Obituary of Wilmer Senft

SENFT Mr. Wilmer Leslie, age 77, of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, peacefully slipped away in the early morning of Sunday, February 28, 2010 at the CypressRegionalHospital. Wilmer is survived by his loving wife, Lillie, of 57 years; his three daughters: Cathie (Don) McLeod of Alberta Beach, AB, Janet (Mark) Gross of Winfield, AB, Christine (Randy) Gehl of Airdrie, AB; grandchildren: Kevin, Vanessa, Nathan, Audra (Jamie), Tyson, Trevor and Justin; sister, Mildred (Lloyd) Beisel; brother, Alan (Liz) Senft; sisters-in-law, Linda (Ron) Sauder and Alice (Arnie) Leis; brother-in-law, George (Linda) Schmidt; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Rebecca Senft; his parents-in-law, Christian and Amelia Schmidt; and granddaughter, Sarah Johnstone. Wilmer was born March 22, 1932 in the house built by his grandfather. As a child he attended VickersSchool #678. Wilmer began farming when he was eighteen years old. On April 5, 1953 he married Lillie Schmidt, and together they took their turn to live on the homestead, raising their three girls and farming the land. Wilmer was a gentle man who cherished his many good friends and treasured his family. He spent countless hours with others sharing his passion for music, singing, playing his guitar and laughing with the people who were so important in his life. He and Lillie loved traveling and camping, experiencing many new adventures with family and friends. He was a competitive curler in his younger years and he took up golf later in life, being a constant at the course for as long as his body would allow. Wilmer was very active in the community of Hodgeville. He served on the Rink, Library, Health, and Co-op Boards. He also served on the Vogel Pool committee for over twenty five years. His interest in local affairs also led him to serve as Councilor for four years and as a Reeve for eight years in the Municipality of Lawtonia. He was a member of the Pioneer Co-op Board of Directors of Swift Current for twenty two years. His service was recognized when he was honored with the Saskatchewan Cooperative Order of Merit Award in 2000. His last office was the current President of the Kiwanis Club of Prairie Pioneers. He was a talented carpenter and was a very accomplished craftsman. The pieces he created on the wood lathe led to his membership in the Saskatchewan Craft Council. Many of his pieces were accepted in juried shows across Canada and the U.S.A. and can be found in many homes and in collections all over the world. Wilmer and Lillie retired to Swift Current in 1992 and he enjoyed many happy years there. The last few years he struggled with poor health although he was forever the optimist. We will miss him immensely. Friends and family so wishing can make donations to the Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, Marcy 3, 2010 from St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Rev. Greg Kiel officiating. The Ushers were Roy Deobald and Art Straub. Readers were Mark Gross and Charolette Montgomery. The pallbearers were Nathan Gross, Kevin McLeod, Tyson Gehl, Dwight Senft, Jordan Verlage, David Sauder. Interment took place at HillcrestCemetery, Swift Current, SK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Please visit our website at parksidefuneralhome.com to sign the family book of condolence.