Karin (nee Schreiber) Spangehl
March 11th, 2021
It is with deep sadness that we mourn the peaceful passing of Karin Spangehl on March 11, 2021. Karin was the beloved wife of Ed Spangehl and mother of Marita Bray, Werner and Mark Spangehl and grandmother to eight beautiful grandchildren. Karin was in her 100th year of life.
She will be incredibly missed by her loving family, always the priority of her life. She leaves a legacy in her resilience, strength of character, and vitality. She will be remembered for her love of learning, her warm beautiful smile and genuine kindness, but also for her huge garden salads with the honey dressing, black currant jelly, marble cakes, Frankfurter Kranz torte and Pflaumen Kuchen!
Karin was born Katharina Maria Schreiber in Gross-Zimmern (near Frankfurt), Germany on Dec. 4, 1921. She trained as an operating room nurse, and during the Second World War, she witnessed tremendous hardship, misery and sadness. She left Germany on Dec. 31,1951, because – in her words – the country was a pile of ruin and rubble. She could not see a promising future there and her quest for adventure drove her to seek opportunity elsewhere.
In 1953, after answering a call for nurses at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, she moved to Regina, where she met Erhardt, a German immigrant from East Prussia. The stars aligned and in 1954, Karin and Ed were married in Regina, where she worked as an RN for four more years, until the birth of her first child. Although she loved her career and always retained her progressive values, she devoted the rest of her life to the attentive, focused care of her family and home. The joy of her life were her three children to whom she imparted her appreciation of literature, music, theatre and dance, the importance of nutrition and fitness, and of striving for excellence in academics. Her love of Germany, German culture and language, was also passed down to her children. Well into her late 90’s, Mom could still recite an epic poem by Friedrich Schiller.
Throughout her life, Mom found strength and comfort in her Catholic faith. She was an independent thinker and well informed on the issues of the day. Dinner table discussions were lively as our parents shared their different perspectives. The support she provided to her husband allowed him to build his business without any worries on the homefront. She ran a busy household, with never an idle moment. When the work was done, she found time to knit or sew, and in later years, tend to her flower and vegetable gardens, cross-country ski, or swim. Reading, however, was her preferred past time. She was a gracious host and loved having “Kaffee und Kuchen” with family and friends. She spent many hours processing garden produce and preparing delicious meals for her loved ones. When her youngest child was in his teens, she returned to nursing for a short time, but then gave it up to provide bedside care to her mother-in-law.
Her passion for life-long learning, nutrition and wellness left a significant impact on her children and grandchildren. She was an eager student at the Seniors Education Centre for over 20 years and well into her late 80’s. Her favourite classes were Great Books of Western Civilization.
Mom enjoyed many trips back to the homeland to visit her family and relatives with whom she was very close, but she was always glad to come back to the open skies of Saskatchewan. The Qu’Appelle Valley reminded her of the Odenwald landscape, and in 1975, the family cottage at Katepwa Lake was purchased. Mom’s happiest times were at the cottage when all eight grandchildren could be there with her. Our parents enjoyed gardening on a large scale and gladly shared their garden produce with many friends. Living at the cottage for about 5 months of the year was an integral part of their lives for the last 20 years.
Mom was an excellent role model, leading a well-rounded life and teaching us to the end, to accept our frailty with dignity and without complaint.
Our dear friend Carollyne Zeviar, who met Mom two years ago and expertly helped with her care, encapsulated Mom’s lasting attributes succinctly: “Oma has touched my life with her strength and compassion, her humour and kindness, her patience and resilience and her abundant love for her wonderful family.”
Karin is survived by her husband of 66 years, Erhardt (Ed) Spangehl, daughter Marita (Ken) Bray of Regina, son Werner (Vivian) Spangehl of White Rock, B.C., son Mark (Kathie) Spangehl of Scottsdale, Arizona, eight grandchildren: Katrina, Carl (Christina) and Madeleine (Chris) Bray; Victoria (Eric), Madeline (Maxim), Peter (Adria) Spangehl of B.C., and Felica (Andy) and Joe (Katya) Spangehl of Arizona. Karin is also survived by three nieces, one nephew and their families in Germany.
A private Celebration of Life and interment will be held in the summer at Katepwa Lake.
Those wishing to make a donation in Karin’s memory, may wish to consider one of her charities: Operation Smile; to see the tribute page, please click
https://secure.operationsmile.ca/site/TR/OneSmile/mySMILE_DIY_TR?px=1201462&pg=personal&fr_id=1130
Or: Hope and Healing, Doctors without Borders, World Wildlife Fund Canada.
Messages:
So much life lives on. Our sincere condolences for a loved one missed.
