Erwin Spletzer

Erwin Spletzer was born in Klein Kuple, Poland on November 25, 1925. He spent his early years on the family farm. In 1940, his father passed away from cancer, leaving his mother Julianne alone with 8 children. That same year they were resettled in Litzmannstadt, Poland. In January 1943 he was drafted. During the time he was in the army, Erwin did not know where his family had been relocated. After the war ended, with help from a family friend, he found the family in Gostau, near Leipzig, Germany. Erwin then settled in with his family and spent 2 years studying to be a carpenter. In 1948, Erwin started his journey to Canada. With the help of his Canadian cousin Tillie Snyder, he immigrated to Canada in the winter of 1949, settling in Winnipeg Manitoba.

In 1951, Erwin met Martha Jordan and they were married on July 19, 1952. According to both Erwin and Martha, they had briefly met in 1944, while on a train traveling from Berlin to Posen. Even after seven years, they both recognized each other. Erwin and Martha managed a good life, having two children. First a son Erwin Peter, then a daughter Dianne Lydia. In 1961 the family moved from Winnipeg to Thompson and then in 1968 to Delta, British Columbia. Erwin enjoyed his job as a carpenter and construction superintendent. He was proud of his part in building many structures, including schools in Thompson, office towers in Vancouver and a simple garage for his son. In his retirement years, Erwin was kept busy by his wife maintaining their house and yard.

Erwin is survived by his son Erwin Peter and daughter-in-law Marina of Delta. He is survived by one brother Rubin Spletzer (Winnipeg), a sister-in-law Lydia Spletzer (Calgary), as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, United States and Germany. Erwin was predeceased by his wife Martha, his daughter Dianne, his parents and siblings; Ewald Spletzer, Ruth Bergen, Else Gietz, Alma Rode, Arthur Spletzer, Reinhart Spletzer and two who passed as infants.

Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, February 28 at 2 pm at Victory Memorial Park, followed by interment at Victory Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Delta Hospital Foundation, 5800 Mountain View Blvd, Delta BC V4K 9Z9