Obituary of Elsie "Elsa" Wanda Schoenknecht

Elsie Wanda Schoenknecht

(September 3, 1930 - September 14, 2018)

Elsie was born in the Falun district, west of Wetaskiwin.  She was the fifth of six children born to Jacob and Lydia Schmidt, and their only daughter. The family had originated from Poland, having settled in Canada in 1928 and were early homesteaders of the area.

Elsie was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She attended Fletcher School. As a young farm girl, she acquired a number of domestic skills, such as cooking, quilting and needlework.

Elsie married Edwin Schoenknecht on June 17, 1952. The young couple settled on a farm near HayLakes, and began a new life together. Their union was blessed with five children, Bonnie, Allan, Marilyn, Shelley and Douglas

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Elsie was a wonderful mother: her hands were kept busy raising a family on the farm. She tended to a large garden, was an amazing cook and baker, and cared for many animals. Elsie was an active member at Our Saviour LutheranChurch, and taught Sunday School, was involved with the L.C.W. group, and sang in the church choir. 

Elsie and Edwin farmed until 1992, and then retired to Camrose. They maintained close ties to the Hay Lakes community. Together, they enjoyed Sunday outings, visits with family and friends, senior activities, and travel.

Elsie passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Friday, September 14, 2018 at the age of 88 years. She had resided at Bethany Meadows for a number of years prior to her passing. Her sweet spirit and caring nature were a comfort to others and will not be forgotten.
 

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Bonnie (Bernie) Anklam, Allan (Pam), Marilyn (Rob) Kemppainen, Shelley (Clark) Merriman, and Doug (Sue); nine grandchildren, Chelsey, Amy (Steven), Adam, Nathan (Aya), Jason, Justin (Kate), Elyse (Stuart), Kirstin, and Evan; two great-grandchildren, Lillian and Marcus; and sisters-in-law Hilda Schmidt, Milda Schmidt, Marlene Schmidt, and Doris Schoenknecht.  Elsie will also be lovingly remembered by many relatives and friends.

Elsie was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Lydia, husband Edwin, and brothers, Erwin, Bert, Ed, Otto and Albert.
 

A public visitation was held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2018, from the Burgar Memorial Chapel.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 20, 2018, from the Our Savior Lutheran Church, Hay Lakes with Rev. Don Bolstad officiating. Interment has taken place in Our Saviour Lutheran Church Cemetery. 

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Our Savior Lutheran Church - Stained Glass Fund or to the charity of one's choice.