Obituary of Elmer Mehling

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". MEHLING - Elmer Mehling husband of Elsie Mehling of Yorkton, formerly of Stornoway passed away on March 22, 2009 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 76 years, 11 months and 14 days of age. Elmer Mervin Mehling was the second child born to Henry and Marie (nee Schwartz) Mehling on April 8, 1932 on the family farm in the Stornoway district. As a child Elmer and his older sister Doreen walked three miles to Stornoway where they attended School. Here Elmer received all of his formal education. At the age of 14, Elmer started helping his dad at the Federated Co-op in Stornoway. In his late teens Elmer and Ted (a friend) ventured to Vancouver where they worked in a clothing factory for a short period of time. On his return to Stornoway Elmer took a position at the Federated Co-op in Yorkton. He was offered a manager's position at Bangor and Dubuc Co-ops. On his Dad's retirement from Stornoway Co-op, Elmer took over the store. When Elmer was running the Stornoway Co-op, even though the hours were Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, the store was really never closed. If a farmer phoned on the weekend, at supper time or bed-time needing fuel, Elmer would not hesitate to take the fuel out without complaint. Between hauling fuel and working in the store, Elmer also sold hail insurance policies to the farmers in the area. Elmer retired in 1991 after 42 years of service. Elmer was baptized, confirmed and married in the Stornoway Lutheran Church and upon it's closure became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Yorkton. Elmer was involved in many aspects of the Stornoway community. Elmer was on the village council and was also the fire chief. He was also on the Stornoway Curling Club and the Rec Board. Elmer enjoyed many things, although he had a few great passions. These were curling in winter, camping and fishing in summer and hunting in fall. These passions he gladly passed on to his sons and grandchildren. In 1954 Elmer walked into a café in Kamsack and first set eyes on a pretty little lady. A year later on July 30th, 1955, Elmer was united in marriage to Elsie (nee Schwab) and was married for 53 1/2 years. During this time they were blessed with three sons, Rob, Keith and Al. Elmer was predeceased by his father Henry in 1988; his mother Marie (nee Schwartz) in 2000, his sisters Arlie in 1961 and Doreen Schwab (nee Mehling) in 1981. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Elsie (nee Schwab); his three sons, Robert (Sindy) of Stornoway, Keith of Yorkton and Allen (Charmaine) of Yorkton; five grandchildren, Sean of Yorkton, Jordan of Stornoway, Sara, Ashley, and Amber of Yorkton; as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, March 26, 2009 from Zion Lutheran Church in Yorkton with Vicar Daniel Larson and Pastor Barry Wood officiating. The organist, Verna Liebrecht led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Amazing Grace', 'I'm but A Stranger Here' and 'Lord Take My Hand and Lead Me'. Honourary Bearers were all who shared in Elmer's life. Elmer's Grandchildren served as the urnbearers. Interment followed in the family plot in the Garden of St. Mark at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Condolences for the family may be emailed to baileysfuneralhome@sasktel.net. Memorials in memory of Elmer may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to the Lung Association as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, March 26th, 2009 2:00pm, Zion Lutheran Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens