Private funeral service will be held with interment to follow at the Haskett Cemetery. Public viewing will be from 1PM-7PM on Saturday January 22, 2022 at Wiebe Funeral Home Winkler. Donations may be made in William's memory to the Salem Foundation Inc.
Willie (William) Elias
1937 ~ 2022
Willie Elias, formerly of the Wakeham School District, went to be with the Lord early in the morning on Thursday January 20, 2022 at Salem Home.
Willie was born in Winkler on September 29,1937, to Jacob W. and Mary Elias (nee Hiebert). He was the oldest child in the family of six. He was baptized on the confession of his faith in the Reinlander Mennonite Church in Winkler on May 31, 1993. He really appreciated the church which was just down the road from his new home.
He loved his life on the farm, working with animals, watering the garden and keeping the grass mowed. Working outdoors was his happy place. He loved horses, herding cattle, caring for the chickens, and picking fruit from the orchard. The weanlings fascinated him and he worked at keeping them safe. School was not his favorite place; recess was his favorite subject. His flexibility made him a good soccer goalie. Moving into Winkler after his father’s stroke was difficult for Willie, but he soon adjusted to his little house on 4th street where he kept a clean home and made his own food for lunch. With the help of family, Willie lived quite comfortably for about 20 years. He loved to walk to Salem Home to keep his father company and volunteer where he could help. He became quite at home at Salem Home, taking Father for walks on his wheelchairs, looking at books in the library, and even playing checkers with anyone willing to challenge him. Uncle William had taught him some special tricks to the game. Crokinole and Uno were also on his list of favorites. As his health declined (he was diagnosed with scoliosis), Willie had to relinquish his independence. What a challenge! We are so grateful for the compassionate care he received at Boundary Trails Health Centre rehab ward for several months and then at Salem Home for eight years. The staff was really kind as we all adjusted to his idiosyncrasies. The family would like to acknowledge their care and love they showed Willie all these years. We were very blessed.
Willie Elias is survived by two sisters, Mary Sawatzky, Betty Wolfe (Cornie), one sister-in-law, Elvira Elias and two brothers, Jake (Pat) and Abe (Joyce) and nine niece and nephews. Willie was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Mary Elias, brother, Peter Elias and brother-in-law, George Sawatzky.
Willie is now more alive than ever before. ”I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25
Willie (William) Elias
1937 ~ 2022
Willie Elias, formerly of the Wakeham School District, went to be with the Lord early in the morning on Thursday January 20, 2022 at Salem Home.
Willie was born in Winkler on September 29,1937, to Jacob W. and Mary Elias (nee Hiebert). He was the oldest child in the family of six. He was baptized on the confession of his faith in the Reinlander Mennonite Church in Winkler on May 31, 1993. He really appreciated the church which was just down the road from his new home.
He loved his life on the farm, working with animals, watering the garden and keeping the grass mowed. Working outdoors was his happy place. He loved horses, herding cattle, caring for the chickens, and picking fruit from the orchard. The weanlings fascinated him and he worked at keeping them safe. School was not his favorite place; recess was his favorite subject. His flexibility made him a good soccer goalie. Moving into Winkler after his father’s stroke was difficult for Willie, but he soon adjusted to his little house on 4th street where he kept a clean home and made his own food for lunch. With the help of family, Willie lived quite comfortably for about 20 years. He loved to walk to Salem Home to keep his father company and volunteer where he could help. He became quite at home at Salem Home, taking Father for walks on his wheelchairs, looking at books in the library, and even playing checkers with anyone willing to challenge him. Uncle William had taught him some special tricks to the game. Crokinole and Uno were also on his list of favorites. As his health declined (he was diagnosed with scoliosis), Willie had to relinquish his independence. What a challenge! We are so grateful for the compassionate care he received at Boundary Trails Health Centre rehab ward for several months and then at Salem Home for eight years. The staff was really kind as we all adjusted to his idiosyncrasies. The family would like to acknowledge their care and love they showed Willie all these years. We were very blessed.
Willie Elias is survived by two sisters, Mary Sawatzky, Betty Wolfe (Cornie), one sister-in-law, Elvira Elias and two brothers, Jake (Pat) and Abe (Joyce) and nine niece and nephews. Willie was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Mary Elias, brother, Peter Elias and brother-in-law, George Sawatzky.
Willie is now more alive than ever before. ”I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25