RUDOLF SCHEMPP
Posted: November 23rd, 2022
1941 – RUDOLF SCHEMPP – 2022 Rudolf (Rudy) Schempp passed away Saturday November 19, 2022 at the age of 81 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Shirley Schempp (nee Witting); three daughters, Heidi (Mark) Fournier, Anita (Curtis) Polsfut and their son, Rowen, and Jillian Schempp and her two daughters, Katya and Naveeda Vander Meulen. Rudy is survived by his older brother, Alfred (Patricia) Schempp and family; sisters, Nelly Petke and family; Christine (Murray) Gray and family; and Irma Chinn. In 1954, at the age of 14 years, Rudy and his family immigrated to Medicine Hat. After a memorable and energetic childhood Rudy trained as a barber. Long-time Medicine Hat residents will remember Rudy as he cut hair and shared a coffee with his customers as they solved many of the world’s problems at the Hill Barber Shop. Rudy retired in 2002. When not spending time with family, Rudy had a mixed set of hobbies and pastimes including gardening, working in his greenhouse, and pursuing many horticultural endeavours in his back yard. Over his life Rudy was involved in many community initiatives such as Sea Cadets, engaging in politics, membership in the German Canadian Club, and while his girls were in school, volunteering as a soccer coach. A celebration of Rudy’s life will be held at the Schempp home on Thursday, November 24 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome to join his immediate family as they share stories and memories of Rudy. In lieu of any flowers, the family requests that donations be given to Canadian Diabetes Association, 220, 6223 2 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1J5. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Rudolf Schempp. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
I first Met Rudy in the fall of 1956 when we both joined the new sea cadet organization. We were both immigrants, he from Germany and I from Ireland, so we had something in common from the start. Our friendship grew over the next few years and it was the best of kinds. He introduced me to my first girlfriend so I have him to thank for that since I was quite shy at that young age. I also learned the basics of the German language from him which helped me when I lived in Freiburg later in life: he made my life hell making me repeat pronunciation, which again, I thank him. We were great friends until I joined the Navy: Rudy came to the station to see me off on the east bound train at 1;30 in the morning which I really appreciated. After that it was a get together every summer when I came home to visit my parents. We haven’t met for years, because my parents moved east, but I can still hear his boisterous laugh as he would tell a joke or just for fun. Rest in Peace Rudy until we meet again on the other side. Your old friend Bob Moneypenny”