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JOSEF KRATSCHMAR
Josef Kratschmar passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at the Health Sciences Center at the age of 92 years.
Josef is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Stefanie Kaufman; parents, Hieronymus and Maria Kratschmar; brothers, Franz, Hieronymus, and Johann; as well as sisters, Maria and Anna.
He will be remembered by daughter, Darlene (Hannes); sons, Ronald (Lori), and Kenneth (Tania); and grandchildren, Andrea, Jorden (Alyssa), Liam, and Aidan; as well as great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Sarah.
Dad was born as the youngest of six siblings on February 16, 1932, in Untertannowitz, Czechoslovakia. After being displaced after the war, he met his future wife, Stefanie, at a dance at a refugee camp in Linz, Austria. They arrived in Canada in May 1954 and married four months later in St Josef’s Church in Winnipeg.
Initially, Dad and Mom did not plan to stay long-term in Canada, instead hoping to save enough to move back to Austria and raise a family. So on October 1, 1960, Mom and Dad took a one-way flight back to Austria, only to quickly realize that they had changed and Winnipeg was now, in fact, home. Daughter Darlene was born soon after their return to Canada. They bought a home on Borebank Street in River Heights, and they grew their family there, adding sons Ron and Ken in September 1962 and May 1967, respectively.
In 1974, Dad set out on his own and started K-mar Refrigeration—channeling hard work and enthusiastic customer service to earn the respect within the industry that K-mar retains to this day. Ron joined the company as an apprentice and eventually graduated to running the day-to-day operations. Ultimately, Dad loved his work and the purpose and people it surrounded him with, and it was a source of joy for him until the end.
Dad’s other passions were hunting and fishing, and few subjects garnered more attention than his annual November hunting trip. Dad’s enthusiasm for hunting proved contagious, eventually prompting grandson Jorden to join him too. Fishing offered Dad a more year-round activity at the cottage that the family bought on Dorothy Lake in 1977.
Throughout all of these experiences and his wonderfully full life, Dad was always unrelentingly kind. He treated everyone like family, and so many people have come to be an important and cherished part of ours because of it.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 4588 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. and available online through the olphchurch.ca website. Reception and refreshments will be available after the Service in the Parish Hall. Msgr. Maurice Comeault officiating.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2024
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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We knew Joe through the happy people bowling league….and bowled with Joe and Ron for many years… our condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Ron and his family and to Joe’s entire surviving family. We know he will be deeply missed With love Marty and Lisa. - Posted by: Marty and Lisa Suche (Friend) on: Jan 08, 2025
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My deepest condolences to all Joe’s family. Joe was a stellar guy in all respects His fishing and hunting stories were always entertaining. We at the coffee shop got to hear about his last deer hunt. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Orville Spakowski (Good friend ) on: Jan 02, 2025
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Our sincere condolences go to the Kratschmar family. Joe and I have been in the same industry for many years and shared the same passion for our chosen trade. We simply had a mutual respect for quality work and to look after our customers. Joe will be sadly missed by family, customers and the many friends that he had with-in the industry. Walter E Lehmann - Posted by: Walter ELehmann (Acquaintance from the industry ) on: Dec 30, 2024
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We became acquainted with Josef and Stefanie when our daughter, Tania, met and married their son Ken. The Kratschmars were always gracious and accommodating when we were in Winnipeg and when we saw them in Vancouver. After Stefanie’s passing Joe often came to Vancouver for a visit and eventually accompanied us each year for our annual vacation at a resort in Nuevo Vallarta. We had many meals together and often celebrated his February birthday at the resort with friends and some of our families. Wonderful memories of those times. We must mention that Joe became a courier for us when he came from Winnipeg bringing a suitcase of Ukrainian Kubasa sausage for us and our family. He had some interesting conversations with customs agents who asked what he was carrying in the highly fragrant suitcase. He took this all in good fun. All of our family – daughter, son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and partners all appreciated and enjoyed their times with Joe. -In-laws Sonia and Ken Wicken - Posted by: Ken and Sonia Wicken (Family friend) on: Dec 29, 2024
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My Deepest Sympathy to the family. Joe was a man of great wisdom who always have time to share, time to give, and time to care. It was a pleasure meeting you. May your memories lives on forever. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Ram Bridgelall (Coffee Buddy) on: Dec 27, 2024
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Happy memories of joining Jo in the Sunset Bar near Bucerias, Mexico. At 7 pm the sun would slip below the horizon. He really enjoyed a break in the sun from Winnipeg winter. - Posted by: John and Marilyn Davis (Vacation friends ) on: Dec 22, 2024
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So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember years ago when we all grew up in the same neighborhood. Take care Ron and family - Posted by: Chris Kumka (Family/Friend ) on: Dec 22, 2024
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Dear Ron, Kenny, and Darlene, I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I will always remember our times at the lake and your dad helping my family build their dream cottage. He was such a wonderful man. A gentleman through and through. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Peggy Poole (Family friend) on: Dec 21, 2024
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Ken, Ron and Darlene we are so sorry for the loss of your father. You and your families are in our thoughts at this very sad time. Joanne & Mary Kinsella, Mark Isleifson, Bashaw Alberta. - Posted by: Joanne & Mary Kinsella, Mark Isleifson (friends) on: Dec 21, 2024
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We have known the Kratschmar family for over 40 years. Our condolences go out to Ron, Darlene, and Ken. Our four boys first met Ron over those years and an immediate friendship was established & continues to this day, We found Joe to be a very kind & gentle man & he was much loved by his family & will be missed. Love,Richard & Louise. - Posted by: Richard & Louise Stephanchew (Family friend) on: Dec 21, 2024