Obituary of Erma Elvera Muhlbeier

Erma Elvera Muhlbeier
April 19, 1935 – April 12, 2025

Erma Elvera Muhlbeier passed away peacefully at Castor Long Term Care in Castor, Alberta on April 12, 2025, at the age of 89 years.

Born in 1935, Erma attended the Artherdale and Rosetta schools, and worked on the family farm. Later, she joined the local hospital’s laundry department, where her hardworking nature and kind spirit were appreciated by all who knew her.

Erma met the love of her life, Charles, at a community dance — and from that moment, he was “the one.” They married on June 29, 1953, and shared 64 devoted years together. Side by side, they built a life rooted in family, farming, and hard work. Together, they raised seven children, and their home was always full of love, laughter, and the bounty of Erma’s Garden.

The garden was a cornerstone of family life — with jars of homemade dill pickles, canned fruit, chicken, and beef always filling the cold room. Her dill pickles were a family favorite, adored by children and grandchildren alike.

Erma had many joys in life. She loved knitting, reading, playing cards, tackling puzzle books, and cheering on curling matches. She was also active in her community, proudly participating in many local organizations, including the Lauderdale Ladies, Royal Purple, CGIT, and the United Church Auxiliary.

Erma is lovingly remembered by her children: Randal (Tara) Muhlbeier, James Muhlbeier, Donna Muhlbeier, Lorna Muhlbeier, Joyce James, Katherine (Jason Needham) Muhlbeier, and Teresa (Mike) Yamada; grandchildren: Frazer Muhlbeier, January (Daniel) Drysdale, Tammy Muhlbeier, Crystal (Dale) Tucker, Alexander Muhlbeier, Brandalynn (Chase) Leyen, Zachary (Alicia) James, Curtis (Kayla) James, Morgan (Mackenzie Orr) Yamada, Erin (Mitchell Helgeland) Yamada, and Konal Yamada; step-grandchildren: Cora (Jordan) Walker, Tristan (Candice) van Zandbergen, Tiara van Zandbergen and Cade van Zandbergen; great-grandchildren: Morwen, Jaxon, Cohen, Elexia, and Brooklyn; and step-great-grandchildren: Carson, Aiden and Owen.

Erma is survived by her sister Marlene (Len) Johnson; sister-in-law Phyllis (Alfred) Engel; brother-in-law Brian Krell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles Henry Muhlbeier; her parents, Alex and Emma Engel; brothers Alfred Engel and Fred and his wife Lorraine Engel; sister Betty Krell; brother-in-law Len Johnson; son-in-law Terry James; and daughter-in-law Darlene Muhlbeier.

Erma’s life was a beautiful legacy of love, strength, and family. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

There will be a public viewing for Erma at the

Knox United Church prior to the graveside 10:00 ~ 10:45 A.M.

Graveside Service

Castor Cemetery, Castor, Alberta

Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

Celebration Of Life

Knox United Church, Castor, Alberta

Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 1:00 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made to STARS ~ 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7, Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation ~ Box 329, Castor, Alberta T0C 0X0 or to the Paintearth Lodge ~ Box 209, Castor, Alberta T0C 0X0.