Elmer Zacharias

The family of the late Elmer Zacharias, age 91, of Swift Current, SK, formally of Herbert, SK, would like to announce his passing to his eternal home on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the Meadows – House 11 with his loving wife of 68 years and family by his side.

Elmer George Zacharias was born on April 19, 1929 to John R. & Anna Zacharias on the family farm at Beaver Flat, SK. He attended Funk school as a child and worked alongside his siblings on the family's farm.

Elmer loved playing music and the jam sessions with family and friends were always a highlight. As a young man, he started following the rodeo circuit with some of his brothers and his cousins, the Cornelson brothers. He enjoyed participating in events like saddleback, wild cow milking, and the wild horse race — he won first place at the Meadow Lake Rodeo in calf roping, and many other ribbons and cash prizes in the events he participated in.

On November 16, 1952 Elmer married his sweetheart, Nettie Martens, at the Herbert Conference Church. For a short time they lived in Leduc, AB where he worked with his brother, Eldon, in the oil field driving truck. They then moved to Main Centre, SK where he farmed and they started their family.

Their first son, Perry Lynn, was born on May 28, 1958. Their second son and Christmas baby, Darrell Elmer, followed on December 25,1960. Within a few years, they bought an acreage at Herbert and completed their family with a baby girl, Eunice May, on April 17,1963 — a birthday present for dad.

Elmer was baptized at the Capeland Church near Main Centre in 1959.

On the acreage they had dogs, cats, milk cows, horses, and the occasional pig. Elmer bought farmland alongside his brother, Harry, and farmed it until 1980. Along with farming his own land, Elmer worked for various farmers in the area. He also worked at the Herbert feedlot, did maintenance at the Herbert Hospital, and at REM Manufacturing in Swift Current.

In his retirement he continued to help farmers at harvest time and kept up with tree trimming, cutting grass, and shoveling snow at home and for others. Elmer found great joy in gardening and keeping the barn, and everything in it, in top-notch condition — he could often be found polishing saddles and tack, or outside shining and cleaning the car.

Elmer leaves to mourn his wife, Nettie Zacharias (Swift Current, SK); his son, Perry (Pam Smith) Zacharias (Warman, SK); his daughter-in-law, Brenda Zacharias (Shaunavon, SK); his daughter, Eunice (Larry) Peterson (Swift Current, SK); his grandchildren, Jason (Brianna) Zacharias, Justin (Delaney Bredahl) Zacharias, Jenna (Jeff) Hiebert, Nolan (Daina) Klassen, Logan (Kelli) Klassen, Tyron Zacharias, Tyrell Zacharias, and Tyla Zacharias; his eighteen great-grandchildren (another one due in June); his sister, Ruth (Albert) Robillard (Regina, SK); his sisters-in-law, Martha Radiuk and Martha Zacharias; and by many nieces and nephews.

Elmer was predeceased by his son, Darrell Zacharias, on March 6, 2010; his parents, John R. & Anna Zacharias; his parents-in-law; and by his siblings, Irvin (Mary)Zacharias, John (Maria) Zacharias, Linda (Ed) Funk, Leona (Roy) Funk; Anne (Dave) Doerksen; Eldon Zacharias, Esther (Pete) Klaassen, and Harry Zacharias.

The Funeral Service for Elmer Zacharias was held on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 2:00 pm from East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bob Cappelle officiating. Lizzy Hunter served as soloist and Valerie Redekop served as pianist. “Amazing Grace” and “I’ll Fly Away” were sung by the congregation. The obituary was read by grandson, Justin Zacharias. Tributes were given by grandchildren, Tyla Zacharias, Tyrell Zacharias, and Jenna Hiebert. The ushers in the church were granddaughters, Jenna Hiebert and Tyla Zacharias.

The Private Family Interment Service was held following the Funeral Service from the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with grandsons, Jason Zacharias, Justin Zacharias, Nolan Klassen, Logan Klassen, Tyron Zacharias, and Tyrell Zacharias serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Elmer Zacharias, donations made to the Meadows Auxiliary (308 - 230 Lister-Kaye Crescent, Swift Current, SK, S9H 0A2) and Teen Challenge – Prairie Hope Women’s Center (2155 Airport Dr #12, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 6M5) would be appreciated by the family.

The Funeral Service was recorded and and will be available to view as soon as possible. 

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