Obituary of Elmer LeRoy Sauder

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.

Passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at the age of 98. Survived by his children Allan (Donna), Phillip (Julia), Steven (Cobina), Linda (Philip), Joseph, his 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by parents, Aaron and Susanna, sisters Pearl and Eileen, and Beatrice, his beloved wife of 73 years.

Born September 12, 1926, in a farmhouse near the village, Elmer’s life in St Jacobs spanned nearly a century. Moving to a 4-acre farm across from the Printery at age 6, his childhood was a joyful blend of work, play and learning. Chores came first as Elmer helped his dad cultivate garden produce and raise chickens to sell at Kitchener’s Farmers’ Market, encouraged early to take the reins of their horse-drawn wagon. Elmer delighted in childhood fun: fishing in the river, skating on frozen fields, hiding in the sand pit, chasing his fox terriers. Years later in his Memoirs, Elmer said he learned acceptance of others and optimism from his dad, patience and to always do your best from his mom.

In 1939 Elmer entered grade 9 at brand-new Elmira DSS. A passionate learner, he was fond of science, math and history. A 1942 yearbook photo shows Elmer in the “Potato Club” but he usually went home right after school, did homework and chores. An avid sportsman, Elmer’s love of hockey and baseball were satisfied through Church Leagues. In 1944, Elmer was one of the first high school graduates from St Jacobs Mennonite Church and at the EDSS 75^th anniversary in 2014, Elmer was feted as one of the oldest grads in attendance. The summer after graduating, Elmer’s young sister Eileen died and in autumn he started an office job at Burns Meats in Kitchener. Elmer dreamed of becoming a teacher but times were tough and he was needed at home. Years later, Elmer reflected that 1944 was a memorable year for a young man of 18!

In 1947, seeking adventure, Elmer headed west with a friend in a ’34 Chev. He worked stooking grain and met young people at Sharon Mennonite Church in Guernsey, Saskatchewan where, one Sunday, after asking her parents if he could drive her home from church, a stop at the school to ride the teeter-totter sparked a 4-year letter romance, culminating in his marriage to Beatrice Biehn in 1951 and the start of their wonderful life together in St. Jacobs.

Elmer spent 39 years with Burns Meats and 9 years with Erb Transport but the jobs were never the goal, just a means to support his growing family and active community participation. His children knew his routine after work: immediately change from office to dad clothes. There might be time before supper to tend to his prized roses, hoe the productive garden, fill bird-feeders or pick apples to crush into cider. When dishes were done, Elmer and Beatrice often enjoyed the breeze and sunset reading the Record on their front porch, an invitation to friends and neighbours strolling by to stop for a chat. Elmer was widely known around the village for his long slow walks to the bank, post office or to spot birds and flowers along the millrace trail, taking time to greet others with his warm smile and easy, engaging manner.

While rarely harried, Elmer was heavily involved in church, community and volunteer work, devoting countless hours in support of others: Sunday School teacher for 50 years, SS superintendent, Pastoral committee, chair of Church Council, Home and School Association, Woolwich School Board Trustee, House of Friendship volunteer, Mennonite Disaster Service volunteer, Community Care driver, coaching hockey and baseball. Elmer epitomized a roll-up-your-sleeves understanding that communities thrive when many hands work together.

Elmer’s life was rooted in friends, family and faith.  His deep friendships provided laughter, food, travel and adventure, the annual Bon Echo camping trips always a highlight. Like willows along the banks of the Conestogo River, Elmer’s dependability, positivity and integrity shored up his family over decades of change, gracefully merging traditional and evolving ways of life. As his family’s branches spread out, at times across the globe, Elmer’s weekly family newsletters bridged the distances, a routine faithfully maintained for 25 years. Elmer’s gifts of enthusiastic participation and unwavering support made each family member feel so valued. Finally, Elmer’s quiet steadfast faith sustained him through life’s hills and dales. In his Memories Journal to his grandchildren, Elmer distilled faith to this: “God cares for us. Trust God in all situations. Experience God in nature, in the beauty of Creation.”

Lessons well-taught, teacher! Thankyou Elmer, Dad, Papa, Gpa, Ggpa. We’ll miss and love you forever!!

Sincere gratitude to the caring staff at The Village at University Gates.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Interment on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Jacobs Mennonite Cemetery, 2043 Three Bridges Road, St. Jacobs at 10:00 am. The funeral service will follow at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, 1310 King Street N, St. Jacobs, at 11:00 am. Reception to follow the service in the church hall.

A livestream and recording of the service will be made available on Elmer’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church or the House of Friendship may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.