Ellen Erika Edith Schwanke
October 2, 1941- January 8, 2019
As published in the January 28, 2019 World-Spectator
In loving memory of Ellen Erika Edith Schwanke (nee Jung), loving wife of Bernhard Schwanke.
Ellen was predeceased by her parents Heinz and Erika Jung.
She is survived by her husband, Bernie, and their three children, Tammy Statz, Brian Schwanke (Brenda) and Bernice Lemoine (Kevin). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amanda Sauve (Tyler), Heather Statz (Zack Maas), Travis Statz (Taylor), Britteny Schwanke, Rebecca Schwanke, Justin Schwanke, Kristine Lazurko (Bryce) and Melissa Lemoine. She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Lucis, Logan, Maggie, Vaida, Rykr, and soon to be, Baby Lazurko. In addition, Ellen leaves behind her two brothers Klaus Jung (Brenda) and Karl Jung (Wendie) and her nieces and nephews, Michael, Roddy, Eric, Matthew and Katrina. Lastly, Ellen left behind her sister-in-law Adeline Roemer from Germany who had the opportunity to join Ellen and Bernie in Canada for a year’s visit in 2016.
Ellen was born in Berlin, Tegel, Germany. In 1954, Ellen, her mother and siblings, Karl and Klaus came to Canada by way of boat. Their journey lasted over 14 days. Her father Heinz welcomed their arrival to Canada as he had come separately, earlier in that same year. On April 23 1960, Ellen married Bernhard Schwanke and they started their lives together in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Ellen and Bernie realized they both had a love for nature, and thus their life-long career as farmers began. In 1965, Ellen and Bernie moved to the Wapella area, first living with Henry Demaer, and then shortly after that purchasing the Gus Gerhardt farm south of Wapella.
Ellen’s humbleness, loving and kind nature is one of the first things people remember most. She worked at the Nursing Home in Moosomin for 20 years, and in these last few years, we, her family, realized how much of an impact she had on her fellow colleagues. It was so common for current staff members at the hospital, to come up to us and tell us special stories of their time together at the nursing home. In addition to showing such compassion to the people around her, Ellen also had a deep love for animals. Her favorite milk cow, Miss Fuzz, her beloved dog, BJ and her constant companion in her final years, Callie the cat to name a few.
Ellen and Bernie enjoyed travelling for many years. From going to Palm Springs in the 1980’s, back to Germany in the early 80’s, and her favorite trip, to Alaska.
In 2006 they moved to Moosomin. It was here, in Moosomin, Mom developed her strongest friendships. She was invited to attend Bible study, and the ladies, especially Marilyn, Erika, Marie and Elizabeth, accepted her with open arms, and helped her greatly through her final years when she was house bound.
Ellen wanted to make sure that the Staff at Moosomin Hospital, that helped her so much, especially the nursing staff, and the very special Dr. Erika (who did things for mom that were above and beyond any expectations we had for her care) are acknowledged for the special things they did for her.
At Ellen’s request, there will be no funeral.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Moosomin and District Health Care Foundation-Palliative Care, in memory of Ellen.
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