We Remember
KAUL, Axel Paul Hugo
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“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir
On June 4, 2023, Axel Kaul peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his wife and two daughters, in Kelowna, BC.
He is survived by Suse Kaul, his wife of 56 years; his daughters Birgit Leishman (Gordon Leishman) and Tanya Kaul (Robert Frost); grandchildren Jesse Leishman, Katie Nott, Jillian Harding, Lauren Frost; and great-grandchildren Benjamin Nott, Emma Nott, Madelynn Nott, Jace Harding, Aliyah Harding, Levi Harding.
Axel Kaul, born in Bad Kreuznach, Germany lived life with passion and gusto from his humble beginnings as a door-to-door salesman in Germany to a successful immigrant business owner of Felka Drywall. He moved to Fort McMurray in 1972 to begin his Drywall business and quickly fell in love with the Athabasca region and hunted, canoed, and fished with passion every chance he had. In 1980, he honoured Suse’s wishes to move the family to Kelowna, a move that later became one of the best decisions he ever made. As a proud immigrant, Axel joined the Liedertafel Choir in 1986; a devoted cultural group dedicated to preserving the German heritage. Every Tuesday rehearsal became known as the Holy Day. Axel was admired and adored for his vibrant, colourful personality that can be seen in his oil paintings of his beloved McKinley Landing Bay referred to as “Axel’s Bay”, Murtle Lake, and many other outdoor adventures. He will be remembered for his command of the dance floor where he was in his finest element grabbing every woman he could to twirl around.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Lutheran Church.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm at First Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Friday, June 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm
Location
First Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC
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First Lutheran Church Link: www.firstlutheran.ca/give/
Service Information
Service Details
The service for KAUL, Axel Paul Hugo is scheduled for Friday, June 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
First Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC
4091 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Tanya meeting your Dad at your wedding, his zest for life was contagious. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Thank you so much Greg! I am touched by so many Island friends who have reached out with stories and comments on how my Dad left a lasting impression. Who can forget singing “What shall we do with the German’s daughter’ while smashing plates! Priceless memory.
We are so sorry to hear about Axel’s passing. We will always remember his enthusiasm, energy and zest for life. He led a very full life, and will be remembered by everyone who had the privilege of meeting him.
Our condolences to the family, may memories of good times together give you some comfort through this difficult time.
Doris and Mark
To Dear Suse and to all of your families. Sorry to hear of your loss stay strong and remember all the happy times that we all share when Axel was alive and healthy.
You were more than a boss for twenty years, you where a great friend and we shared many wonder times together over the years. I will miss you greatly, Love Ron
Dear Suse, Birgit, and Tanya,
My heart goes out to each one of you! I fondly remember Axel’s warm, vibrant spirit when I met him during a visit to your home in Kelowna. I recall him offering a prayer for me and my journey as I headed out alone in my little Pontiac Firefly following a wonderful visit. He blessed me!
Dear Suzi, family, friends,
Axel was such a gentle, kind, happy soul. If he ever said a negative word, I never heard it. He was a mellow, tenor voice in the Liedertafel Choir and often played Spanish-style guitar at social funtions. He was accomplished at both. Tanya and Birgit, all I had to do was ask how you were and he’d rattle on for 15-20 minutes telling me! He was fiercely proud of his girls. He was also very proud of how Suzi continued to wear the mantle of choir president for decades. Right now you are all grieving and that is to be expected. The deeper the sorrow, the deeper the love. Axel, sing thee to thy slumber. Rest in peace with God.
Jack and Suzanne Schneider
Our heartfelt condolences to Susie and family.
Axel was a jolly good man. He always smile with his soft voice. Very friendly and kind. He may rest in peace.
Hugs to Susie
Elna and Roger
I feel so grateful to have known such an incredible human being.
I thought I would never find a friend who loved nature as much as I did–then I met Axel.
A beautiful soul who loved the autumn birch trees and the melodies of our feathered friends in the forest.
It was a pleasure to share, dance, and sing with such a talented artist and musician. I always enjoyed listening to Bing Crosby & the Andrew Sisters– ‘don’t fence me in’…
Axel and Susie always inspired me to dance. I loved seeing them both sing and dance in the kitchen.
Axel,
It is an honor to call you my friend. And if you can hear me from the heavens above, I will continue to keep your spirit alive in my heart, remembering all the wonderful times walking in nature, painting a picture and playing the guitar with you.
To Susie, Birgit and Tanya… sending my warmth, prayers and love to your family.
Axel was one of the most outstanding human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I thank God for letting me experience such a wonderful friendship.
Thank you so much Celisha! Dad adored you too and loved spending time sharing both your passions for nature and creative beautiful art through music, colouring, and painting. Your words remind me of how amazing my Dad is and how I will remember him. I hope you will join us today for the Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm either in person or online. I would love to meet you.
Tanya
Suse and Family, Our most heartfelt condolences from all of us here at the Parkinson Senior Centre. It has been a pleasure seeing you and Axel every Thursday for your evening of dancing here at the Centre. He was a lovely, gentle man and your adoration for each other was so evident. May your happiest memories sustain you as you walk through this difficult time.
Dear Susie, I will always remember Axel who wanted to hug everyone and was always smiling. I remember when I visited you once at your home, Axel took me to the small beach, on the lake. He was showing me everything and I enjoyed that time a lot.
Dear Suse, Birgit, Gord, Tanya, Rob, Jesse, Katie, Jill, Lauren, Benjamin, Emma, Maddie, Jace, Aliyah, and Levi: We were greatly saddened by Axel’s passing. He will always be remembered by us, in particular, for when he settled in to listen with those intense eyes of his. When he listened, you felt like you were the most important and heard person in the world. His joyful personality and dancing is also something we will remember, and feel priviledged to have known him. Our deepest sympathy for the loss of a great man in your family – may his memories and zest for life live on in you. I imagine right now you might not feel so zesty, but I hope you feel encouraged to know that our thoughts and prayers, and many others, are with you. Love, Deb and John