Ed, Marita, and Family, our deepest sympathy on the passing of Karin. May she Rest In Peace. Florika and Petra
Hi Marita and Family, our sincere sympathy in the passing of your Mom. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Unser herzlichstes Beileid. Annette und Len
A lovely heartfelt tribute to a wonderful woman. Although I did not know your mother well, Marita, she never failed to make me feel welcomed and I was always impressed by her kind and calm composure. I especially loved her warm resonant speaking voice which instantly made one feel relaxed and at home in her presence. May her abiding spirit travel on with you. Our deepest condolences, Lesley and Winston
Mr. Spengehl,Werner, Marita and Mark I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Your mother was truly a lovely woman and I hope you can find peace in all the wonderful memories you shared together as a family.
Eine wunderschöne hommage an eine wunderbare (Ehe)Frau, Mutter und Oma. Sie hat in ihrem langen und erfüllten Leben viele Spuren hinterlassen und vielen ein Vorbild und Orientierung gegeben. Gerne erinnere ich mich an die wenigen gemeinsamen persönlichen Begegnungen mit ihr Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland Eva mit Familie
My sincere condolences to Herr Spangehl, Marita, Werner and Mark. Her kindness and generosity when I came to the house or the cottage are fondly remembered.
Our hearts are with all of you. We remember many, many wonderful days at the cottage and are grateful to be part of your Großfamilie. It is the merit of Karin and Erhardt that Regina is almost a neighboring city for us - and this now for more than three generations. Liebe Grüße sicher auch von den anderen Deutschländern Martin and family
I am very sorry to hear of this news. I would like to send my deepest condolences to you Marita, Erhard, Werner, and Mark. I was always very touched by Karin's kindness, helpfulness and her spirit of service. She was always an inspiration in my life to steivd to be like her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love, Wolfgang
My deepest sympathy to you Ed and your family. Marita you have been an outstanding daughter with sacrifice and devotion taking exceptional care of your parents especially your mother. May continued love and care surround you.
My condolences to Marita and her family. I did not meet Mrs. Spangehl but I am in great admiration for her truly remarkable 100 years on earth. I understand why her family loved and cared for her so much from reading about her life. Marita, may you find comfort in knowing your mother is now passing her time being with you in mind and spirit in heaven with our Maker.
I feel i was so blessed to have known Karin and spent time with her and the family. Such a great model of dignity, strength and love. I will miss her, yet I see her as an angel watching over us. Sending love to the family and friends in this moment of loss.
Marita and family, I have many fond memories of Karin and times spent in your parents' home and cottage. Everything you say in your tribute resonates with me. Karin was so warm and welcoming to the little girls who played at your house. How I loved the Pflaumen Kuchen! As I grew up, I realized how well-read and well-informed Karin was. She always knew what was going on in the world and was in the middle of an interesting book. I know that she and my mom had many long and in-depth conversations about everything under the sun. I like to think that Karin and Helen are in heaven now, walking home from mass, laughing and discussing big ideas. It is always hard to lose a beloved parent, no matter what their age, but I hope you draw comfort from knowing that no daughter could have given her mom better and more loving care than you did, Marita. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Karin was a wonderful women who lived a good long life. I was so happy to have had the privilege of knowing her and your family. With sympathy, love and prayers
I feel I was so blessed to have known Karin and spent time with her and the family. Such a great model of dignity, strength and love. I will miss her, yet I see her as an angel watching over us. Sending love to the family and friends in this moment of loss.
Marita and family, Such a wonderful tribute to a magnificent woman. You have so many memories to reflect upon that will bring you joy. What a full and honourable life. My prayers are with you all.
My sincere condolences to Marita, Ken and the whole family. Your mom really was an amazing woman. I'm happy I had the chance to meet her and get to know her a little. Take care.
To all the family , My condolences. I have only fond memories of Karin's kindness for the times I was invited to play Skat with the guys at her house. Rest in peace , George Gross
Ed and Family we are sorry to hear of Karin's passing,our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.May she rest in Peace. Hildegard & Clemens Boehm
Ed, Marita, Warner & Mark, We are sorry to learn of Karin's passing. It was obvious that you & Karin had a great life together of which you can be very proud. She will be missed, rest in peace Karin. Sincerely, Gord & Karen Haverstock
Ed and Family. Duane and I are so sorry to hear your sad news. Our thoughts are with you. We will see you at Katepwa. Diane and Ben Holden
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The few times I met your mother back in the days we attended Miller High, I will always remember the warm welcoming smiles. Now reading and learning more about her she truly was a special person and angel. Tony & Raelene Bocale Surrey, BC