Obituary of William Hemmelgarn

With extremely heavy hearts we announce Bill passed away suddenly at his Wilmer home on April 5th at the age of 86 years.
On April 25th he and wife Sonja would have celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Bill was born to Martin and Rose Hemmelgarn in 1939 on a farm near Lintlaw, Saskatchewan along with his identical twin/best buddy Wilfred. He was raised on the family farm along with 15 other siblings until the family moved to Wilmer in 1955. In 1959 he married Sonja Carlson, thereafter they welcomed daughter Teryl and later son Pat. Pat married and gave them two incredible grandchildren being
granddaughter Harmony and grandson Tyral. Bill and Sonja welcomed into their home, for some time, their son and two grandkids. They became more than grandparents forming an extremely close bond with their grandkids. Sadly Tyral was killed at the age of 16 in a tragic car accident. Although Bill grieved deeply he remained the family’s rock through this ordeal and for the many years to come.

In their children’s younger years, Bill and Sonja enjoyed family time with their kids skiing Panorama (when only a T-Bar!), snowmobiling with extended family, as well as many camping excursions at nearby lakes and rivers. In his latter years he enjoyed the comforts of home over travels, including tinkering in his yard and walking his cat Pumpkin on a leash around the yard. He enjoyed visits with his siblings and their partners having coffee or potluck meals (he was a lover of food!). He especially enjoyed family picnics while fishing at Dog Leg Lake and Lake Enid.

In recognition of his friendly personality and enjoyment of dishing out a good joke, he was gifted by a nephew with a cap titling him “Lake Enid Patrol”.

 

Bill was a humble, funny, loving, kind, cheerful soul and devoted family man. Rather than pursuing a degree, he worked his entire career for Carlson Construction; firstly for father-in-law Bror Carlson then brother-in-law Kurt Carlson building quality workmanship homes in our Valley. He enjoyed reading a country/western novel or watching movies of that sort, as well as watching Canadian curling tournaments on TV. He especially took great pride in his home and possessions such as hand polishing his vehicles and sweeping the snowy driveway. Many a lucky family member or friend enjoyed his famous salted Caesar drinks during visits filled with good laughter
and cheer.

 

While Bill wasn’t awarded an official medal for his giving nature he was well known for it. He put others and their needs first always, especially if carpentry related but was also known to gift strangers with a freshly caught fish or help change a flat tire. He and Sonja volunteered for the Wilmer Waterworks District (Bill as a Trustee and Sonja as Secretary), the Wilmer Community Club, also the Invermere Companion Animal Network helping with garage sale and comedian dinner show fundraisers. He was ever so proud of his ICAN cat Pumpkin who won the cover photo page of the 2024 ICAN calendar! More noteworthy he assisted son Pat with the renowned annual Wilmer Christmas Eve Fireworks show, which Pat began 21 years ago, honouring and in remembrance of grandson Tyral.

The Hemmelgarn family Sonja, Teryl (Al), Pat and Harmony appreciate the care and concern you’ve shown during the loss of their beloved Bill. At Bill’s request there will be no service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family greatly appreciates donations be made to our local animal rescue group ICAN. Kindly email ICAN at info@icanbc.com to advise your donation (E-transfer, PayPal, cheque) is being made in Bill’s memory.

Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed with Bill’s family at mcphersonfh.com