With heavy hearts we had to say goodbye to Klaus, who passed away at home in the loving care of his family. He leaves behind Siegrid, his wife of 51 years, his daughter Ariane, son-in-law David, granddaughter Charlotte, and his sister Anneliese who lives in Germany.
We lost a true gentleman and loving father. Klaus was born in Germany where he left the former East Germany by passing Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. To avoid conscription into the West German army, he decided to do volunteer work in a Catholic Mission in the Belgian Congo (now Zaire) where he worked for two years. There he learned many languages including Dutch, English, French, and Lingala (Congo dialect). Africa became his second home. He returned briefly to Germany but went back to Africa (Burundi) where he worked for the White Fathers Catholic Mission. After two and a half years he decided to settle down and married Siegrid.
However, after spending so much time in the wilderness of Africa, Germany was not for him anymore. In 1969, a few years after the birth of his daughter, the family left Germany and settled in Kelowna. In 1972, the family moved for the last time, finding their home in Williams Lake. Klaus worked as a Volkswagen mechanic at Kenworth Motors and in 1979 he and his partner Erwin Richter founded Williams Lake Autohaus. He decided to retire in the early nineties.
Klaus loved hunting, camping, fishing and was most happy somewhere in the mountains up north. His best hunting partner was always his wife, who never shot anything.
What a wonderful life we had together.
His memorial ceremony will be held on Saturday July 11, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Sacred Heart Church. Father Derrick Cameron officiating.
The family would like to give special thanks for the support of our wonderful neighbours, friends, and the Home Care nurses.
LaPrairie’s Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements.
250-398-9100