It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Elmer Raymond Ensminger of Medicine Hat, AB on Wednesday, November 1st, 2017 at the age of 80 years. He was the loving husband of Margery Ensminger and leaves to cherish his memory with his son, Curtis (Janice Tate); daughter, Sheri (Kenton) Sommerfeld; his grandson, Brady John Sommerfeld; sisters-in-law, Anna Wutzke, Lucille Christensen and Louise Wutzke; brother-in-law, Robert (Doris) Wutzke as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Elmer was born March 6th, 1937 at Wimborne, AB. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Frieda Ensminger; all of his siblings, Edith Evelyn Ensminger, Violet Ensminger, Martin Ensminger, Ida Dewald, Albert Ensminger, Paul Ensminger, Herbert Ensminger, Ruth Buchert, Norman Ensminger; and his oldest grandson, Jaydon Nicholas Sommerfeld.
Elmer married the love of his life on June 24th, 1960. He had several careers over his 80 years including working in the Wimborne grocery store, a telegraph operator with the Medicine Hat division of the CPR and was a Lieutenant and Platoon Captain with the Medicine Hat Fire Department until his retirement on March 31st, 1998. He enjoyed many hobbies including tinkering in the garage, tending to his garden, camping, travelling, hose laying competitions, playing darts, fishing, golfing, playing slowpitch/fastball, playing hockey, curling, hunting and being the best Grandpa to his two grandsons. Elmer loved playing games of all kinds and was always up for a game of cards or Crokinole. He often got together for coffee and conversation with past colleagues and friends. His hugs and beautiful smile will always be remembered. We are so thankful for the family and friends (especially his “washers/card playing” group) who have always been close by.
Our family would like to thank all those who have supported us through this tough journey. We appreciate the support from the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Center in Calgary as well as all at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Center. Thank you also to Mrs. Leslie Racz, who gave generously of her time and expertise as Elmer’s Patient Advocate as well as incredible support to his whole family.
A Celebration of Elmer’s life will take place on Monday, November 6th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 515 Sprague Way SE, with a luncheon to follow. A private interment will take place at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Center, c/o The Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 4H6 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 340A Maple Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 7L5. Life’s Too Shorts – hug your loved ones, tell a friend you care and smile … we don’t know what tomorrow holds. There is an incredible reunion in Heaven this week.
Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Elmer Ensminger. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to