna was a 4-H leader and enjoyed sewing clothing for her children. She also enjoyed curling, painting, swimming, singing and being a Mom. Edna loved when her grandchildren came to visit. They were her pride and joy. We were a large family so Edna was always hosting gatherings. Everyone loved her cabbage rolls. Edna and Allen also went on many winter vacations, enjoying long stays in Arizona. They later retired to Strasbourg and when their health began to fail moved into the Last Mountain Pioneer Home together.

Edna leaves to mourn, 6 children Ray (Cheryl) Gessner, Glenda (Mark) Johnson, Donna (Gerry) Dreger, Pam (Lloyd) Herber, Kathy (Victor) Schulz and Joanne (Garth) Cribbs; 16 grandchildren Justin Gessner, Matthew Gessner, Alex (Carl) Dumonceaux, Jillian (Chris) Weiers, Jenna (Chris) Hubick, Garrett (Kelsey) Johnson, Levi (Teanna) Johnson, Kelsey (Cory) Kosinski, Steven (Milana) Dreger, David (Megan) Herber, Katelyn (Mike) Mones, Brooke Schulz (Greg Ferguson), Avery Schulz (Maguire), Andrew (Janelle) Cribbs, Lucas (Alanna) Cribbs and Emily Cribbs (Ty).

30 great-grandchildren Jaeden Gessner, Braxton, Kinsley, Arya and Odin Dumonceaux, Belle, Charlie, Max and Archer Weiers, Tanielle, Nolan, Elise and Annaleigh Hubick, Summer and Jack Johnson, Jase and Clay Johnson, Jackson and Bennett Kosinski, Ellie and Hannah Dreger, Everlee and Leo Herber, Lachlan, Jameson and Shepherd Mones, Blake Ferguson, Walker Cribbs, Lincoln and Bostyn Cribbs. Edna also leaves to mourn her sister Joyce Wagner; her brother Bob (Merna) Hanson; sister-in-law Marlene Hanson; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Edna was predeceased by her loving husband Allen Gessner; her parents Roy and Emma Hanson; her brothers Orville Hanson and Allan Hanson; her sisters Millie Flavel and Hazel Flavel; brothers-in-law Humphrey Flavel, Ken Flavel, Brock Underhill, Ed Wagner and sister-in-law Betty Hanson. She was also predeceased by Allen’s parents John and Kay Gessner; her brother-in-law Art Gessner and sister-in-law Ruby Gessner.

Edna will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Edna’s memory may be made to the Last Mountain Pioneer Home, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan.