Obituary of Erna Sofie Augusta FLOEGEL (nee Ricklefs)

October 16, 1932 – Rodenkirchen, Germany 
May 10, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

Loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Erna Floegel of Calgary, AB, passed away on May 10, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

Erna took great pride and satisfaction in simple things, a virtue that stemmed from her childhood in the countryside where she, as the oldest child in a large family, took an active role in milking cows, tending chickens, and working alongside her mother in helping care for her siblings. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep devotion to family, and a golden rule approach to life.

A talented seamstress (the trade she learned as a young woman), watercolorist, weaver, grower of beautiful African Violets, manager in the hospitality field, fabulous cook and homemaker. By her own account, she described her greatest accomplishments as having sewn wedding gowns, custom work for a fashion designer and raising goats, sheep and chickens on a small acreage near High River.

She remained active in retirement devoting her time to uplifting the spirits of others by singing in a choir, making friendship visits to nursing homes, hospitals, sick neighbours and those needing a helping hand.

Naturally elegant and graceful, Erna found great joy in living within sight of the Foothills, lovingly caring for her home, cuddling her beloved cat, Kiki, enjoying well brewed cups of coffee with friends and spending time at her daughter’s acreage in the Foothills. In her later years she struggled with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was lovingly supported by her devoted husband Lutz, daughter Rebecka, daughter-in-law Jennifer, family in Germany and wonderful friends in Canada. Her love for her granddaughter Rachel was unwavering. 

Great thanks are owed to the tribe of new and long-time family friends, whose generous acts of kindness far too many to name specifically, lovingly supported Erna in her final years.  

A Memorial Service will not be held at this time due to health restrictions. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Erna’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. 

The family would like to express gratitude for the care provided by the staff at: AgeCare Walden Heights, Foothills Medical Centre (ER, Unit 62), Teresa Bond M Div (Spiritual Care Services, Foothills Medical Centre) and to the friends and missionaries (mom’s Swedish girls) from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints whose phone calls and visits brightened the last years of her life. 

In living memory of Erna Floegel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.