Elmer Harold Schaefer

June 19, 2015 7 Condolences Print Obituary Send Flowers

October 21, 1942 - June 18, 2015

On June 18, 2015 Elmer Schaefer of Edmonton went home to be with the Lord at the age of 72 years.

He is survived by his loving children: Gregory, Wesley (Erin) and Lisa (Mark); mother of his children, Elsie; five grandchildren, two brothers, one sister as well as many relatives and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents and one sister.

Elmer was the youngest child to Albert and Olga Schaefer, born in October of 1942 in Cereal, Alberta. He grew up on the family farm near Sibbald, Alberta with his four older siblings: Walter, Lorraine, Melvin and Gladys.  At the young age of 14, Elmer moved to Edmonton to attend school at Concordia College for grades 10, 11 &12. Immersing himself in sports, Elmer earned the “Big C” for best player for all three years. Not only was he able to pursue his passion in athletics at Concordia, but also his love for singing with the Concordia Male Chorus. The friendships he made over these years proved to be true and strong, some of which have lasted until his passing. It was also at Concordia College where Elmer met his future wife, Elsie. They were married for over 30 years. Together they had three children, Gregory, Wesley and Lisa. Elmer was a very committed father always involved in his children’s lives. The various boards, committees and programs he was associated with or served on, reflected this.

Elmer kept up with his love of sports either as a spectator or teammate. He was an avid curler, bowler and golfer. Elmer also enjoyed painting nature scenes. Over the years, he took pleasure in perfecting his culinary skills. Spending time with his family, however, like at the cabin at Lake Nakamun, was Elmer’s greatest love. There the family would water ski, enjoy campfires, skidoo and nordic ski together.

A master salesman at heart, led Elmer to various careers throughout his life with companies like: CFRN, Knowlton Realty, Ron Hodgson Ford, Zan Homes, to name a few. Elmer had the gift to gab, charm others and was known as the jokester. Over the years, he emceed many weddings and other social functions.

Most importantly, Elmer will be remembered by his faith in Christ. His great compassion and concern for others was a reflection of his faith. Until we meet again, Elmer will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.

Memorial Service
11:00AM Tuesday June 30, 2015
Grace Lutheran Church
9907-114 Street Edmonton, AB

Memorial Donations
Concordia Lutheran Seminary
7040 Ada Blvd. Edmonton, AB T5B4E3

Contact Information:
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  1. So very sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close and always reflect back to them. I have memories of Elmer during my emementary, junior high and high school years, a happy man. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.

    Shelley Smitten (Goodman)

    • Thank you Shelley. Please check back to this site in a few days. Wes is preparing Dad’s eulogy which will be posted soon.

  2. We were so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. He was a good friend over the past 15 years. We had many good times together. We would often go for Dim Sum on the weekend. Elmer enjoyed getting together just for a visit. He really liked it when we dropped in to his apartment at the Kiwanis or at the Grey Nuns. We loved to see his latest painting and he would share a special story about each one. Elmer was a true friend and loved to talk about his children and grandchildren. He was not a quitter and never gave up. We will really miss his sense of humour, email jokes and positive attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family at this time.

  3. I am so sorry for your loss! I have such great memories of uncle and will keep them with me always! Please know we are here for you all, let us know if there is anything we can do to support you all!!
    Xo
    Jan, Shawn, Tyson & Dominick

  4. So sad to hear the loss of a father, grandfather.husband and friend to so many, but to know he has left to a better home.My sincere sympathy to all his family and friends. Hope to celebrate his memories of life with you all on the 30th.

  5. I am so sorry Elmer has lost his battle with cancer, but so happy he is eternally with Jesus. We grief, but not as those who have no hope. Elmer was classmate and a hockey buddy while I was at Concordia, Edmonton. Good memories and pictures and words in our yearbook brings back good times and happy memories. God bless you all.
    Don Mossman

  6. I had the pleasure of meeting Elmer though his sister Gladys who roomed with my future wife Margaret Hees when they spread thier wings and started wiorking in the
    big city. He bacame like a brother to me and Margaret as she was an only child. We
    spent many happy times over the years from just enjoying each others company to travelling holidays together. Margaret had great pleasure in assisting with pattering Gregory as an infant. Sadly we lost Margaret to pancreatic cancer last year and now our onlly consolation is we know these wonderful Christian people are watching over us! God Bless.
    God Bless.

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