Obituary of Norbert Horst Franke

March 27, 1935 – Hotzenplotz, Czechoslovakia

August 19, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Norbert Franke, beloved husband to Lydia, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the age of 89 years.

Norbert was born to Josef and Elisabeth Franke in Hotzenplotz, Czechoslovakia, where he lived until 1945. He then moved to Bavaria with his mother, sisters, and Opa. WWII disrupted his education and opportunities were scarce. To keep him out of mischief, his mother arranged an apprenticeship as a wagon wheel builder. At the age of 17, Norbert moved to the Ruhr area to support his family as a coal miner. At the age of 22, he moved to Canada to fulfill his cowboy dreams.

A pragmatist driven to support his family; Norbert worked in a variety of occupations with the motto “work to live”. He was a strong believer in education as it provided opportunities that were not available to him.

Norbert’s insatiable curiosity led to many life interests, including music, skiing, hiking, golf, computers, electronic gadgets, photography, family activities, travel, watching grandkids play sports, and spending time with family and friends.

As a self-taught musician, Norbert had a penchant for playing instruments and an ear for music. The accordion, guitar, organ, piano, and trumpet were all part of his repertoire.  When he borrowed money from his Opa to buy his first instrument, an accordion, the loan was forgiven after his Opa heard him play so beautifully. Bringing his accordion to Canada, he, along with friends, provided musical entertainment at many parties.

Norbert loved people, learning about different languages and cultures, and enjoyed talking to everybody. He was adept at picking up different languages and phrases and taught himself English. He was a great storyteller and his tales of growing up are legendary.

Norbert married the love of his life, Lydia, in 1964. They lived and raised their children in Elboya and frequently visited her family, who embraced him, in Coaldale.

He will be dearly missed by Lydia, his wife of 60 years, his children, Joe (Donna), Karen (Ross T.), and Christine (Ross A.); his grandchildren, Adam, Liam, Kit, Carter, and Chelsea; his sisters, Edith and Ortrud; his sisters-in-law, Rose and Johanna; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his sister Ingrid.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Complex Dementia Care Unit at the Chinook Care Centre for their kindness, compassion, and exemplary care.

A Celebration of Norbert’s Life will be held at McInnis and Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Norbert’s family here.

In living memory of Norbert Franke, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.