ELVIN “PENG” SEMRAU

ELVIN “PENG” SEMRAU 1937 – 2026

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that Karen announces the passing of her beloved husband, Elvin Walter Semrau, affectionately known to family and friends as “Peng”.  Elvin passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family listening to his favorite hymns on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the age of 89 years.  Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 66 years, Karen; his four children; Sherry (John) Hufnagel, Debra (Rod) Buskas, Mark (Marni) Semrau, Greg (Kerstin) Semrau; ten cherished grandchildren; four adored great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.   Elvin was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Mary Semrau and his only brother, Leroy Semrau.  Elvin was born on April 27th, 1937, in Kincaid, Saskatchewan.  He attended school in Medicine Hat and spent every summer farming alongside his father and brother in Kincaid until 1966.  Those years instilled in him the strong work ethic that defined his life.  On July 30th, 1960, Elvin married the love of his life, Karen Cave.  Together they celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary just days before his passing.  Shortly after their marriage, they entered the hospitality industry, owning and operating the Trans Canada and Cloverleaf Motel until 1978.  In 1973, Elvin and his partners built the Medicine Hat Travelodge, a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial career.  His vision and determination also led him to develop numerous other successful ventures, including Riverside Amusement Park, several commercial warehouses and condominium projects.  Golf was one of Peng’s greatest passions.  His love of the game inspired him to become a visionary and part owner in the development of Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course.  He proudly recorded three hole in ones there and was admired as a true gentleman, both on and off the course. He also enjoyed his hunting, ski trips and playing hockey.  He met some of his best lifelong buddies playing on various local hockey teams, golf leagues in Medicine Hat and Surprise, Arizona and his regular scheduled 10:00 a.m. coffee group.  Through hard work and business success, Elvin was able to provide his family with countless memorable experiences and vacations.  He especially loved spending time at their homes in Whitefish Montana and Sun City Grand in Arizona. Together with Karen, he enjoyed travelling the world on many cruises and in his final year fulfilled a lifelong dream of transiting the Panama Canal.   Although a man of few words, Elvin’s kindness, humility and gentle spirit spoke volumes.  His beautiful blue eyes, warm smile, quiet strength, and unwavering integrity left a lasting impression on everyone he met.  Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family and proudly supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events and musical performances.

Elvin earned the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His legacy of hard work, generosity, quiet compassion and unconditional love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

The celebration of life will be announced when completed.  Those who wish to remember Peng with a donation, may do so to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Medicine Hat (c/o Alberta Cancer Foundation 710 – 10123 99 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3H1) or online at albertacancer.ca/in-memory.  To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2