Erna Sellge

Erna Sellge

1920 - 2006

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Obituary of Erna Sellge

Erna Sellge passed away at Bethesda Hospital on Friday, September 25th, 2006 at the age of 86. She is survived by her husband Rudolf Sellge. Erna was born March 4th, 1920 in Lindau, Germany. She enjoyed a carefree childhood. On September 25th, 1943 she married Paul Bergmann and was blessed with one child. Paul was killed in the war, and her only child died during the war while fleeing from the enemy. After the war Erna worked on a vegetable farm in Spreewald close to Berlin in East Germany. She risked her life by crossing the border into West Germany. She met Rudolf when they both became employed on the same farm. After 6 years of courtship they decided to get married. Hard work enabled them to start a business. Erna was always at Rudolf’s side, helping and making sure things were done right. In 1976 Rudolf and Erna bought a grain farm in Arnaud. New friends, the outdoors, a big garden, and many pets brought Erna much happiness. In 1998 they bought some land close to Grunthal and built a new house which Erna enjoyed very much. Many flowers were planted, a new garden was seeded and more cats and dogs entered her life. Birthday celebrations were special and happily celebrated. She was always a satisfied person. In 2002 Erna suffered a stroke, which left her right side paralyzed and her speech impaired. She had therapy in Steinbach Bethesda Hospital and was then moved to the Grunthal Menno Home. Visits from Rudolf and friends were very important to her. Her days were always bright when she knew that she was able to go home for a weekend. Thank you to the staff at the Grunthal Menno Home and the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital for the wonderful care that Erna received. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 29, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Elim Mennonite Church, Grunthal with interment at Grunthal Cemetery.