The family of Eltjo Jan Wiersema sadly announces his passing on July 17, 2026, at the Rainy River Health Centre. He was 81 years old. Eltjo left us peacefully, with his loving family by his side.
Born in Peize, Drenthe, The Netherlands on December 7, 1944, Eltjo was the 13th child born to Jan and Froukje Wiersema. He immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of seven, living briefly in Manitoba before settling permanently in Rainy River, Ontario.
It was in Rainy River that he wed Dorothy Peters on June 25, 1965. Together, they raised their four daughters, Donna, Bev, Karen, and Carla, on their family farm in Blue Township. They later relocated to their home on the “River” in 1992, where they continued to welcome family and friends for decades.
Eltjo was a devoted husband and a wonderful father who adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known affectionately as the “favourite uncle” to many of his nieces and nephews, his hospitality was unmatched; the coffee was always brewing, and his door was always open.
Eltjo possessed an extraordinary work ethic and found true fulfillment in his career. He spent 35 years with the Canadian National Railway, climbing the ranks from Brakeman to Conductor and Locomotive Engineer. While working the rails, he simultaneously farmed in Blue Township and served the local municipality as a Grader Operator, Road Superintendent, and Reeve. Even in retirement, his active spirit led him to work as a school bus driver.
The outdoors was Eltjo’s sanctuary. He loved fishing on Lake of the Woods and Frenchman’s Rock, and his ice fishing shack was famously kept warm for visitors. He treasured family time, from two-week summer vacations at Bergland Park to pontoon boat excursions to Sable Island.
Eltjo’s commitment to his faith and community shone through everything he did. For many years, he served as a Deacon and Elder at the Christian Reformed Church, while also staying active in local sports, playing fastball and slow-pitch, and spending many seasons bowling in the Canadian Mixers League. A natural leader, he was a driving force behind the Rainy River Giant Pumpkin Festival, dedicating years of tireless work to keeping the tradition alive. His personal passion culminated in 2008, when he earned the coveted “Golden Hoe” award for growing the largest pumpkin. Beyond his volunteer work, Eltjo’s 25 years of public service earned him a prestigious long-standing service award from the Ontario government for his role in building strong communities.
In their retirement, he and Dorothy cherished the winters they spent together, chasing the warmth in Florida and Texas and making lifelong friendships. He loved being able to spend time with his grandchildren, whether it was at sporting events, graduations, pontoon boat rides, 4-wheeler rides, playing games or cards, or fishing. They were the light of his life.
Eltjo is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Dorothy; his daughters Donna (Peter) Osadchuk, Beverly (Guy) Arpin, Karen (Leo) Vandenbrand, and Carla Wiersema; his cherished grandchildren Skylar Arpin (Connor Porter), Eldon Vandenbrand, Hayley Arpin, Jared Vandenbrand, Jackson Arpin, Aidan Osadchuk; and his precious great-grandchildren Sophia and Colin Porter.
He is also survived by his siblings Annie Bakker, Bertha Dielman, Archie (Eleanor) Wiersema, Corrie Wiersema, and Anneke (Nelson) Brown; his in-laws Jean Wiersema, Hetty Wiersema, Jeanne Wiersema, and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Leona (Peter) Van Heyst, Joyce (John) Penner, Carl Peters (Dawn Graham), Martha (George) Siemens, Ruth (Jack) Siemens, and Paul (Susan) Peters; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Eltjo was predeceased by his parents Jan and Froukje Wiersema; his father and mother-in-law Henry and Lorna Peters; and his siblings Nicolaas (Grete) Wiersema, Feitze (Klazina) Wiersema, Louie (Elsa) Wiersema, Thea (Thys) Sinninghe, Bernardus Wiersema, Anna (Bert) van Leeuwen, Harm (Mary) Wiersema, John Wiersema, Henderikus Wiersema, and Lottie (Archie) Schanowski. He was also predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law Henk Bakker, Dan Dieleman, and Janice Wiersema.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Emo Christian Reformed Church in Emo, Ontario.
A luncheon will be held immediately following the service. Family and friends will gather at the Blue Cemetery, for interment.
Pallbearers will be Eltjo’s grandchildren Skylar, Eldon, Hayley, Jared, Jackson and Aidan. Honourary pallbearers will be Archie Wiersema, Corrie Wiersema, Carl Peters, Peter Osadchuk, Guy Arpin and Leo Vandenbrand.
As per Eltjo’s wishes, donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Centre and/or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
