Elmer Ralph Herbert Zaretzky

Elmer Ralph Herbert Zaretzky

1938 - 2024

 It is with heavy hearts, that the family of Elmer Zaretzky announce his peaceful passing on August 1st, 2024, at the age of 85 at the Swan Valley Health Center.
        Elmer was born on December 2nd, 1938 in Cowan, Manitoba to Marian and Tony Zaretzky. He received his early education at the Fisher Siding School in Renwer, Manitoba and his high school education in Minitonas, Manitoba.
         Elmer grew up helping his dad in the Zaretzky General Store. At the age of 17, he journeyed to Prince George, BC to work in the logging industry with his lifelong friend Edward Yablonski. Elmer’s love for farming brought him back to Renwer, where he purchased a quarter section of land, which started his farming career.
         In 1957 Elmer started dating his school sweetheart and love of his life Annie Jermoluk and they were married on July 15th, 1961.
In 1962, Elmer and Annie purchased their farm and home, one mile north of Renwer where they worked together in mixed farming. Soon they were blessed with four beautiful children, Tammy, Brant, Corie and Carla. This farm is where they raised their children and has continued to be a special gathering place for many family celebrations!
       Elmer being a community minded person served on the Fisher Siding School Board for a number of years.
       To supplement the farm income, Elmer became a school bus driver for the Swan Valley School Division for 25+ years. During this time, he built many lasting friendships with both students and staff.
       The creation of Elmer’s Combine Wrecking Business in 1990, became the passion of Elmer’s life! He loved making deals, by buying and selling combine, swather, and tractor parts. This led to lifetime friendships with many of his customers which continue to this day.
      Family was very important to Elmer. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply. He was always their number one fan, supporting and encouraging them in all of their activities. He showed great interest in their passions and had a special relationship with each one of them. He was always excited to hear about their fun -filled adventures. When the snow came, he could hardly wait to get his tractor and front-end loader out to build a toboggan hill for his children and grandchildren which they loved.
      Throughout their 63 years, Elmer and Annie also enjoyed travelling and visiting, family and friends in Ontario, BC, California, Florida, Yuma and Hawaii. On their 50th anniversary, Annie and Elmer fulfilled their lifetime dream by holidaying with their children and grandchildren in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! This trip created many magical family memories!
      Elmer was diagnosed with diabetes and cardiac issues which resulted in kidney failure. He started hemodialysis in December of 2015. Throughout the challenges of his health journey, Elmer remained positive and was always determined to find the best in each day!
      Left to cherish, Elmer’s memory is his wife, Annie of 63 years and his children, Tammy Zaretzky Denischuk ( Erwin ), Brant Zaretzky, Corie Parnetta (Bill), Carla Kurtz (Gene), and grandchildren, Lance, Drew (Mackenzie), and Alexis (Brendon) Denischuk, Zack (Jill) and Abby Parnetta, Emily and Keith Zaretzky, Jackson and Cassidy Kurtz and great grand-daughter Emersyn Parnetta, along with sister-in-law’s, brother-in-law’s, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
     Elmer was pre-deceased by his father Tony, mother Marian, special aunty Helen and uncle Mike Kolisnyk, his in-laws, Mary and Alex Jermoluk, sister-in-law, Geraldine, brother-in-law, Alex Sunstrum, nephews, Chris Yablonski, and Gary Connelly, niece Debbie (Yablonski ) Cathcart, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
     Elmer was a hardworking man throughout his life and fought long and hard to stay with his family and many friends. We will miss his laughter, smile and great sense of humor immensely, but know that he will continue to guide us in spirit and shower us with his love! 
     Special thanks to all the staff of the Swan Valley Health Centre for the special care that Elmer received.
     Elmer will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts! “Rest in Peace My Love!”

                    As Dad would always say whenever we’d leave the farm, “Love You All and See You Soon!”