We Remember
MUELLER, Erna Louise
May 31, 1941 — December 24, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Erna Louise Mueller, who passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 83.
Left to hold her memory dear are her sons Jim and Steve Schroeder; grandchildren Dylan, Aidan, and Levi Schroeder; sister Dorothy Duerksen (Ken) and brother John Wiebe (Gloria); as well as many extended family members are friends. She now goes to join those who passed before her, including her first husband, Siegfried Schroeder; second husband Rob Merson; third husband Erhard Mueller; and parents Abe and Agnes Wiebe.
Erna was born into a Mennonite immigrant family in Leamington, Ontario, where she grew up working alongside her family on their tomato farm. Erna’s early years were filled with hard work and a love for sports, playing point guard on her high school basketball team.
After earning her Ontario teacher’s certification, Erna continued her education at Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg. It was there that she met Sig Schroeder, and the two married in 1965. The couple initially moved to Ontario, where their first son, James Richard (Jim), was born in Chatham, ON, in 1967.
In 1969, the family returned to Winnipeg when Sig accepted a teaching position at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute. Shortly after, their second son, Steven Mark (Steve), was born. Erna and Sig built a joyful family life in Winnipeg, filled with annual summer camping trips and treasured memories. Despite the challenges posed by Sig’s leukemia diagnosis, the family made the most of their time together until Sig’s passing in 1981.
Determined to support her family, Erna began teaching at Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary School and pursued additional coursework at the University of Winnipeg to obtain her Manitoba teacher’s certification. She worked tirelessly to raise her sons and create special memories, including summer vacations to British Columbia during the early 1980s.
In the mid-1980s, Erna met and married Rob Merson, embracing his daughter Jodi as her own. Their time together was cut short by Rob’s sudden passing in 1994. Seeking a fresh start, Erna moved to Kelowna, BC, in 1995 to be closer to her cousins.
In 1997, Erna married Erhard Mueller in Kelowna, beginning a long and happy chapter filled with travel and shared adventures. The couple cherished their years together until Erhard’s passing in 2021.
Erna found joy in her faith, family, and friendships. She loved spending time with her sons, grandchildren, and cousins, and was an active member of Hope Bible Church in Kelowna, where she appreciated the community’s warmth and support.
Erna is now with the Lord and is reunited with her loved ones who had passed before her. Her life was a testament to resilience, love, and faith, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
A Funeral Service in Erna’s honour will be held on FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM, located at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with Meldon Lutzer officiating. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
My deepest sympathy to Jim and Steve and the grandchildren. We shared so many years of much joy and fun times. Miss you my dear friend!
Dear Jim and Steve(family) Dorothy(family) John (family)
May God comfort you and keep you through these difficult days
So many memories of all the times I (Shirley) spent with your Mom… our parents were good friends and as a result we visited often (lots of Sundays spent together at our home or her home). We grew up together through childhood, youth, and continued a long distance relationship.
She was a wonderful, beautiful person.
Deepest Sympathy Jim, Steve and family!!! You had a Very PRECIOUS mother and grandmother who loved you all dearly!!! We have many precious memories of the Wonderful times spent with Erna!!!
Deepest Sympathy Jim, Steve and family for the loss of your PRECIOUS mother and grandmother!!!!! Your mother and grandmother dearly loved you!!!!!!! We have many Wonderful memories of times shared with Precious cousin Erna!!!
Our condolences to Jim & Steve & families; Ken & Dorothy & family; John & Gloria & family.
We have fond memories of Erna’s laughter & smiles. She was a beautiful child of God!
Deepest sympathy to Erna’s sister Dorothy and Ken and family also to John and Gloria(brother) and family. She treasured her family so much. She will be missed but never forgotten. Praying for peace for all if you!
So sorry for your loss Jim and Steve, I have so many fond memories of time spent with your family , I am greatful to have been able to see your Mom in September . Sending much love to both of you.
My deepest sympathies to Erna’s family – Steve, Jim, Dorothy and their families. Erna and I grew up in Leamington and attended the Mennonite Brethren Church. She was a wonderful friend to many. May grant you all peace as you mourn the loss of a lovely lady.
Sonja Bergen Kuli
Sorry for your loss. Erna was such a beautiful person inside and out. I so appreciated her friendship. We shared many laughs and heart to heart talks. Rest in peace my friend.
Sending our deepest condolences to the boys, Dorothy, John & Gloria. Erna was a dear friend during our high school years & she was my bridesmaid at our wedding.
Erna was a wonderful friend to both my husband Jack & I , at Leamington church & at Eden Christian College . She was a dear friend & attendant at our wedding . Knowing her has left us with many wonderful, fun-loving memories of our youth. We miss her smiling face!
Jim and Steve, I am so very sorry for your loss. So many wonderful memories of time spent together growing up. Thinking of you both. Sending lots of love
Hi Jim, Steve & Family, We so appreciated being able to join you in spirit this afternoon at your mother’s celebration of life service. We have many fond memories of times spent with your family in the earlier years when you still lived in Winnipeg. Our deepest sympathies to you as you commit your mom into God’s eternal care. May you feel comforted & blessed as you recall the many memories you have made together, knowing that your mom is where she most wanted to be. Jake & Eleanor
We are so sorry about your Mom’s passing. We were unable to attend the funeral due to medical conditions, but were able to watch the funeral on line. We have a lot of fond memories of activities we shared with your folks in our trips to Spokane, Newport Beach, California and visiting the Grande Canyon. Those were good times and your folks will be greatly missed. But now they are both in a better place.
We extend our sympathy and condolences to you Jim, Steve and family – and a heartfelt prayer that God’s loving presence will bring you comfort as you mourn the loss of your dear Mother., We pray that God will grant you the peace that passes all understanding, and the assurance of His everlasting love, to carry you during this time of grieving and sorrow.
I cherish fond memories of Erna as a former colleague in the founding years of Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary School,
( a Christian private school at the elementary level.)
Remembering you in our hearts and in our prayers,
Esther Anne and Terry Klassen
Winkler, Manitoba
( “Thanks” for livestreaming the funeral service )
As one of the younger cousins, I did not know Erna well. Sometimes though my visits
to my sister Doris coincided with cousin breakfasts and I’d meet Erna there.
But, I also remember that Erna attended my father’s funeral. I remember that with utmost appreciation! I was in awe of her. Her beauty, her smile, her laugh, her kindness.
Dorothy, John, my condolences .
Thanks to live streaming we were able to participate in your mom’s celebration of life. We have fond memories of camping together, cross country skiing & having Bible studies together.
Our condolences to you Jim & Steve. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
W