ERNA BERTHA KARAU (MUHLACK) -

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ERNA BERTHA KARAU (nee MUHLACK) 1917 - 2006 Erna Karau, nee Muhlack, was born in East Prussia, Germany, on May 15, 1917 and grew up on the family farm. She married Alfred Karau in 1936 and moved to their new farm in Gross Sturlack, district Lotzen. During the Second World War the family fled to western Germany. Erna will be remembered for her strength during this difficult time being a refugee. They found a new home near Cologne after the war but ongoing challenges led the family to immigrate to Canada in 1954 where they settled in Winnipeg. They were members of Winnipeg's German Seventh-day Adventist Church. Erna was primarily a homemaker and also looked after her two grandsons while their parents worked. Erna was deeply devoted to her family and was happiest when everyone was gathered together around a wonderful, hearty meal. She was always concerned that everyone was well-fed, warm, safe, punctual and tidy. Erna was a gifted seamstress, she sewed and knitted many fine garments and stitched beautiful pictures. She cultivated many friendships and enjoyed being up-to-date on world news and debating many different topics. She enjoyed trips to Grand Beach and she made several trips back to Germany where she loved to see her relatives and friends. Health problems caused increasing difficulties in her last few years and Erna died peacefully on February 14, 2006 with her daughter by her side. The family thanks the wonderful caregivers and friends on Cornish 5 at the Misericordia Health Centre. Erna was predeceased by her infant daughter Adelheid and by her sister Martha and by her husband Alfred in 2003 after 66 years of marriage. She is survived by her sister Lina (Gerhard) Hoffmeister in Germany and by her daughter Irmgard (Horst) Sokolies of Winnipeg, grandson Armin (Laurel) Sokolies and Karin and Reiner of Racine, Wisconsin, and grandson Rex (Sheryl) Sokolies and Ingrid of Winnipeg and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2006 at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main St. with Pastor Tony Budzik officiating. Viewing will be held from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16 at Friends Funeral Service and also prior to the service. Interment will take place in Brookside Cemetery. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2006