Elmer Kirschman

Elmer Kirschman

On Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Portage District General Hospital after a long battle with cancer, Elmer Kirschman passed away at the age of 82.

Elmer is survived by his wife Joyce of 58 years, daughter Sharon (Doug) Anderson of Australia, daughter Patty (Willie) Levandosky of Portage la Prairie, brother Gary of Emerson and sister Lorraine Seemann of Winnipeg. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, Ryan, Brittany, David and Carissa as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John and Elizabeth, brother Clifford, sister Ramona Remple, and grandson Christopher Levandosky.

Elmer was born March 14, 1929 in Melville, Saskatchewan. He was the first born child of John and Elizabeth. He received his schooling in Hazel Dell, Saskatchewan. The family moved to a farm at Lakeland, Manitoba in 1947. In 1953 he married Alice Joyce Driscoll and they moved to Portage la Prairie. Elmer learned to play the harmonica and the guitar and played at country dances in the 1950's. Elmer was employed as a civilian for the Department of National Defense where he operated heavy equipment. He retired from this job in 1984 after 32 years of service. Elmer loved to build and started building truck campers soon after they were married. This hobby eventually became Kirschman Manufacturing a�" home of Freeway truck campers and motor homes. Elmer owned and operated his own apiary from the early 60's to the early 70's. He had a love of flying and obtained his private pilot license in the early 1960's and owned and operated a variety of small aircraft throughout his life.

Elmer was an avid hunter and fisherman and he loved picking berries of all kinds. He continued fishing and picking blueberries up until just a few months ago. Animals held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed the variety of pets he had throughout his life.

Funeral service will be held at McKenzie Portage Funeral Chapel on Thursday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m. led by Rev. Julie Baker.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Elmer's memory to the Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K8 or to a charity of one's choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com