Obituary of Gerhard Siemens

Siemens, Gerhard - Passed away peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the age of 61.

Gerhard was born in St.Catharines, Ontario, on December 27, 1962 but lived all his life in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  He married Eleanor, the love of his life, in 1989, and they enjoyed many years together. 

In 1985, Gerhard's life changed!  Becoming a quadriplegic, crushed his plans of being a farmer.  God had different plans for him.  He lived his life to his fullest ability, travelling via cruises through out the Caribbean and even to Brazil.

Gerhard leaves behind his loving wife Eleanor Siemens and his father Peter Siemens.  He is predeceased by his mother Katharina (Tina) Siemens .  He will lovingly be remembered by many family and friends who will cherish his memory and celebrate his going home.

Family will receive friends at the Vineland Chapel of Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St. Vineland, on Friday, Febraury 9 from 6-8pm.  We invite all those who loved Gerhard to come and celebrate Gerhard's eternal life on Saturday, Febraury 10 at 1pm in the funeral home chapel.  Private family interment at Niagara Lake Shore Cemetery.

For those wishing to view the livestream please click this link - Livestream - Gerhard Siemens

If desired, memorial donations to Red Roof Retreat would be appreciated.

Life story

Gerhard Siemens was born on December 27, 1962, in St Catharines Ontario to parents Peter and Katharina (Tina) Siemens, living in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario his entire life.

Gerhard had rebellious teen years, tragically losing 4 friends in a very short time.  This made him realize that he needed to change his life.  It was after this in 1982 that he gave his life to the Lord and was baptized and become a member of the Niagara United Mennonite Church.  Being involved in youth group and Boys League were always happy memories.

At a young age, Gerhard’s parents instilled a strong work ethic in him.  He realized in high school that higher education was not for him.  His passion was farming.  He had worked summers on different farms all his life, and it only seemed natural to find a full-time job on a farm.  He spent 3 years working for Abe Epp and was in charge of his spray program.  Those years showed him he did not want to work for anyone but himself, so he bought his farm in 1984 at 21 years of age.  He had big plans!

On November 11, 1984, he went out for the first time with his now best friend and wife, Eleanor, never dreaming that she would be taking care of him. After an evening at the movies, the drive home was eventful.  It was a standing argument between Gerhard and Eleanor whether he ran three (3) red lights and one (1) yellow according to Eleanor or three (3) yellow and only one (1) red.

March 18, 1985, changed Gerhards’ life forever.  An accident in Cancun Mexico left him a quadriplegic.  The next 18 months were filled with hospitals and rehab.  One of his best days in rehab was when Rick Hansen (Man in Motion Tour) came to the rehab centre, and he was asked to give him a personal tour.

Another day in rehab, Gerhard was depressed and feeling sorry for himself.  His doctor sent him to visit a Children’s hospital down the road and said there is always someone worse off.   He also said Gerhard could curl up and die due to his injury OR not care what the world thought and live life to the fullest of his ability. He chose the latter.

On April 29, 1989, Gerhard married the love of his life, Eleanor.  Together they built a home and enjoyed many good times.  The thirteen years of spending winters in Florida brought many good friendships and allowed for travel throughout the Caribbean and even to Brazil via cruising. 

Gerhard was always the adventurous one, even in the wheelchair, and encouraged Eleanor to step out of her comfort zone.  One of their many adventures was in Manaus Brazil.  Wanting to see the Opera House that was 3 KM through the city, they set out and pushed all the way there, toured the Opera House and then pushed all the way back to the ship.

As time moved on Gerhard became less mobile and weaker, bringing an end to wintering in Florida.

The last several months were a struggle, always feeling tired and sick.  After a short extreme illness, Gerhard was taken home on February 5, 2024.

We have wonderful memories of Gerhard that will be cherished forever.