Obituary of Elsie Ilene ASSENHEIMER

August 6, 1926 - Leduc, Alberta
August 19, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that our family says goodbye to our cherished mom and grandma, Elsie Assenheimer. 

Elsie was born on August 6, 1926, at the Lorentz homestead near Leduc, AB. Elsie grew up in a farming family with three brothers and two sisters. She began her work career at the tender age of fifteen, at the GWG jean factory in Edmonton, and she was also employed at the Burns packing plant.  

On July 6, 1955, George Assenheimer of Lunnford, AB, and Elsie were married in Gnadenthal Lutheran Church. Together they made many moves within the northern part of Alberta, working side by side in the hotel and restaurant industry. Karen was born in March of 1959, followed closely by Kevin in December 1960. In June 1971, the family moved south to Nanton as business owners, where Elsie managed the hotel restaurant and George the hotel. Her daily specials, bagged lunches and a tasty menu soon established her cafe as “The” place to eat in Nanton. Cooking and preparing food were skills Elsie mastered.  She took pride in her work and received many compliments. 

In November 1984, the family ventured west and settled in the North Okanagan, at Vernon, BC. Working at the car wash, gardening, picking fruit, cooking, and hosting friends and family for meals kept them busy. Her freezer was always full in anticipation of her grandchildren coming to visit. Elsie cherished those moments, with many laughs, playing cards and bocce. Barbecues and beach times were enjoyed by all on hot summer days. The aroma of fresh cinnamon buns and warm banana bread still linger. Being a grandmother was something she treasured and being with her family brought her much joy. 

Elsie was a very spiritual woman, she sang in church choirs and enjoyed the fellowship of her congregation. Many recognized her kindness, thoughtfulness and sincere ways. She often put others first, as she enjoyed seeing people happy and comfortable. Elsie was a person of integrity and had many long-lasting friendships. The last fourteen years of her life was spent in Calgary. Seven of these years were spent at the Prince of Peace Village with George prior to his passing in 2014. Her final year was spent in a loving environment at Holy Cross Manor - Covenant Care. 

Elsie’s strength, faith, kindness and enduring love for her family will always be remembered. She is survived by her two children, Karen Sticksl (Peter) and Kevin Assenheimer (Carla); four grandchildren, Matthew Sticksl (Celia),  Colin Sticksl (Courtney), Ali Assenheimer (Jordan), Brendan Assenheimer (Brooke); four great-grandchildren, Brax, Nathan, Amara, and Beau; sister Elnice Kreutz (Art), and sisters-in-law, Eleanor Lorentz and Marian Lorentz. She was predeceased by her loving husband of fifty-nine years, George Assenheimer, her parents, Michael and Pauline; brothers, Ludwig, Edward, Norman; and sister Selma. 

Elsie’s love for her family was immeasurable and seeing the love and respect of one another was of great importance to her. She is at peace knowing that “THE LOVE GOES ON” in her family, and that it will last for generations to come. Elsie’s legacy of love and caring lives on.

The family held a Private Funeral Service on August 29, 2020.

A special thanks to the wonderful staff and caregivers at Holy Cross Manor-Covenant Care.