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Obituary of Karl Then
February 17, 1923 - Windshausen, Germany
May 11, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Karl Then, son, brother, husband, uncle, father, Opa, friend, and proud Canadian, passed away in Calgary, Alberta on May 11, 2023 at a grand age of 100 years. We feel sad but not sorrow, and we love and honor him for a long well lived and well-loved life.
A long life, with so much history and beautiful memories. Some difficult times in the early years, but only the beautiful memories remained.
He was born in Windshausen, Germany February 17, 1923, to Georg Then and Helene Weigand, the youngest of seven children. Karl married Ottilie Banert in 1948 and they came to Canada in 1951 with their two oldest sons, and another one born 2 months after they arrived.
He worked hard all his life and passed on his work ethic to not only his sons, but his grandchildren. He is the original “T” that lives on in his family.
His passion was singing, especially his solos with the German Canadian Men’s Choir. A loving son who only spoke well of his parents, particularly his mother. A brother, cherished by older siblings, a husband with a soulmate who he cherished for 70 years and long after her passing. A disciplined father and loving Dad of seven men with their spouses and a caring, nurturing Opa to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his seven sons, Peter (Debbie), Klaus (Gerri), Walt (Linda), Paul, Bernie (Holly), Ronald (Penny), and Harold (Sharilee); fourteen grandchildren, Cindy (Brian), Daryl (Lynette), Peter, Sara (Ben), Lisa (Ben), Wyatt, Lucas (Tabitha), Krystal (Mike), Eric (Kristie), Jenny (Scott), Kelsey (Tyler), Christine (Wes), Richard (Amanda), and Rachel (Liam); and eleven great-grandchildren, Jacob, Vanessa, Harlow, Van, Liam, Royce, Otto, Kylee, McKenna, Alex and Nate. He is also survived by his remaining sibling, Heidi Wetteskind, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ottie in 2017.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Manor Village at Varsity and Rocky Ridge for their loving care.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Boniface German Catholic Church (1923 Broadview Road N.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, donations and memorial tributes may be made in Karl’s memory to the MS Canada Calgary Office,119 14 St NW #100, Calgary Alberta T2N 1Z6 Telephone 1-800-268-7582. https://mscanada.ca.
In living memory of Karl Then, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.
