Cornelius Goerzen

Cornelius (Con) Goerzen passed away peacefully at the age of 92 years, on December 19, 2021 at Central Haven Care Home in Saskatoon. Dad was born in Saskatoon on September 30, 1929 to Cornelius and Anna (Schroeder) Goerzen.

Growing up in Saskatoon, Dad attended Mayfair Public School and Bedford Road Collegiate Institute. As a young student, Dad worked part-time at the Robin Hood Flour Mill, and was an avid member of the Royal Canadian Navy Cadets (HMCS Unicorn) during the war years. Dad married Elsie Peters in Saskatoon on August 4, 1951; this was the beginning of a wonderful 68-year marriage. Dad and Mom were inseparable and devoted to one another, working together to raise a family and build Dad’s trucking business, Aero Delivery.

Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Elsie, his parents, his brother Abe (Herta) Goerzen, his sisters Sue (Jake) Martens, Erna (Henry) Klassen, Anne (Alvin) Harms, and Hedie (Reuben) Hamm, his brother-in-law Pete Peters, and his beloved grandson Grant Goerzen. Dad is lovingly remembered and will be deeply missed by his son Wayne (Kelly / grandchildren Kim (Pete) Neufeld and Matt (Sophie Reuss) Goerzen), his daughter Jean (grandchildren Kamau (Sierra Tondevold) and Janu Augustino), his son Ron (LeeAnn / grandchildren Scott and Jacquelyn (Abhinav) Pushkarna), and great-grandchildren Nora & Zoë Neufeld and Jaxon & Serena Goerzen. Dad will also be deeply missed by his sister-in-law Esther Peters (Jim Cattoni), and by his very close nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dad greatly enjoyed working with his hands, both as a gifted designer and builder, and as a creator of magnificent wood bird carvings, including Canada goose, common loon, and an award-winning pintail duck. Dad also enjoyed the out of doors and spent many years as a scout leader; he loved spending time with his family, and enjoying special times in the family cabin at Emma Lake. A committed Christian, Dad was active in Erindale Alliance Church for many years, participating in Bible studies and, along with Mom, in the church’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Interacting with his many ESL students brought Dad a great deal of joy and led to long-lasting friendships.

The family is planning a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dad’s memory to the Mennonite Central Committee (600 – 45^th St W, Saskatoon S7L 5W9). Arrangements have been entrusted to Martens Warman Funeral Home (306) 934-4888.