Irma Tokarz, 1945-2008

Irma Victoria (Furstenwerth) Tokarz passed away suddenly in Fairview, Alta. April 19, 2008, at the age of 63 years. Irma was born in Fairview Feb. 3, 1945, to Henry and Margaret Furstenwerth. She spent most of her years growing up in the Gage district where trains and elevators became a big part of her life. She was often called upon by the elevator agents to babysit their children. Irma graduated from Fairview High School in 1963 and Fairview College in 1965. She worked worked in different places and spent time traveling before going to High Prairie. There she met Ronnie Tokarz and April 22, 1978, Irma and Ronnie exchanged wedding vows. It was a very special time for Irma as she had also just finished her radiation treatments for breast cancer. Her strength as a survivor is a great example for all of us. The RCMP surprised Irma and Ron at their wedding by forming an Honour Guard attired in their Red Serge. Irma was a people person, very interested in everyone she met, who they were and where from and their families. She never forgot a name or a face and took time to talk to everyone. Her ability to retain this information was like a computer. This is what Irma wrote as her personal message for the high school class reunion of 1988: “I obtained a certificate in the secretarial program at Fairview College and worked for the provincial government for 23 years in Social Services, the provincial courthouse and Advanced Education. After commuting 75 miles a day for 10 years to High Prairie from Donnelly, I finally resigned and went to work for the RCMP in McLennan. I went from secretary, to business instructor, to court administrator and back to secretary. After all, when you marry a farmer, a wife must keep working!” Irma went on to say, “I have met many interesting people through my employment in the court system as a Justice of the Peace.” In 2000, Irma transferred from McLennan RCMP to the Fairview detachment. She returned to her roots, picked up on many old acquaintances and made new ones. She loved company so much she took in many teachers and EMTs as borders. Irma also worked at the Moran Chapel of Memories where her compassion and caring manner were always evident. Irma retired March 31, 2008, and had plans to do some traveling and just relaxing with family and friends. She was active in the Waterhole Oldtimers Association, as a director at Crossroads and with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. She leaves to mourn: her loving husband of 30 years, Bonnie; aunts Victoria Bergquist and Martha Furstenwerth; as well as numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by: her parents, Henry Furstenwerth in 1977 and mother Margaret Furstenwerth in 1999; and numerous aunts and uncles. A celebration of Irma’s life was held April 26, 2008, at St. Paul’s United Church with Rev. Henry Vicdor officiating. Special music ‘On Angel’s Wing’ was sung by Irma’s good friend, Louise Dart. Active pallbearers were John Furstenwerth, Willie Furstenwerth, Ken Hammerschmidt, Richard Bergquist, Martina Dettling, Jason Wilson and Brian Wilson. Honourary pallbearers were Irma’s co-workers and RCMP as well as the RCMP and Sheriff’s Honour Guard. Interment was at Waterhole Cemetery.