"The opportunity to serve" is the highest compliment McInnis & Holloway could receive.
Phone: 403-243-8200
Text: 403-256-9575
Obituary of Ken Schmelke
November 4, 1942 – Innisfail, Alberta
September 9, 2021 – Red Deer, Alberta
Ken Schmelke, beloved husband of Millie Schmelke of Red Deer, AB passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the age of 78 years.
Ken was born in Innisfail, AB and attended school in Wimborne and Torrington, AB. As a young man Ken always knew he wanted to be Funeral Director, in 1961 he moved to Red Deer and worked for Brown and Johnson Funeral Home which later became Eventide Funeral Home. In the mid-seventies he purchased Eventide Funeral Home from his partner Bob Callahan. In 1978 an opportunity came to become a partner in McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home in Calgary, AB which Ken was an active partner with much insight for forty-three years. In the early nineties Ken was instrumental and served on the steering committee in working with the Alberta Government in changing the licensing requirements for funeral directors. He made many lasting friendships in funeral service and will always be remembered as a presence in the room that supported many new ideas and he guided and mentored many colleagues throughout his career.
He loved original country music and enjoyed attending many country music performances throughout North America. Ken and Millie enjoyed many trips in the Motor Home to these events and numerous new friendships were made while on the road. They also made many friends while wintering in Arizona.
Besides his loving wife Millie, Ken is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Heather and Trevor Roth of Calgary; a son, Darcy Schmelke of Red Deer. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Joan Schmelke and her children Lisa (Mike) Loeppky and Denver Schmelke and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ken was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Blanche, son Graham in 1999, and brother David in 2000.
Funeral Services will be held at CrossRoads Church (38105, Range Rd 275, Red Deer, AB) on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the church. Graveside Service to follow at Alto Reste Cemetery. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Kenneth Schmelke, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
