Elsie Kipp passed away on February 21, 2025 in Wilkie, SK. Elsie is lovingly remembered by her son Chris, granddaughters Jeanette and Sasha, sister-in-law Fran and family Kimberly, cousin Orest Michalowski, Wayne and Annette Kipp and family, and special friend Audrey Wilson. She was predeceased by her husband Gerald 2008, daughter-in-law Sheryl Kipp in 2020; parents Paul and Laura Pochodzilo; great-grandmother Tekla Michalowski.
Elsie was born in Rabbit Lake, SK. She grew up in the Sandwith District and later in the Denholm region. After teacher’s college, she was assigned to a one-room school at Ibstone, about 16 miles north-east of Wilkie. She taught there for one year. Ibstone teacherage was located in Robert Kipp’s yard, little did she know, that would soon be her father-in-law.
There she met Gerald whom she married and later had one child, Chris. Grandpa Kipp (everyone called him that) gifted two quarters to the young couple which was mainly broke farmland with a small pasture, house yard and barn yard. This piece was originally Uncle Clare Kipp’s homestead. There they began their life together in which Elsie lived for over 60 years. Elsie unfortunately lost Gerald in 2008 after 56 years of marriage.
Throughout Elsie’s life, she spent an abundance of time tending to her flower and large vegetable gardens. Her time outdoors didn’t stop there…she was no stranger to operating tractors and combines in the field with all sorts of equipment in tow. In true farm spirit, she had a deep love for horses and cattle and always found an excuse to be horseback. Elsie also had the smaller critters such as dogs and cats in her midst at any point in time. In her outdoorsy ways, you could bet Elsie was either fishing, hunting, wagon trekking and even skiing. The outdoor lifestyle truly filled her cup, but her hobbies didn’t end there. If she wasn’t spending time in nature, she was singing and playing in a band and sometimes a good party after. Elsie’s love of music started at a young age thanks to her parent’s influence. This paved the road to playing in many venues across the region for many years. She then passed this zest for music onto her son, Chris and in turn the last band she played in was with him, his wife and granddaughter. A remarkable three-generation band.
Elsie’s love of family didn’t end with music, she even played co-ed hockey on a full-sized rink. Her team, and I say hers because we all know she was able to rule the roost, consisted of Gerald, Don, herself, Conrad Kopp and a few others. They played against Wilkie and many other regional teams. The harsh checks and game play never slowed her down. In the summer months you could also find Elsie out playing baseball and undoubtedly testing the skills of her male counterparts. Elsie took a lot of pride in her heritage which was largely inspired by her Baba, coined as “Little Baba” who came to Canada in the 1930s from Ukraine. Many of her childhood summers were spent with Little Baba on the Witkow Halls farm which prompted Elsie in later years to write a book in her honour with illustrations which was also published. To this day, Elsie was known for her strong personality and sometimes colourful spirit which I’m sure most of us have experienced.
She will be lovingly missed by many family and friends. May today be dedicated to the joyful memories of Elsie and keeping those moments close to your hearts. A Funeral Service for Elsie was held Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 (262 22 Street, Battleford, SK) with Interment to follow in Wilkie Cemetery. Donations may be directed to the Diabetes Association of Saskatchewan. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service.
