Joseph Frederick Silljer

Celebration of Life – Joseph Frederick Silljer

December 31, 1921 – November 10, 2012

Held at Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Saturday November 17, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.

Joseph Frederick Silljer peacefully passed away at age 90, on November 10, 2012 at the Extendicare in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Joseph Frederick Silljer was born to Louis and Elizabeth Silljer on December 31, 1921 in Glenbain, Saskatchewan. Joseph had many exciting adventures with his six siblings Elizabeth, Paul, Tom, Peter, Rose and Rudy as they grew up on a farm in Pangman area in southern Saskatechewan.

 After a short time time at the Canadian Armed Services in the Aleutian Islands and several other stations he returned home to farm and do truck driving.  One of the special memories was seeing his father Louis help build the beautiful Albert St, bridge in Regina which we drive across even today.

One of Joseph’s important life goals was marrying his true life partner Helen on September 1, 1956. They married in Swift Current, Saskatchewan at the Church of the Open Bible.  Joseph was blessed with 56 years of happily married life. Joseph and
Helen’s goals included regular activity in the church and one of Joseph’s main concerns in life was that everyone he knew would come to personally know the saving grace of Jesus Christ before passing on from this life. Throughout their married life they attended Westend Gospel Church and there he helped with basement renovations, Sunday school teaching, head usher for the church and treasurer for the church.

A highlight of Joseph’s life was completing the Auto body Mechanic Course at SIAST technical institute. For many years he enjoyed doing auto body for those vehicles that needed his help. In his garage his boys and grandchildren have memories of learning many things about auto body and experiencing the transformation cars took in grandpa’s garage.

Joseph and Helen invited their first son Ronald Frederick Silljer into their home on September 9, 1959 a few short years later they were blessed with a second son Robert James Silljer March 24, 1962.

Joseph and Helen enjoyed many beautiful memories made on vacations to British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Camping was a natural part of life and a way to spend well earned vacations with the family. It was always important to spend time with his family and Joseph made this a priority in his life. Reading with his grandchildren, or playing card games and board games, helping his one son move almost 26 times in one lifetime became important pastimes for Joseph and many of those moments were treasured in his heart. It was not coincidence after all those vacations in beautiful British Columbia that painting would become his active past time and pictures would include mountains and Josephs treasured memories related to them.

Joseph was a person the family could count on for any necessary renovations or fix it’s in the house. Joseph was a very patient man with a quiet demeanor. When he smiled his whole face would light up like a light. His laugh was contagious and he knew how to make others feel happy around him. It was not unusual to surprise his grandchildren with homemade toy boxes and bedside dressers, or to spend Saturday evenings and Sundays with the grandchildren. He will be missed.

Joseph made Moose Jaw his home for many years but after retirement moved to Kelowna, British Columbia where he honed his skills in yard manicuring and developing tree yields. The yard was always immaculate. Taking their grandchildren to Macdonald’s farm and Flintstone Park were a high point in the grandchildren’s visits to Kelowna.

After 13 years of enjoyable life in British Columbia, Joseph and Helen returned to Moose Jaw in 1999, realizing Joseph’s health was starting to deteriorate. He was able to enjoy visits from his great grandchildren Isabella, Kaydence and Tyson Seward, this past summer.

 Memories of his last few days include reciting the Lords prayer, reading Psalm 23, John 14 and John 3:16 with Helen at his side up to and including his final moments.

Joseph was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth shortly after birth, brothers: Peter Silljer (1989), Tom Silljer (1991), Paul Silljer (1996) Rudy Silljer (2003).

Joseph leaves to mourn his passing: his loving wife and life partner Helen, son Ronald (Natalie) their children Jennifer (Kevin) Seward, Johanna Silljer, Joshua Silljer, and Justin Silljer. Son Rob Silljer and his children Saylem and Kylen. Great grandchildren Isabella Seward, Kaydence Seward and Tyson Seward. A special sister Rose and other family and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Gideon’s. The family of Joseph Silljer wishes to thank Dr Rininsland and the wonderful staff of Moose Jaw Extendicare for their care of our husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather in his last days. Thanks to Moose Jaw Union Hospital staff for their great care of our loved one. We also wish to thank Moose Jaw homecare and the fantastic staff for their care. Thank you to Pastor Gammie, and all the family and friends who came to help us celebrate our loved one’s life and for all your good wishes, food, prayers and other gifts.