Elsie Deger

Elsie was predeceased by her mother Elizabeth Dressler (nee Metz) in 1947, her father Rudolf Dressler in 1968, her husband Anton (Tony) in 2003, her son Greg in 2019, and her brothers Ewald in 1982 and Alfred in 2012.

Elsie is survived by her sister Adelaide Miller, her daughter-in-law Michelle, her daughter Linda, and her son Anthony (Tony). Also left to cherish her memory are her adored nieces and nephews as well as the many relatives and relations living in hometowns spread across the German countryside and the Canadian prairies.

Elsie was a devoted member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church as well as the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League; her faith was dignified and unwavering.

Elsie’s childhood was spent on a homestead near Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. The combination of growing up on a depression-era farm and the premature loss of her own mother taught her much about hard work and responsibility, instilling in her the determination and conscientiousness that she displayed throughout her life. Elsie was married to her beloved Anton on September 19, 1959, in Neudorf, Saskatchewan, and together they set out on the adventure of their lives. Although life during their early years together in Winnipeg’s north end might be considered lean by today’s standards, their mutual love and devotion to their growing family ensured joy, prosperity, and many happy memories over the decades to come.

Elsie was an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable gardener, and she happily toiled for countless hours in her oversized garden each summer. The thoroughness with which she tended her plants was only exceeded by her enthusiasm to share the harvest with family, friends, and neighbours. She also loved her flowers; the varieties that she planted and nurtured were always glorious in their natural splendour. She was a tireless custodian and groundskeeper, always particular about the upkeep and appearance of her home and yard, regardless of the time and effort required.

Elsie was no stranger to foreign travel, having made many trips to explore and enjoy such diverse destinations as Las Vegas, Alaska, Germany, and Italy. Elsie enjoyed many recreational activities; asking her to revisit a previously enjoyed escapade or to embark on a brand new one was never an issue, as she delighted in the enjoyment of those around her as much as the event itself. Cottage life, fishing trips, light aircraft flights, RV camping, hot air balloon rides, professional baseball games, and trips to the Pine River hunting camp were just a few such memorable adventures.

Some of Elsie’s favorite evening pastimes included completing the paper’s daily crossword puzzle and ongoing skirmishes with the latest 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle – only after the day’s chores were completed, of course.

Visitors to Elsie’s home were without exception made to feel welcome; it made no difference what the purpose of the visit was or who was visiting. Fresh tea and home-made cookies were generally on hand to mark these occasions, and if time and circumstances allowed, a well-prepared meal would be another treat not soon forgotten by her guests.

Mom, you were a strong, tough, honest and caring woman who endured much, complained little, and always supported us without hesitation or concern for yourself. We will always carry your memory in our hearts, and we will miss you forever.

The service to remember Elsie will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Green Acres Funeral Home in Winnipeg, and will be livestreamed via www.greenacresfuneralhome.com.

Updated Provincial guidelines regarding gatherings are in effect. Proof of vaccination will be required at the door. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.