December 15, 1947 – April 6, 2019
Heinz Dieter Schmidtke, best friend and beloved husband of Iris Bennett, passed away peacefully at home near Claresholm on April 6, 2019 at age 71 after his stoic battle with cancer.
He is survived by two sons and their spouses, Konrad (Leanne) of Edmonton, Kris (Jamie) of Coaldale, and three grandchildren, Jocelyne, Abigail and Addison. He is lovingly remembered by sisters Dot Jamieson (Wes), Anna Flewelling (Jack), Doris Burchill (Len), Brenda Bohn (Lionel), as well as numerous extended family members.
Born in Fritzlar, Germany, Dec 15, 1947, Heinz emigrated with his parents, Stephan and Anna Schmidtke to Canada, where he grew up on the family farm near Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He became a Canadian Citizen and moved to Alberta, living in various cities while working in the Oil Field Business in the Canadian Arctic. Later, he worked as Safety Inspector, and finally as an HCA in Claresholm until retiring in 2018.
Heinz was a man of many interests and talents; as an avid outdoorsman, nature lover, craftsman, award winning gardener and artist, he easily embraced challenges and met difficulties with grace. His devotion and duty to family was unparalleled – whenever a close relative was ill or in need, he’d drop whatever he was doing and move to their location to help with cooking, cleaning and serving in any capacity. He lived to help others.
Always the gentleman, Heinz was soft spoken, hard-working, sincere, selfless and caring, especially adored by seniors and children. His love for adventure reached its shining pinnacle during his Foster Parenting years, where his sunny smile, generosity of spirit, kindness, and sterling integrity were immeasurable gifts to the next generation. So it is with sorrowful hearts we lament the loss of a dear, giving and beautiful man, a rare treasure. May he joyfully wing his flight to the paradise of the Kingdom of God.
A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 12, 2019 at Willow Creek Funeral Home, (4079 – 1st Street West, Claresholm, AB). Heinz was laid to rest in the Claresholm Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Claresholm Animal Rescue Society (P.O. Box 2579 Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0).
Arrangements entrusted to Willow Creek Funeral Home, Claresholm. Tel: 403-625-3212. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.willowcreekfuneralhome.com