Obituary of Elmer Esau

Elmer Esau

1942 – 2020

  Elmer Esau, our husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, took his final breath in the early morning hours of December 30, 2020 at the age of 78.  God granted him his desire to go Home.

     Elmer was born on May 14,1942, to Jacob and Mary (Penner) Esau at Swalwell, Alberta. He had 12 siblings. He attended the Antler and Linden schools.

    Dad accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, in 1958.  Dad had his share of struggles, but he wasn’t ashamed to give credit to his Saviour and to the intercessory prayers of his mother for the peace and victory he experienced. His gratitude often spilled over to others. He had a heart for struggling souls.

    On March 20, 1965, Dad married Joann Unruh, the love of his life. They were blessed with six children.

   As a young couple Dad and Mom lived in Abbotsford, B.C. In 1970 they moved to a farm near Stettler, Alberta. Dad was a good provider.  He especially enjoyed truck driving, did custom baling, raised hogs and chickens, drove school bus, did carpentry and bale hauling.  His bale hauling ended when he had a serious accident in 2009.

  Dad enjoyed road trips, camping, fishing, and visiting friends and relatives. Spending time in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Edmonton, Alberta, in voluntary service were highlights for Dad and Mom.

     Dad loved people and interacted easily with them. He was known for his love of a challenge, his quick humor, spontaneous remarks and his winning smile.  He stood strong as a positive role model.

     Dad and Mom moved to the town of Stettler in September of 2014. Two weeks later Dad suffered a massive stroke, causing him many limitations which it seemed he accepted graciously. Dad relied heavily on Mom's dedicated care. He spent his last couple years in Points West Living and Heritage House Long Term Care Facility. A special thanks to Dads devoted caregivers.

     Those left to cherish fond memories are: his loving wife, Joann; his children and grandchildren: Wanda (Merv) Toews, Stettler, AB.-Kayla (Jordan Dyck), Ladean (Brandt Wiebe), Scott, Ryan; Gayle (Bruce) Klassen, Kamloops, B.C.-Jalisa, Kyle; Sheryl (Merle) Penner, Grandview, MB.-Kacey; Barry (Nancy) Westlock, AB.- Brendan, TJ, Jesse, Jamin; Shandele (Steve) Penner, Shefford QC. -Shanay, Jackson, Tara, Thomas, Carson; Kelley (Darcy) Klassen, Stettler, AB.- Jared, Branson, Dallas, Kaylen;  4 great grandchildren; 3 brothers: Harold, Allan (Marlyne), Fred (Bernice); 3 sisters: Edna Loewen, Norma (Ron) Loewen, Deanna (Vern) Loewen.  And many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

     Loved ones gone before: his parents, his parents-in-law, stillborn grandson Riley Klassen, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

     A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Stettler, Alberta with Pastor Keith Klassen officiating.  Interment took place at the Lakeview Cemetery, Fenn, Alberta.  Memorial Contributions may be made to the Stettler Health Services Foundation. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com who are entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403-742-3422