Obituary of Louis Zdrill
Louis Zdrill
It’s with deep sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Dad and Papa; Louis Zdrill on July 8, 2025. He passed peacefully at the age of 90 with his loving family by his side.
Louis is lovingly missed by his wife of 61 years: Elizabeth
Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren:
David Zdrill
Marianne (Dean) Cherkas and their family; Kayla (Alejandro Buzzalino), Taylor (Danielle), Chelsey
Rosanne (Brent) Ross and their family; Dustin, Colby(Emily), Ella, Amelia, Wyatt, Jenna (Dan Smith)Theodore
Michael Zdrill and his family; Matthew (Calista Bryson)
Paul (Rebekka Thiessen) Zdrill and their family; Victoria, Lukas (Taliah Williams), Harly Reimer, Mark (Taija) Caya, Alexis Gregorchuk.
His sisters; Mary Erdman and Emily Vanderlann
His brothers in law: Joh Vanderlann, Ed Kuzniar
His sisters in law; Annie Zdrill, Ruth Zdrill, Lita Fekete, Ann Kuzniar
Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins
Louis was predeceased by:
His parents: Phillip and Maria Zdrill
His brothers: Peter, John, Frank and Stanley
His sisters: Albina Zychowka, Josephine, Pauline Hryhor, Sophie Tenaschuk, Rose Bidulka
His brothers in law: Joe Zychowka, Peter Hryhor, Bill Tenaschuk, Morris Bidulka, Ken Erdman, Alex and Alphonse Fekete
His sisters in law: Nellie and Alice Zdrill
His in laws: Alexander and Annie Fekete
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives
Louis was born in Prince Albert, SK to Phillip and Maria Zdrill, the 11th child of 12 siblings. He was raised on the family farm in the Strong Pine district. Louis lived a life defined by resilience, hard work, devotion to family, faith and a deeply ingrained sense of purpose. Hard work and determination was the backbone of survival for a large farming family at that time. The stories he shared of this early farm life wasn’t always joyful but he always managed to find time to get into trouble with his younger brother Stanley. From a young age, Louis embodied the spirit of a builder—not just of structures, but also of his immediate and extended family. At just 16 years old, he began his career as a journeyman carpenter and general contractor, quickly earning a reputation for his strong work ethic and unwavering integrity. His early work took him to the harsh conditions of Northern Canada, where he contributed to the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line during the 1950s—a crucial part of Canada’s defense infrastructure during the Cold War.
Through the 60s and 70s, Louis advanced in his career, taking on superintendent roles across Western and Northern Canada with various construction companies building Bridges, hospitals, schools and RCMP Detachments. He led by example—never asking of others what he wasn’t willing to do himself. But life, with all its unpredictability, took a sharp turn when a debilitating vehicle accident changed his course. True to his resilient nature, Louis didn’t let this setback define him. Instead, he embraced a new path and began working as a corrections officer at the Prince Albert Penitentiary, a position he held with dedication for 17 years. He realized and was driven by the fact that he had to continue to support his young family.
Even while working in such a demanding environment, Louis never left his first love of carpentry behind. Whether it was shingling a roof, renovating a bathroom, building a deck or helping friends and family with projects big and small, Louis kept creating and fixing well into his retirement years. His hands bore the marks of a lifetime of labor, but his spirit remained strong and generous.
But beyond all the work he did, the roles he held most dear were those of husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His love for his family was boundless. He was the strong and larger than life, steady presence you could always count on! Whether it was a piece of advice, a story from years past, or just sitting together with that welcoming beer (whether you needed it or not!)—Louis gave of himself freely, and those moments are now cherished memories that will live on.
Louis also had a special place in the lives of many as brother, uncle, godfather and friend, always present, always dependable!
His legacy is not just in the buildings he helped construct or the projects he completed, but in the people he raised, supported, and loved so deeply. His story is one of strength, humility, perseverance, and most of all, heart.
We will miss his wit, his bad off colour jokes, his wisdom, his steady hands, his big laughter and smile that stretched from ear to ear. But we find comfort in knowing that the values he lived by—hard work, loyalty, love of family—continue on in all of us.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the compassionate care Louis received while in the Victoria Hospital and Pineview Terrace. Also sincere thanks to Lorne Adams and staff at Beaulac Funeral Home for your compassionate and kind assistance at this difficult time.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Marks Parish, 581 – 9th St East, Prince Albert, SK. Immediately following the service, the family invites you for lunch and fellowship in the lower level of the church. Interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of other tributes donations in memory of Louis may be directed to https://www.cancerfoundationsask.ca or www.heartandstroke.ca/donate.com Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322
