Ursula Stemmann
Obituary
In Memory of

Ursula Stemmann

1925 - 2020

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Obituary of Ursula Stemmann

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 (Richter)

August 9, 1925 – November 26, 2020

 

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ursula Stemmann announces her passing on November 26th, 2020 at the age of 95. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

 

Ursula was born on August 9th, 1925 to Friedrich & Franziska Richter in Hamburg, Germany, where she survived World War II as a young adult. In 1951, along with her husband August Stemmann and 2-year old son Dieter, she emigrated to Canada.

 

For 2 years, they lived on a farm outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba before Ursula’s mother Franziska and brother Gunter joined them in Canada in 1953, when they moved to Calgary. Here, Ursula’s daughter Margaret was born in 1956.

 

The Kootenays became her home in 1962 when the family owned and operated a bakery in Kimberley known as the “The Fine Bakery”.  In the early 70’s the business was sold and she moved back to Calgary to be her mother’s caregiver.  She loved coming to Cranbrook to visit her family.  The Kootenays were forever home in her heart.  Eventually, she and her brother moved to Cranbrook in 1990 where they would both live the rest of their lives. Ursula seldom spoke of the traumatic years of war in Germany and was enormously proud of her Canadian citizenship.

 

She loved the East Kootenays with its mountains, rivers, lakes, and the people who lived in the area.  She will be remembered as a quiet, peaceful soul who loved her family deeply.  She was independent and extraordinarily strong in her own quiet way.  

 

Ursula was predeceased by her parents and brother Gunter Richter.

 

Ursula is survived by her children Margaret (Gordon) Laidlaw and Dieter (Julie) Stemmann; grandsons Shawn and Tyler Laidlaw, Dan (Amanda) and Jeff (Leneah) Stemmann; great-grandchildren Myah, Fox, Katana, Anakin, Hunter, Lauren, Brynn, and Hayden.

 

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Ursula’s family will announce plans for a funeral ceremony at a later date. 

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com