Ernest "Ernie" Svenkeson

Ernest (Ernie) Svenkeson passed away at North Battleford Hospital on January 13th, 2023, at the age of 88.  

Ernie was born in 1934 on the original homestead north of Weldon which became his and his wife of 61 years, Gladys’ family home.  Ernie left Roosevelt country school after completing Grade 8 to begin working full time.  His work career began helping a local farmer who was battling cancer and moved on to working with a travelling construction crew building and repairing grain elevators across the province.

After meeting Gladys in Kinistino, SK they soon married on August 12, 1961, and for a short period moved to Scotsguard, SK to live and work on Gladys’ family farm. They returned to the Weldon homestead in 1966, settling to raise their growing family. Here Ernie began work primarily for the RM of Kinistino as a grader operator, until his retirement in 1995. 

Ernie was a reliable go-to country neighbour for help in construction projects, mechanical help or getting farm chores done and could be depended on to lend a friendly hand or expertise. Ernie played ball in his youth and was a constant fan for the boys at hockey or baseball games and practices.

Ernie enjoyed pattern dancing with his waltzing partner Gladys into their 70’s and continued dabbling in construction projects right up to his passing with a collection of artful bird houses and feeders from a shop he setup in his garage. Those who know Ernie will remember him for his playful humour and eagerness to engage in social gatherings or a card game with family and friends. He treasured his time with his great grandchildren as they were always able to bring a smile to his face.

Ernie is missed by his wife Gladys, sons Barry (Donna), Daryl (Sandy) and Kevin (Cindy), his daughter Cindy (Wayne) Zubiak; grandchildren Amanda (Warren), Jeremy (Ashley), Geoffrey, Allyx (Sam), Taylor, Keaton, Riley (Alex), Erin (Ryan), Amie (Tyler); great grandchildren, Adley, Luke, Clara, Briar, Birk, Amelia, Noah, Aubrie, Declan; his younger sister Judy (Len) Diggles; in-laws Marcella, Darlene, Ross (Anna) Tremere; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father Svenke Svenkeson, mother Mabel Mitchell, older sister Edna Pearson, in-laws Leslie, Ruth, Albert, Arnold and Blair Tremere.

Ernie will be cremated, and his ashes held by Gladys until her passing.  At that time, they will be jointly buried with a service at the Lutheran cemetery in Weldon. As such, no funeral is planned at this time.

The family extends their extreme gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Battlefords Union Hospital and Saskatoon Royal University Hospital for their excellent care and passion during Dad’s three months of hospitalization.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium - Trevor Watts Funeral Director.