Erika Anna Sputek

Erika was born in Mannheim, Seckenheim, Germany. She came to Canada by ship in September of 1952 aboard the Arosa Kulm. Erika left Germany with her 4 small children in hand, arriving in Montreal Quebec. Erika and her children then boarded a train where she traveled across Canada to Edmonton. A journey she has never forgotten, this is where she began her love for the beauty and vastness of Canada her new home.

She was predeceased by her parents, Emma (nee Raufelder) and Konrad Jaekle; husband, Franz Josef; daughter Elfrieda and son Peter; brother, Werner (Louise). She is survived by her 10 children, Walter (Karen), Rolf (Helen), Werner, Mike, Marianne (Jerry), Eric (Marylynn), Susan (Doug), Kathy, Francis (Bella) Bill (Sonja) son in law John; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, relatives in Germany and many friends.

Mom loved Edmonton; this was her home for 64 years, however, she still had a place in her heart for her Seckenheim home. With all of mom’s experiences she always had a story to tell that each of us will never forget. Mom was a story teller, with an incredible memory right up to the end of her life. Mom was an amazing cook, there was always extra, she would never know who would walk through the door that might be hungry. Mom was an avid gardener, each of her children, grand children, friends, neighbors, and passerby’s had the pleasure of moms beautiful garden. Every spring, mom would wait for the song of the first robins. Wild birds and her garden were monumental to her. Her home was her castle and all were welcome. Through the efforts of her children, especially her son Francis and daughter Susan, mom was able to stay in her home to the end of her life. Mom constantly challenged each of us, which never really surprised any of us. Mom was so knowledgeable in world events past and present, whether it was politics, geography, religion, music and so much more, if you were willing to bring up any of these topics, mom would give you her views and, what a sense of humor. Mom’s most prized possessions were always her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mom would always have words of encouragement or words of wisdom for each of us. As mom was near to the end of her life with so many things going on, she still worried about her children, her family. She was a proud courageous woman who never complained, always was gracious to those that helped her, accepting what precious time she had left on earth; each one of us will miss her deeply. May the lord keep her safe and close. Mom, Gramma until we meet again, Auf Wiedersehen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 1:00p.m. at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church (11223-51Avenue, Edmonton, AB).

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the University of Alberta Medical Outpatient Unit and the Canadian Blood Services. God bless all those who have donated blood so that our mom could live another day, and the good nurses who administered blood for mom, Thank you.