Waldemar "Walter" Repke

1935-2022

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Waldemar Erwin Repke at Parkwood Long Term Care on February 26th, 2022 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Freda Repke [nee Freiheit] and his daughters Carol Huber [Dennis] and Rita Ciulei [Liviu] and daughter-in-law Debbie Repke. Walter will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Sarah Huber, Scott Huber [Catharine], Jason Huber [Jennifer], Caitlin Knapik [Ben], Eric Repke, Nicholas Ciulei, Julia Repke, Daniel Ciulei and his new great granddaughter Hailey Huber.

Walter was predeceased by his son, Ron, in January 2022 and we take great comfort knowing that they are together again. He was also predeceased by his parents, Amalie and Friedrich Repke and his sister Inge Neske [Roman].

Walter was born on March 26, 1935 on a small farm in Gaj, Poland. Some of his favourite memories from Poland were of his grandfather. His grandfather inspired many of his passions which led Walter to record his life story for his family. At the age of 11 he became an orphan as a result of WWII. Walter and his sister were now left to fend for themselves. In 1948, his Uncle Rudolph in Germany located him through the Red Cross and brought him back to live with them. Once in Germany, at the age of 15, he began an apprenticeship as a machine fitter.

In 1954, Walter set sail for Canada and went to live with a relative in Kitchener. Even though he didn’t speak English, he applied for a job at the Uniroyal Rubber Machine Shop [RMS]. Walter began working the night shift and worked his way up through the engineering department into senior management. He retired in 1992 as Director of Operations.

He met his wife Freda in the summer of 1956 at the Concordia Club. The pair married shortly after and started a family. After his retirement at 55, Walter and Freda enjoyed travelling the world for a number of years.

Walter did not have the opportunity for a formal education when he was young so he placed a very high priority on it later in life. He continuously took courses throughout his career. He also decided to teach himself how to use a computer for trading stocks and bonds. He became successful at investing and enjoyed playing computer games. He was very proud of his self-taught skills.

Walter loved to fish and enjoyed attending the Kitchener Ranger games. He had Ranger season tickets for almost 50 years. Walter and Freda are long time members of the Bethel Lutheran Church and Walter served on the church council in various roles for 15 years.

The last 7 years were a struggle dealing with the unforgiving effects of Alzheimer’s. Rest in peace Walter/Dad. We love you and will miss you.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre in Kitchener [519-743-8900] on Friday March 4th starting at 10:00 am followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 am. Interment will happen following the service with only the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Red Cross would be appreciated by the family.