Obituary of Raymond Jacob Erker

Raymond Jacob Erker was born on April 4, 1934 to Odelia and Vincent Erker.

He passed away November 12, 2024, at Kindersley Health Centre, at the age of 90 years.

He grew up in the Cactus Lake area, attending Kokesh School, going to mass and community events at Grosswerder.  Music was a big part of his life.  He joined the family band at the young age of 15, playing banjo, later clarinet and saxophone.  He played along with the band until the 1960’s.  In later years he enjoyed playing his accordions and keyboards.  At his 90^th Birthday party he played a few tunes for his guests.

In 1955, he married Ann Wagner from Phippen, SK. They raised their five children, Audrey, Greg, Vicky, Jerome and Pat on the family farm. He and Ann moved to Macklin in 1978, continuing to farm.  After a lengthy illness she passed away in 1998.  

Ray met Christa at an old-time dance. They married a few years later on July 23, 2005 with both of their families in attendance. These past 19 years for Ray and Christa have been filled with many family visits and celebrations. Christel (Dan), Mira (Kurt) and family were especially close to Ray during these years.

Ray was a loving, gentle, caring husband, Dad, Grandpa and great Grandpa. Family meant the world to him.  We are truly blessed.

Ray will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Christa, (and her family); his daughter, Audrey (Marvin) Doepker; son, Greg (Dawn) Erker; son, Pat Erker and son inlaw, Murry Rissling; he will be missed by his grandchildren, Chris (Janel), Craig (Colleen), Brad (Kayty) Doepker, Jason (Candace) Rissling, Amy (Brandan) Briggs, Emily, Elizabeth and Bobby Erker; great grandchildren, Torin, Ellis, Kerr, Christopher, Finnian, Tristan, Aiden, Freya, Alexis, Ethan, Juliet, Braelynn, and Logan; as well as his sister inlaw, Agnes Erker and many his nieces and nephews.

Lovingly, he will be remembered by Christa’s family, her daughters, Christel (Dan), Lore, Leah, Mona and Mira (Kurt); 16 grandchildren, Devin, Jason, Dion, Nicole, Dorian, Danica, Caitlin, Justin, Theron, Bella, Charlie, Jordan Gracee, Sierra, Donavon and Chase; as well as 10 great grandchildren, Dominic, Ellie, Rory, Mila, Parker, Yarrow, Fern, Sami, Everley and Isabelle.

Ray was predeceased by his parents; siblings; first wife, Ann; daughter, Vicky; son, Jerome; infant son, Joseph and granddaughter, Lindsay Ann.

A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Both services will take place at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Macklin, Saskatchewan with Father Santhosh Thekkekulam officiating. Interment to follow at the Lakeview cemetery.

For those travelling from Alberta, please allow for one hour time change.