Obituary of Elmer Gerbrandt

GERBRANDT – ELMER passed away suddenly in his home on Good Friday, April 2, 2010 and he joined the love of his life, Kathy, in heaven. He was born on April 11, 1934 to Cornelius and Susie Gerbrandt in their home near Herbert. He was the youngest of their six children. Elmer’s commitment to his Lord and Saviour, followed by his baptism in the Herbert MB Church blossomed with his marriage to Kathy Doerksen on August 26, 1961 at the Herbert MB Church. They made their first home in Herbert. Their lives together and Elmer’s life to his passing were guided by strong faith and regular attendance at BridgewayCommunityChurch. In Herbert he was employed by Bender’s Motors, followed by Redekop Farm Equipment, and then Regier Motors (Ford and John Deere). After a few years, when employment took him to Swift Current, Elmer and Kathy purchased a lovely home there. Elmer worked for many years as a partsman for Jay Dee Equipment (John Deere), Wilton Ford and most recently many years at Cypress Motors in Swift Current and was well known for having every part memorized. Even after his retirement in April, 2004 he continued to show up to work three or four days a week and the business depended on his wealth of knowledge. As so often is the case, the experienced mind is worth more than the modern computer. Elmer is survived by his sisters Katie Mathies and Esther Penner, his brother Harry (Lena) Gerbrandt, his sisters-in-law Elizabeth Penner, Helen Doerksen, Ruth Doerksen and Mary Doerksen and brother-in-law Hardy (Donna) Doerksen and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews. Elmer’s wife Kathy predeceased him on November 28, 2006 after a lengthy period of illness. Elmer will always be remembered and respected for his love, devotion and care to Kathy throughout her years of suffering. During their forty-five years together the love grew stronger and stronger without wavering. Elmer was also predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Susie Gerbrandt, his sister Justina Peters, his brother Irven, his brothers-in-law David Mathies, Leonard Peters and John Penner. Kathy’s parents Frank and Helena Doerksen, her brothers Jake, John, Henry, Pete and Frank J. all predeceased him as well. Donations in his memory may be made to Gideons International. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from BridgewayCommunityChurch with Pastor Cliff Janzen officiating. Music was by Sheila Braun. The obituary was read by Herb Mathies and a tribute was given by Roy Mathies. The pallbearers were nephews: Scott Gerbrandt, Ron Mathies, Tim Penner, Bob Mathies, Ken Mathies and David Heck. The interment took place at MemoryGardensCemetery, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.