Obituary of Jerry Silzer

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Karl “Jerry” Silzer on June 22, 2025, in Regina, Saskatchewan, at the age of 82.

Jerry was born on January 17, 1943, in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, to Karl and Hilda (Wornath) Silzer. At just one year old, he moved with his parents and older brother Norman to the family farm in the Glen Bain district.

Jerry began his education in Arbuthnot and later attended high school in Glen Bain, graduating in 1963. He pursued a career in carpentry, apprenticing under his cousin Wilf Jacobs and uncle Tony Jacobs, and earning his journeyman certification at STI in Moose Jaw. During the winters, he worked in Regina in construction, while returning home each summer to help on the farm.

In 1973, Jerry decided to commit to farming full-time. That same year, he met the love of his life, Donna Tollefson. They were married in 1974, in Moose Jaw and made their home on the very farm where Jerry was raised. Together they shared a life of hard work, love, and deep community roots. In addition to farming, Jerry ran a mobile grain cleaning business for many years, serving customers from the Trans-Canada Highway all the way to the U.S. border. He was proud of the relationships he built and the service he provided.

Jerry and Donna were blessed with daughters April, Sheryn and Destiny. Over the years, they cared for one hundred foster children in their home, including Angela and Joanne, whom they considered their own. As well as several exchange students.

Jerry built two new homes, one on the family farm, which they later relocated to Gravelbourg, and another at Thomson Lake. He loved being at the lake and took great pride in his role as groundskeeper and security for the park for many years.

Generous with his time and talents, Jerry was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone working on a project. He enjoyed woodworking, making cabinets and shelving units to proudly display his collection of miniature farm machinery in the basement, a small museum of his own making.

Jerry loved a good visit and laugh, especially at coffee row, where he enjoyed catching up with friends and neighbours. A dedicated community member, he served on the Co-op and Sask Wheat Pool boards and was an active member of the Lions Club in both Glen Bain and Gravelbourg. He was especially proud to serve as zone chairman.

He will always be remembered as the best Santa ever during the annual Santa Day celebration.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Donna Silzer (née Tollefson); daughter April (Christopher) Mativo and their children Ezra, Jude, and Marcus; daughter Sheryn (Steven) Bakke and their children Kyla (Jonah) McLeish, Brandon (Kelsey) Bakke, Tayler, Sarah, and Declan; great-grandchildren Amlia and Sebastian; daughter Destiny Silzer and her children Serenity, Haisley, Bryson, and Bowie; foster daughter Angela (Tyler) Bachmier and their children Brodie, Miranda, Adrionna, Payton, Lucas, and Jocelyn; foster daughter  Joanne (Craig) and their children Kayla and Ashton; and great-grandchild Brixton. He is also survived by his niece Dorothy Silzer and nephew Doug Silzer; brother-in-law Dale (Brenda) Tollefson; nephews Brett (Paula) and Blake (Jana) Tollefson; and brother-in-law Dean (Barbara) Tollefson.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Karl and Hilda Silzer; his brother Norman (sisters-in-law Ruth and Cheri) Silzer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Adolf and Myrna Tollefson.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Gravelbourg, with Pastor Darrell Buchanan officiating. A lunch reception will follow in the Parish Hall, and interment will take place at the cemetery in Meyronne, Saskatchewan.

In memory of Jerry, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1738 Quebec Ave Unit 26, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7K 1V9, Canada.