Date of Birth: May 27, 1936
Date of Death: May 2, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elroy Senft of Lemberg, SK. Elroy left us peacefully and walked into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, May 2, 2025, and was 88 years old.
Elroy was born along side his twin brother, Elmer, on May 27, 1936, to William and Ida Senft on the family farm in Lemberg, SK. He spent his entire life on the farm in Lemberg except for a short time working the shipyards in Vancouver, B.C.
Elroy was born to a large family of fifteen children. He was a shy boy who spent his youth playing anti-over, horse shoes and protecting his sisters from being chased by the roosters. As a young man, Elroy worked on the family farm. He met the love of his life, MaryAnn, and they wed on Nov. 11, 1965. Together they farmed for over 60 years growing various crops, raising beef, pork, chickens, and milking cows. Raising seven children on the farm, their home was always full of the laughter of children and grandchildren.
Once retired, Elroy and MaryAnn took numerous trips, became avid gardeners and spent countless hours cutting acres of grass and working on puzzles.
Elroy’s dedication to the farm and his work ethic are seen through his children. We will all miss hearing his favourite sayings, “oi yoi yoi” and “work hard”.
Elroy is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, MaryAnn; his children, Larry Derksen (Brenda, Carmen, Misty and Harley), Kathy Kroeker (Ben), Debbie Cunday (Barry, Chasity, Nathan), Bobbi Derksen (Ashley, Justin), Gene (Tammy, Amber and Cody), Joanne Mercer (Brooke, Amanda, Lacey, Deanna, Brittany and Kayla), Roxanne (Remo DiAntonio and Gabrielle), as well as numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Linda, Wilma, Ida and Rose; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In August 2024, Elroy was diagnosed with prostate cancer that metastasized to the bone. He insisted on staying in his house with MaryAnn and his children being his caregivers. On April 20, 2025, he was hospitalized at Fort Qu’Appelle, SK. Elroy was transferred to Palliative Care at the Pasqua Hospital. His wife, children and grandchildren were with him for his last days, sharing memories and laughs of the family farm, all of which made Elroy come alive and share some jokes and laughter.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Palliative Care for their compassionate end-of-his-life care for our dear Elroy.
Elroy’s funeral service will be held Saturday, May 17, 2024, at 2 p.m., at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville, with Pastor Lorne Bonk officiating. Interment will be in Lemberg and District Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
