Werner Josef Scheliga
elevated sxJIG May 7, 1936 ~ September 20, 2025
elevated sxJIG Visitation
Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
elevated sxJIG Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated sxJIG Funeral Service – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)
Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
elevated sxJIG To watch Mass live
elevated sxJIG Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated sxJIG Obituary
elevated sxJIG Werner Josef Scheliga passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, leaving behind a fulfilled life and a legacy of resilience, dedication, and love. At age 89, he was the loving husband of 67 years to Erika; predeceased by his brother Horst, devoted father of Peter (Astrid), and Susan (Tom); grandchildren Kirsten, (Torsten), Jillian (Allen), Ryan (Shannon), Peri (Matt), Melissa (Max), & Allyson (James); and great grandchildren Skylar, Leif, Willamina, Lillian, Ari & Lochlann.
elevated sxJIG Werner was born on May 7, 1936, in Hindenburg, Germany, where his life was marked by significant historical events and personal challenges that he faced with unwavering and inspiring strength and determination.
elevated sxJIG Werner’s early years were shaped by the tumultuous events of World War II. Despite the hardships, he found joy in his childhood. His journey took him from Hindenburg to Romsthal and eventually to Frankfurt.
elevated sxJIG During the spring of 1954, Werner’s passion for cycling led him to the center of Frankfurt, where he met Erika for the first time. Their relationship blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They married in 1958 and embarked on a new adventure, moving to Canada in search of better opportunities. Werner’s dedication to his craft led him to establish Unique Mould Makers Limited, a company that became a leader in the plastics industry. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset were instrumental in the company’s success. He received many awards and accolades including the Canadian Plastics Industry “Leader of the Year” in 2009, these all reflected his dedication and impact on the industry.
elevated sxJIG Werner’s life was not just about work; he was a devoted family man. He and Erika raised two wonderful children, Peter and Susan, who brought immense joy to their lives. Werner’s love for his family extended to his grandchildren, with whom he shared many cherished moments.
elevated sxJIG Throughout his life, Werner remained committed to his community and his faith. He was an active member and leader of the Kolping Society, and also the Retreat Master for the Mary Lake retreat group for over 50 years.
elevated sxJIG In 1972, Werner and Erika purchased a cottage in Muskoka that has become a cherished family retreat, during winter and summer. He often enjoyed working on improvements and always had the next project planned!
elevated sxJIG Werner and Erika shared the love of travel, creating countless cherished memories together, with their adventures taking them across every major continent.
elevated sxJIG Werner’s story was one of perseverance, love, and achievement. He leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him. His strength, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his family and work will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
elevated sxJIG He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.
elevated sxJIG
Erika,
My condolences.When I received this news of Werner’s passing I was saddened.
I have known you both for over 20 years and both of you have always greeted me with genuine respect.
Werner was special, and being so encouraged me to look after both of you at the same level as my best client. I liked him.
I am certain his warmth was his trademark, and he has helped many of us to try to match his character.
Take care Erika and best wishes to all your family.
Nick Luca
Dear Nick,
Thank you for your kind comments about our beloved Father. Through his caring and giving attitude towards life he made the world a better place for all that had the opportunity to meet him.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
Sincerely, the Scheliga Family
Praise God for such a man of wisdom, love, and spirit, who lived a full life in dedication to his family and the realization of his dreams. We wish to convey our heartfelt sympathy and the Lord’s comfort to all of Werner’s closest family members, friends, and associates. Sincerely, Bob and Sandy Tripp.
Dear Bob and Sandy,
Thank you for your kind comments. They have helped us in this time of sadness.
Dad was a very special man and will be missed by many who had the opportunity to meet him.
Sincerely, Peter and Family
So sorry to hear this sad news. I have known Werner for over 30 years and he was a warm, caring and very lovely person. I will miss him.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for attending the visitation and funeral. He certainly was a special man.
