Obituary of Ferdinand "Fernie" Anthony Thurmeier

It is with great sadness that the family of Fernie Thurmeier announce his passing on September 4, 2019, at the age of 92. Fernie will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 68 years, Evelyn,  their 8 children, Cathy (Milton) Tripps, Joan (Ken) Zondervan, Rick (Sue), Pat (Darry) Taylor, Ron (Diane), Randy (Debbie), Loretta (Alister) Lowe, Al (Patti), 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, his sister Clara (Bill), numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Fernie was predeceased by his parents, Ferdinand and Mary, brothers Joe, Gerald and John, sister Marie, son in law Gary Gartner, and grandson in law Howard Nelson.

Fernie was born February 13, 1927 in Southey, Saskatchewan.  He attended the country school then the school in town until he completed grade 10.  He then completed grades 11 and 12 at St. Peter’s College in Muenster, Saskatchewan.  After graduating, Fernie moved back to Southey to farm with his dad.  On June 12, 1951, he married his sweetheart, Evelyn Schreuer from Cupar.  In 1957, they moved to Holdfast where they raised their family.

From a young age, Fernie showed his interest in music.  He played in several dances bands over the years.  One of his passions was collecting musical instruments.  In his collection he held over 100 instruments that he proudly displayed in his music room.  Fernie could play a tune from every instrument in his collection.  He played the saxophone in the dance bands and in his retirement years,he stumbled across a digital horn.  Fernie loved to play this horn for anyone who would listen and he was able to play the horn until shortly before his passing. After retiring, Fernie and Ev travelled to Arizona for the winters.  Fernie was in his glory as there was a jam session every day! They enjoyed their winters in Arizona and made many new friends. Fernie will be remembered by his family and friends for his love of music and always having a joke to tell.

“A Limb has fallen from the family tree, that says Grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong”

A Celebration of Fernie’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Holdfast, SK. Father Lawrence DeMong will be presiding. Interment to follow at the Holdfast Catholic Cemetery.