Ulrich Zabel was born on January 23, 1938 in Braunsberg, Ostpreussen. His parents, Artur & Irma Zabel moved to Heiligenbeil, where his father was stationed in the German army and during the war he served in Norway.

Ulrich’s mother, now with three children, stayed in Heiligenbeil until the end of January 1945. The city was encircled by Russian troops with the only escape route over the frozen Frische Haff. Due to military connections, Ulrich’s mother and his two siblings, Klaus and Karin, were able to escape with horses and a chuckwagon while being bombarded by airplanes and artillery. For several weeks Ulrich witnessed death and destruction of people, animals, and property until the whole family was reunited by the grace of God, in Rhineland.

Ulrich, at age 13, decided to follow Christ as his redeemer and Saviour and was baptised in Oberhausen. In 1951, the whole family immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, hoping for a better life. Many immigrants established the Immanuel Baptist Church where Ulrich was active in the Youth Group, sang in different choirs, and played in the church band. In this church he met his future wife, Heidi, when she was 13, and he was 16 years old. At age 18, Ulrich started his apprenticeship as an electrician, attending both Northern and Southern Alberta Institutes of Technology, obtaining his Journeyman and Master Electrician certification. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Heidi. The union was blessed with three sons: Roland, Bernhard, and Andreas.

In 1970 the family moved to Kelowna where Ulrich started his electrical construction company. He was a trusted hard worker. The family joined the Grace Baptist Church and Ulrich served the Lord as Sunday School Teacher, German Teacher, Deacon, Moderator and sang in different choirs.

And, so ends a life well lived under God’s grace and dependent on Him. No more limitations, no more pain, Ulli is now home with Jesus. He will be greatly missed and leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife of over 63 years, Heidi; his sons Ronald (Michelle), Bernie (Dawn), and Andreas (Lori); his grandchildren Jessica, Jamie, Rachel, Nicole, Aaron, and Jaden; and his large extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

The Funeral will be held on MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST), at Springfield Funeral Home: 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service. A recording will be made available to view in 3–5 days.

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

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