EMMA KLAIBER

August 16, 1928 ~ October 24, 2020

Mrs. Emma Klaiber, beloved wife of the late Albert Klaiber, passed from this life into Glory on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 92 years of age. God was gracious to take her quickly as that was her desire. Left to mourn Emma’s passing are her children, Norbert (Linda) Klaiber and Hilma (Gerhard) Brost; grandchildren, Brandon (Rebekah) Klaiber, Justin (Jacinda) Klaiber, Aaron (Sherry) Brost, Tim (Jenna) Brost and Sara (Grant) Hopkins; great-grandchildren, Ryder, Lyla and Jaxon Klaiber; Kira, Karver and Kanyon Klaiber; Kyler and Kristopher Brost; Nic, Drake and Milo Brost as well as Finley Hopkins. Emma also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Elvire as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Albert in 2001; parents, Andreas and Sara Necker; two sisters in infancy, Elsa and Alma as well as another sister, Hilma at the age of 22; sister-in-law, Erna and her only brother, Albert who also passed at the age of 92.

Emma was born in Kulm, Bessarabia and immigrated to Canada in 1952. She met Albert Klaiber in Medicine Hat as his family had also immigrated here. They married in 1956 and had two children, Norbert and Hilma. As a couple, they loved the Lord and served and followed Him throughout their lives, a devotion which was passed down to their children and is a blessing to the following generations. Together they had an amazing gift for hospitality. Countless friends enjoyed Emma’s fine meals which were more like feasts. Her extra tall German black forest cakes were somewhat of a legend. Emma never did anything in a small way even though she was generally quiet in nature. You would find her singing while doing her tasks around the house. When baking kuchen it was always 40-50 at one time… enough to fill the freezer. Emma made noodles in the same fashion. There were noodles spread on table cloths all throughout the house to dry before packaging them for the freezer. Some of her other German specialties and family favorites were strudels, kase knoepfle, homemade sauerkraut, pfeffer sosse, milch reis and floating islands to mention a few. The grandkids all have such fond memories of her great cooking and baking. Emma was also very artistic. She made pictures that were made of straw, an art she learned in the old country. She would cut open the straw with a special knife, flattened the straw and then dyed in various colours before beginning her masterpieces. She would visualize all the pictures she made in her mind, nothing designed on paper. These are all unique with very delicate detailing, geometrical designs as well as every variety of flower you could imagine. These beautiful creations left for us are a true treasure as they are one of a kind. Emma also loved her flower gardens and vegetable gardens. So many of her loves and giftings have been passed on which makes the memory of her so sweet. She also loved to go for long walks in the earlier years at Strathcona Park, and in the latter years, on the Ross Glen coulee trails where she was a familiar face to many.

She spent the last 8 years of her life as a resident in assisted living at Chinook Village. We cannot say enough about the amazing care she received from all the loving nurses, care aides, kitchen staff and housekeeping staff. We thank you with all our hearts. We know God will return His blessing over each of you for the kindness and love shown to her. From this past week, we will add our thanks to EMS, doctors and nurses that attended to her and the final stop of less than a day at St Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice. We thank you for all the attention given to our mother. God bless you all.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, October 30, 2020, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A Memorial Celebration of Emma’s life will be held at River Valley Community Church, 1101 Queen Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Randy Blatz officiating. Private interment will take place prior to the Memorial Celebration. The service will be live-streamed and may be accessed by visiting the River Valley Community Church facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/RiverValleyCommunityChurch/ (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com). If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Whispering Pines Camp, Box 23110, Medicine Hat Mall P.O., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4C7. Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”