KERBER Heinz

1925-2013

MR. HEINZ HELMUT HORST KERBER, beloved husband of Mrs. Margarete Kerber, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, July 5, 2013 at the age of 88 years. Heinz Helmut Horst Kerber was born in Querbach, Schlesien Germany on January 20, 1925 to Richard & Minna Kerber, the second of five children. At the age of 17, he followed in his brother Alfred’s footsteps, and volunteered to serve his country in World War II, receiving his discharge in May 1946. In 1948 he married Margarete Pauline Menger at Marienheide, West Germany. On Feb. 28 of this year, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, a milestone not many achieve. In 1956 Heinz and Margarete immigrated to Canada, settling in the Lethbridge area. In Germany, he was a stone mason, building fireplaces, and once he arrived in Canada he had many labor related jobs until he became a floor layer. He worked for several companies as a floor layer until 1961 when he started Heinz Kerber Floors. This would evolve into Kerber Floors Ltd., and is still in operation today. He loved to work, whether it was on the job site, or at home. He always enjoyed gardening and even planted one this spring. The weeds never had a chance to grow as he checked it every day. Time spent in the mountains was his favourite pastime, whether it was just for a drive, picking rocks for their patio and his “Berlin Wall”, or to hunt or fish. He got his last moose at the age of 86 in the fall of 2011, with son Jonn, an accomplishment he was very proud of. He shared many memories of hunting and fishing with his sons, and usually had photos to back up the stories. There were no ‘fish tales’ with Dad, he had proof of his efforts. Dad enjoyed life to the fullest, skidooing, riding his motorcycle, golfing and travelling. He was also a pretty keen card player, spending many hours playing German Rummy with family. Sundays will never be the same Dad, but we know you’ll always be watching over each one of us. We’re sure going to miss you.

He is survived by their six children: Brigitte (Ray), Peter (Sherryl), Udo (Debbie), Jonn (Carrie), Rosie (Ed), Ted (Kathy); 14 Grandchildren, and 8 Great Grandchildren. Also surviving him are his brother Walter (Mary), sister Lotte (Werner), brother-in-law Leo, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Richard & Minna, and brothers Alfred and Horst (Annie). At Heinz’ request, a private family service was held. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Function Clinic c/o Chinook Regional Hospital (960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5).

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Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium

2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South

Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1

Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777

Fax ~ (403) 381-3128

Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778

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