Elizabeth Sawatzky

It is with great sadness that the family of Elizabeth Sawatzky, age 96, announces her peaceful passing into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the Meadows Care Home in Swift Current, SK.

Elizabeth was born on June 17, 1926 to John & Agnes Funk in Schoenfeld, SK — the second oldest of nine children. She attended school in Schoenfeld and continued her education at Swift Current Bible Institute where she met her future husband, Jake. Elizabeth & Jake married on May 31, 1947 in Swift Current, SK where they raised three children — Gary (1948), Brenda (1951), and Bryan (1956). She was a homemaker and cleaned houses part-time. Elizabeth loved sewing, she made many clothes and quilts for her children and grandchildren.

She was very active in her church, teaching Sunday School, Pioneer Girls, and attending Ladies Prayer Band. Elizabeth enjoyed the many camping trips taken with family and friends, her garden, puzzling, and family get togethers. She was an excellent cook and baker — her grandchildren will remember her for her syrup cookies and other goodies. Elizabeth enjoyed the simpler things in life and family was very important to her. However, the most important part of her life was her faith in God. She read her Bible from cover to cover many times and prayed faithfully for her family and friends daily.

Elizabeth is survived by her children and their families, her son, Gary (Donna) Sawatzky, and their children, Larry (Kari) Sawatzky and Michael Sawatzky; her son, Bryan (Angela) Sawatzky, and their children, Krysta (David) Doerksen, Karla Sawatzky, and Matthew (Melissa) Sawatzky; her daughter, Brenda (Willie) Reddekopp’s, children, Janet (Milton) Dyck, Rhonda (Kevin) Scheetz, Andrea (Kris) Bonogofski, and David Reddekopp; her great-grandchildren, Cassandra Dyck, Kyla Dyck, Madison Dyck, Brendan Scheetz, Rachel Scheetz, Gabrielle Bonogofski, Domonic Bonogofski, Millen Sawatzky, Arly Sawatzky, Josiah Doerksen, Ezra Doerksen, Lydia Doerksen, Elias Doerksen, Mila Cairns, Esme Cairns, Adelheid Sawatzky, Irelynn Sawatzky, and Gideon Sawatzky; her sisters, Anne Dueck, Irma Martens, Tiena Regier, and Lillian Dutchak; her brother, Ben Funk; her sisters-in-law, Violet Funk, Helen Zeleznik, and Marj Sawatsky; and by numerous nephews and nieces.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Jake “Jack” Sawatzky; her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda & Willie Reddekopp; her great-granddaughter, Katrina Sawatzky; her parents, John & Agnes Funk; her brothers, Isaac Funk and Ernest Funk; her sister, Marie Bassendowske; her brothers-in-law, John Sawatzky, Edward Sawatzky, Henry Sawatsky, Victor Sawatsky, Robert Gilchrist, Bill Zeleznik, Harry Bassendowske, John Regier, Cornie Martens, Edward Vike, Neil Brown, and Paul Dutchak; her sisters-in-law, Kay Gilchrist, Rita Sawatzky, Mary Funk, Shirley Funk, Ann Vike, Dot Sawatzky, Marilyn Brown, and Gwen Sawatsky; and by several nephews and nieces.

The family will miss her presence here on earth but look forward to being reunited with her in heaven someday.

The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent care Elizabeth received while she was a resident of the Meadows. She often talked about this care, and we as family greatly appreciated it.

The Funeral Service for Elizabeth Sawatzky was held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm from Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Blair Froese and Pastor Milton Friesen officiating. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 was read by Cassandra Dyck. “It is Well” and “The Old Rugged Cross” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Karan Regier and worship team, with Marilyn Ginter serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Helena Leiding, who sang “When We See Christ.” The eulogy and a tribute was given by Bryan Sawatzy and tributes were given by Elizabeth’s grandchildren. A photo presentation was given by the grandchildren. The ushers in the church were Frank Rempel and Sid Chalmers.

The service was recorded and can be viewed here. The service bulletin is available to view below.

The Interment Service for Elizabeth Sawatzky was held prior to the Funeral Service from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Larry Sawatzky, David Reddekopp, Matthew Sawatzky, Milton Dyck, Kevin Scheetz, Kris Bonogofski, and David Doerksen serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Elizabeth Sawatzky, donations made to ShareWord Global (formerly Gideons International) would be appreciated by the family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Sawatzky, please visit our floral store.