We Remember

REMPEL, Kathe “Katie”

April 30, 1927 — December 12, 2024

Kathe “Katie” Rempel (née Hamm) went to be with the Lord on December 12, 2024, at the age of 97, in Kelowna, BC.

She was born on April 30, 1927, to loving parents, in the colony of Rosental Chortitza, Ukraine. She had a very happy childhood until 1938, when Stalin’s brutal regime took her dear father away, never to be seen again, while she was only 11 years old.

After a brief time of peace, she, along with her mother and two sisters, and some extended family, were forced to flee their homeland. Boarding cattle cars, they took a few belongings and fled to Poland as refugees in 1943.

Katie became separated from her family near the end of the war, all of whom had been captured by the Russians and sent to a gulag in northern Russia. It took over 12 years before she was able to find out where they were. In the meantime, she emigrated to Canada in 1948, settling in Calgary where she met her husband, John Rempel and raised a family.  They eventually moved to Kelowna in 1967.

Katie dedicated her life to her family and to God, in whom she trusted all her life. She is remembered for her joyous, compassionate and loving nature. Her cheerful laughter and outgoing disposition is often mentioned by those who knew her. While a woman of peace, she was also a strong and powerful advocate for those in need.

Left to cherish her memories are her son Victor (Marcia); daughter Elsie; and her sister Hilda Hamm; along with 5 grandchildren: Rebecca, Christine, Amy, Daniel, and Patrice, and their respective families.

She was predeceased by her husband John Rempel; daughter Karen Engel; brother Viktor Hamm; and sister Helena Dyck.

Katie will be laid to rest in the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 10, 2025 (immediate family only).

Her memorial will take place on SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM, located at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

Flowers are not required.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Service
Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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