OELKE, Erna

ERNA OELKE 1933 – 2024 Mrs. Erna Oelke, beloved mom/oma, leaves to cherish her memory her only daughter Cindy (Calvin), and grandchildren Brant, Caitlynn and Lacey. Erna passed away unexpectedly at Cedar Creek Adaptacare in Lethbridge, Alberta on December 28, 2024, at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her husband Herman of 57 years, in July of 2011, as well as her parents Eduard and Emilie Stein, brothers Robert “Bob” Stein and Bernie Stein, sisters Katie Semrok and Herta Tewitz, brother-in-laws: Edmund Semrok, Harry Wutzke, Bob Hemmerling, Gene Zaryski , and John Tewitz, as well as her sister-in-law Phyllis Stein. She leaves to mourn her sisters: Talita Zaryski, Lydia Wutzke, Leo Stein (Toky), and Irma Hemmerling, sister in laws Edith Stein and Ruth Stein, Anita Oelke, and many nieces and nephews.
Erna was born March 26,1933 in Bogdanka, Poland. Due to WW2 and all the political unrest, they were forced to leave their farm/home in 1941 and relocate to Prinzenau Posen, only to have to flee in 1945, leaving everything behind because of the Russians closing in on them. They landed in Allerhausen Nordheim, West Germany, where she was able to finish eighth grade in 1947. At that young age she started working as a housekeeper until July 1951. The family then immigrated to Canada and made their way to Edmonton, Ab. Despite being unable to speak English, Erna got a housekeeping job with a family who had 6 children. The children had many chuckles as she was forever asking them “vat is dis and vat is dat”? She picked up enough English in the first year to get hired at Woodwards on the lunch counter as a waitress which she contributed to the family house expenses.
In 1952, Erna met Herman and they married in May 1954, in Edmonton. Work took them to various towns and when given an opportunity to farm, they did that for a couple years in Drumheller, Alberta. Their only daughter, Cindy, was born on October 1960, and in 1962 they moved to Calgary. In 1967 they decided to try a new venture and went into the Hotel business, purchasing their first, the Alberta Hotel, in Pincher Creek, Alberta until 1973 and then went on to owning several such businesses in Lethbridge, Coaldale, Sparwood, British Columbia, and lastly Warner, Alberta, where they lived the longest and enjoyed the community and many friendships for years. Erna enjoyed cooking and shared delicious homemade recipes in her restaurants as well as with entertaining friends and family. Upon retiring in 1997 and selling their house in Warner, they moved back to Coaldale in June 1998 to be closer to the family.
Ever resourceful, Erna made quilts from clothes no longer worn and gave away or enjoyed herself. She kept busy gardening, tending flowerbeds, was a spotless housekeeper and loved cooking. Every Harvest, at Cal and Cindy’s farm, she brought out her oven baked chicken, potatoes, crepés, veggie and desserts, which were a highlight for Brant, Cal and the harvest crews over the years. Taking care of the grandkids and their friends were the best times as they revolved through the front door to various activities and were taxied, as needed, by Papa. The kids all shared many a chuckle and teasing with papa and Erna loved them being there to dote on with endless snacks. They went camping over the years and did some travelling. Erna went on 2 cruises to watch Caitlynn dance, once with Cal and Cindy and his mother Marion. Secondly, with Lacey as her escort, where she toured Europe seeing the Berlin Wall, a historical event for her. She went to Mexico and Hawaii with her sisters and niece Rose.
In June 2011, Erna sold her house and moved into Lethbridge and was widowed 2 weeks later. At 85 years, she underwent a major surgery for cancer that altered her mouth and throat. She had to relearn how to talk clearly as well as swallowing. She was the most compliant and best patient Cindy always said. With a diet of puréed food, she certainly never quit and forged ahead modifying her recipes from scratch- making bone broth, puréeing her meat, mashed potatoes and vegetables, making carrot juice for years and enjoyed most everything including desserts. She enjoyed being independent and lived in ‘her’ house (she was 90+years) until Jan 2024. Unfortunately, Erna had some falls and needed more care this last year and though she declined and had to rely on a wheelchair and help she was kind to everyone and was well liked at her residence.
Erna (is) will be greatly missed by her daughter Cindy and husband Cal, grandkids and family. We are ever grateful to have had her with us to the age of 91+ and will cherish our many memories together.
A memorial will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 2406-11th Avenue, South, Lethbridge, AB.
A Livestream recording of the service will be available by using a link provided on Erna’s obituary page at www.evergreenfh.ca
By Erna’s request, the family will have a private burial prior to the memorial service.
Our special thanks to the Cedar Creek Adaptacare staff for their dedicated care of Erna. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Cedar Creek Adaptacare, at 1821-13th Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta, 21H 2V4
Condolences may be forwarded to www.evergreenfh.ca