Browse the obituary of residing in the province of province1} for funeral details
Obituary of Kenneth Els
The family of Kenneth Els of Yorkton, beloved husband of Elaine Els, sadly announce his passing on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. He was 87 years of age.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Doreen Day, Certified Celebrant officiating.
The inurnment will take place in the Garden of Memories, Yorkton Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations in memory of Kenneth Els may be made to Alzheimer’s Society as gifts of remembrance.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home and Cremation Care.
Kenneth Els was born April 9, 1937, to Adam and Katherine (nee Starger) Els, in the Wallace District. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith in Rhein, SK.
Ken received his education at the Wallace School to Grade 9. Following, he began his working career as a farmhand at the Kohlert farm near Yorkton. Ken also had the job of travelling to Wallace School in the early mornings of the coldest days in winter to warm up the school by lighting the fire in the wood stove.
Not long after, Ken packed a bag and headed up north and out west with his brother Gordon to join older brother Albert – road building as a “Cat Skinner” in areas including Camrose, AB, Golden and Nelson, BC. He again showed his leadership skills as supervisor of his own crew. He was so proud of this period of his life as he often told stories to his kids of his adventures throughout these years.
In 1962, Ken met the love of his life, Elaine Engel, and were united in marriage on July 3, 1964, in Stornoway, SK. They began their life together near Togo and it was here that their 3 children were born – Shelley, Greg and Carmen. Ken joined his 2 brothers, Rudy and Gordon, to form RKG Ranch which thrived for 15 years.
In 1972, Ken and Elaine moved their family to Stornoway to the Engel farmstead to raise their 3 children. Farming became their way of life, including grain and cattle. Again, Ken and brother Gordon farmed together until Greg started farming with his dad in the early 90s. Ken was an outdoorsman, he loved deer hunting in the fall, ice fishing in the winter, and camping in the summer. Gardening was a big part of his life, including Saskatoon picking every summer. He enjoyed curling every winter and looked forward to the tournaments in Yorkton and Rhein. Ken and Elaine also travelled to some exciting places, including Hawaii, Nashville, Branson, Scottsdale, LA, and Palm Springs. But Ken’s greatest joy of all, was spending time with his grandchildren whenever the opportunity arose.
After much consideration, Ken semi-retired from farming in 1996, at which time Greg took over the family farm. Ken and Elaine made the move to Yorkton where Ken remained until September 2022, when he began his journey into long term care due to Alzheimer’s Disease (Theodore Health Centre, then Yorkton and District Nursing Home). Even though memories didn’t come easy to him in these late years, he always had a smile on his face and open arms for a hug to everyone who visited. On February 18, 2025, Ken passed away peacefully with family by his side.
Ken is predeceased by his parents Adam and Katherine, brothers Rudy, Albert, and Ed, sisters Marj Freiheit, and Doreen Els. Brother Gordon sadly passed away 18 hours after Ken’s passing. Ken is also predeceased by his father and mother in-law Edwin and Emilie Engel, brother-in-law Art Freiheit and sister-in-law Pauline Els. Ken leaves to mourn and celebrate his life, his beloved wife of 60 years Elaine, son Greg (Cheryl) Els, and daughters Shelley Els and Carmen (Cory) Sasyniuk. Grandchildren Logan and Emma Els and Brandon and Cameron Sasyniuk. Also, sister Bev Mehling, sisters-in-law Doris Els, Glenna (Norm) Vance, Sharon (Dave) Hart, and Brenda (Dale) Loeppky, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
1937 2025
Death notice for the town of: Yorkton, Province: Saskatchewan
death notice Kenneth
Els 1937 2025
obituaries notice Kenneth
Els 1937 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth
Els 1937 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
