Elmer Cornelius Siemens was born on April 7, 1932 on a farm near Meade, Kansas. He was the second child of Margaret Reimer Siemens, who was the second wife of Cornelius K. Siemens. Dad was predeceased by his parents, two half brothers, Corny and John, and one half sister, Mary, three sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law and a sister in infancy. He is survived by his half brother Jake. He is also survived by two siblings, a brother Henry (Joan) and a sister Anna (Harold Fast). Dad’s family attended Immanuel Mennonite Church in Meade, Kansas. Two people he looked up to were his pastor Rev. Henry Harms and his brother John. John led Dad in making a decision to follow Christ at the age of 14 or so, while working in the fields. Dad's personal faith in his Lord Jesus Christ held him to the very last second of his life. Dad married Betty Kornelsen on May 1, 1954. They made their home near Rosenort, Manitoba for the early years of their marriage. During these years they also lived in Denver, Colorado for two years where Dad worked as a nurses’ aide in a mental hospital to complete his 1W service (an alternative allowed for those who because of their faith did not wish to be actively involved in the war). Karen was born during the time in Colorado. After that time of service for Dad’s native country Mom and Dad moved back to Rosenort for a couple of years, during which time Eugene and Rocky were born. In spring of 1959 they moved to a farm near Kola, Manitoba where Dave and Connie were born. In December of 1965, Dad moved his family to a new house closer to town. Keith was born the following year. Dad’s love for his children was very evident by his hard work and self-sacrifice in providing for them. He was very concerned for their spiritual well-being, often praying for them and encouraging them in their faith both verbally and by his own example of steadfast faith. When the time came that his children dated and got married, the in-laws became as much a part of the family as any one of his children. He adored his grandchildren and was proud of each one. Dad, together with Mom, was always involved in the Kola Evangelical Mennonite Church. It was obvious that missions was an area of special interest from the many times missionaries were hosted in their home and from the regular prayer and financial support that was offered on their behalf. In 1990, Dad mentioned that he was forgetting too much and began to show signs of physical imbalance. In June of 1991, he had a bad fall and was unable to work for several months. During this time he was diagnosed with hydro-cephylus and in 1992 a shunt was put in his head to drain the fluids, which were thought to be the cause of his problems. A year later, in August 1993, it became clear that the problem had not been resolved. After extensive tests Dad was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare brain stem disease. That began a 13-year journey of mental and physical deterioration. On November 1, 1999 he was moved to the Menno Home in Grunthal. While there, Dad was often a blessing to the staff by his gentle nature, thankful spirit, and his prayers for his wife and children, for the staff and for himself that he would be good for the staff and not be a bother to them. Dad resided at the Menno Home for almost 7 years. During that time he received excellent care for which his family is very grateful. Thank you to the staff for your loving care. On Friday, July 14, 2006, Dad died peacefully with his wife and several of his children surrounding him at his bedside. He leaves to mourn his passing and carry on his legacy of faith: his loving wife: Betty; Karen and Norman Koop: Crystal (Karol Neumann), Roxanne, Allister (fiancee Danielle) and Kurtis Eugene and Shawna: Jordan and Ethan Rocky and Emily: Jason (Kimberly), Jeremy and Riley Dave and Sharon: Jocelyn, Christopher, Jonathan and Rebecca Connie and Tom Peachey: Joshua, Corissa (fiance Riley Mayer) and Bethany Keith and Geneva: Shelby, Lacey and Cassidy. Dad will be greatly missed by his family and friends but we know that he has gone on to his heavenly home where we will join him again someday, never to be separated again. We, Dad’s family, want to express our heart-felt gratitude for all the support we received during our time of loss. All the prayers and words of sympathy and the generous gifts of meals, lodging, flowers and cards were greatly appreciated. Thank you so much! The family A memorial service will be held Monday, July 17 at 3 p.m. at the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Kleefeld. Private family burial in the EMC Cemetery, Kleefeld, MB If friends so desire donations may be made to the Menno Home Foundation, Box 280; Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0