Ernest Wurfel

ERNEST F. WURFEL - "Ernie" of Lethbridge, passed away at Fairmont Park Extendicare on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at the age of 100 years and after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Linda (nee Roth) for 74 years. He is also survived by his son Albert (Agnes) Wurfel of Athabasca, AB and daughter Ardis (Dave) Tingley of Medicine Hat, AB, 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, a sister Bertha Janzen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by a son Gordon, a grandson Curtis, brothers Gustav and Walter, his parents Emilie and Freidrich Wurfel and his step-father Adolf Seeman. Ernie emigrated from Germany in 1921 where he settled on the family farm with his parents and brothers in Sandy Point, AB. As a child of immigrant parents and the depression, he learned the meaning of hard work, which never left him throughout his life. He left the family farm during the depression and became a logger to supplement the family income. He later became a mechanic and welder working in Burstall, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat then in 1946 Hilda, AB where he and his brother Walter ran a successful International Harvester dealership and repair shop. It was not uncommon for him to be at the garage or a farmer's field from 8 am to midnight, taking only Sundays off. He finished his career as a mechanic at the One Four Research Station retiring to Lethbridge in 1973 where he continued to work for 10 years by managing two apartment buildings. His hobbies were playing the violin, yard work, and discussing world events, especially politics. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and went to great lengths to amuse and entertain them regardless of his age. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ron Harris officiating. Interment to follow at the Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge. For those who wish, memorial tributes may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 204-2323-32 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3.

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