Elke was born November 24, 1937 in Wilster, Germany to Hinrich and Kathe Behrs.
She finished grade school then took a trade in hairdressing. She married Erich Schroeder August 23, 1958. They had two children, Ingo and Ute, before immigrating to Canada in May 1961.
Upon arriving in Canada they resided with the Westphalen family on Francois Lake until 1962 when they moved into town.
Elke worked for John Shelford at Three Gables store as a sales clerk, where she learned to write English. Two more children followed in the 60’s, Rosie and Gaily. Over the years she worked as a cook and waitress in several of the local restaurants including Broman Lake.
In 1967 the Schroeder family moved to Rose Lake. Elke took in foster children as well as raising her own. Bill Wall and Pauline Perry became part of her family.
In 1975 Elke opened up “Elke’s Place”, a pool hall and pizza parlor on Government Street. Soon after, Elke’s family began to grow as she became a grandmother several times.
In 2002 Elke retired and became involved in bowling with the seniors. One of the highlights of the year for Elke and Erich was travelling to other communities for the seniors games for competitions in crib. She was very proud of the silver medals they brought home in 2005.
Most important to Elke was her family, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride. She loved to watch the grandsons play hockey.
Elke is predeceased by her father Hinrich Behrs, mother Kathe Bahrs, brothers Carsten and Gunther Behrs.
She is survived by her loving husband Erich, son Ingo (Brenda), daughter Ute (Kevin), Rosie (Mike), Gaily (Dave), grandchildren Angie (Kevin), Star (Dan), Cody (Jenna), Kyla, Tanner, Dawn (Ian), Danniel (Erin), Tristan, Dylan, Kaja, Nathan, Clayton, Vinnie, Tasha and Tyson. Great grandchildren Rylan, Julienne and Avery.
Elke is also survived by sisters Thea Delfs, Lisa Whaling and twin sister Inge Phillipeit who reside in Germany as well as many nieces and nephews.
The service for Elke was held December 29, 2005 at the first Mennonite Church in Burns Lake with Reverend Ray Fletcher officiating. The Eulogy was read by Lyle Graham, a long time friend of the family.
Pallbearers were grandsons Cody Ellik, Danniel Schroeder, Tanner Ellik, Nathan Redwood, Clayton Redwood, Vinnie Redwood, Tristan Bertacco and Dylan Bertacco. Elke was laid to rest in the Burns Lake cemetery December 29, 2005.
Rest in Peace Mom - you will be forever in our hearts and
our thoughts.