Erika & the Scheliga family,
My deepest condolences for the loss of my cottage neighbour and friend Werner. A day at the lake was always better when I was able to see, chat and catch up with Werner. His pride of family and life’s blessing were always on full display in his words and expressions. He will be missed.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We will all definitely miss him at the cottage.
Erika and family.
Our deepest condolences on the news of Werner’s passing. It was only recently that I got to meet you both, but it was clear what an amazing man Werner was. You both have raised a wonderful family and his legacy will live on.
Thanks so much for your kind words and card. He will be dearly missed but our memories will last forever
Our condolences to Erika and family.
Verner was such a wonderful man. He was always so thoughtful and easy to chat with.
Many great memories with our family (Bodri’s) were made here on Pine Lake and will be cherished forever. He will be greatly missed.
Dave and Susanne Shirriff
We appreciate your kind words and support. He was truly a special man and will be forever in our hearts.
On behalf of myself and the entire Augustinian community here at Marylake, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Werner.
While we mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, resting in the loving arms of our Lord, free from suffering. Please know that we are keeping you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
As a sign of our love and remembrance, we will be offering a Mass here at Marylake for the special intention of Werner.
Please be assured of our ongoing prayers for you and your family during this time of grief.
Mary Lake was always such a special place for my father and we are so honored and blessed that there will be a Mass said in his name.
My Condolences to Erika and her family.
I was sorry to hear of Werner’s passing.
He was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
I met Werner & Erika on my travels years ago
and we kept in touch through E-Mails and phone calls.
R.I.P Werner,
My dad often spoke about the many travels you all made together. The pictures and memories will last forever
My wife Linda’s and my deepest Condolences on the passing of Werner.
I knew Werner for about 50 years and he was a person one has had to admire.
I knew him from the Plastic Industry where he was a visionary giant.
We also knew him from the German St. Patrick’s Church where he was a pillar of the community.
Rest in Peace Werner,
Dear Ernst and Linda,
Thank you for your kind comments about Dad.
it was so nice that you came to the funeral to support us as well in this time of grief.
He will be missed and never forgotten.
Sincerely Peter and the extended Scheliga Family
Dear Erika and Family. We are so saddened to hear of Werner’s passing.
He was such a caring person who we could always rely on.
We became long time friends some 50 years ago when my husband Steve had the opportunity to build him his boathouse here on Pine Lake. Great memories.
He will be dearly missed.
Our deepest condolences.
Elisabeth Bodri and family.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We remember all the projects that your husband Steve completed for us. Those were all beautiful memories we will all have.
Let me convey my condolences and that of all the members of the Catholic Kolping Society of Toronto to Erika and the whole Scheliga family. Werner’s name can be traced back to the early days in the 50’s. Not only did he fill every position in our Society, he was a doer. I sought his help and advice on so many occasions, in other words he was involved in all aspects of our Society. In the early days building the Kolping cottage, too being our retreat master in Marylake almost forever. Thank you Werner we miss you.
On a personal note Mia and I thank you Werner and Erika for being our close friends. So many home visits, Christmas and New Years parties. It has been a blessing knowing you. Even during my latest health challenge, he kept calling me to enquire of my condition.
Believing strongly in an afterlife makes saying good bye a little easier, so I will say see you later.
Dear Henry and Mia,
Thank you for your kind words about Dad. He was a very special person that touched so many. It was so nice that you both and Carol attended the funeral, it helped with the sorrow that we are feeling.
Dad’s giving nature and love will live on through his family in different ways.
He will be great missed and never forgotten.
Sincerely, Peter and our extended Scheliga and Kleinau Family
Mélissa and family
My deepest condolences on your loss, I hope you find comfort and support in family over this difficult time. You are in my thoughts.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We will definitely rely on our family to get through this difficult time. Our wonderful memories will last forever.
Dear Erika and family. Wendy and I were saddened to hear Werner passing. We have known Werner since the early 80s. He was a wonder human being. Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Dear Kevin and Wendy,
Thank you for your kind comments. Kevin thank you also for attending the Funeral. It made it more special for us all.
We will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Sincerely, Peter and the extended Scheliga Family.