Obituary of Gisela Auguste Winkler

September 16, 1931 – Kohlscheid, Germany

April 21, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy and saddened hearts that our family announces the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend Gisela Auguste Winkler, who passed away on April 21, 2022 at the age of 90 years.    

Gisela Auguste Radtke was born in Kohlscheid, Germany on September 16, 1931, to dad, Paul Johann Radtke and mom, Auguste Radtke, nee Schonnagel.  Mom and her family grew up in some very tough times and mom took on many responsibilities to help raise her five brothers. Mom was the toughest of all her siblings, and even took on the responsibility of protector of her brothers in school and the playground, intervening when one of them were being harassed. You did not mess with mom’s siblings without paying a price. Mom was predeceased by her entire family. Her father and all her brothers, Reinhart, Richard, Ygon, Gerd-Willi, and Hans; worked in the coal mines and passed early due to their work environment.

Walter and Gisela married on May 23, 1953. Walter, Gisela, and Gabriele immigrated to Canada in 1957. Mom was carrying Mike during their boat trip to Canada. This was not a pleasure cruise for Mom as she spent most of the time seasick. Life was not to get much easier quickly, as dad was off looking for work and mom had to look after the children and operate in a new country without speaking the language. Mom worked tirelessly to support her family throughout her life. Besides caring for her five children, mom worked cleaning houses for clients to bring in much-needed additional income to feed our growing family. Despite having all the responsibilities of raising the children, keeping the home, and working outside the home, mom was never one to complain. She taught her children many life lessons about how to be successful in life in her silent way; work hard and don’t complain.

Mom learned a lot of new skills later in life, including learning English, riding a bike, swimming, and driving a car. Mom was always open to new challenges and learning new skills.      

Mom and dad moved to Luxembourg to help Cargo Lux build their cargo systems. This was another adventure Walter decided for himself and mom went along for the ride. We are pretty sure that Mom made his life unbearable while in Luxemburg because of how much she missed her children. Walter and Gisela soon returned to Canada and came to Calgary, AB to be nearer to some of their children.

Besides looking after Walter, Gisela worked for Woolco for several years until Woolco closed their doors. Mom went on to work for a law firm as an administrator, opening and distributing the mail, welcoming clients, and serving coffee. Mom often brought in baked goods for the staff which was well received.  Mom loved this job.

The last few years of her life, Alzheimer’s took over Gisela, but she never lost her love for people and life and would happily dance with anyone who invited her. Walter dedicated himself to caring for mom during this period. The staff at Holy Cross Manor, Memory Care 2 Ward will miss mom as she remained a bright spot in everyone’s day.

Gisela will be deeply missed by daughters, Gabriele (Regent) of Ste Anne des Lacs, QC, and Rosemary (Laura) of Calgary, AB; sons, Michael (Debbie) of Denman Island, BC, Robert of Calgary, AB, and Walter (Noreen) of Golden, BC; her grandchildren, Véronique Dussault, Stéphan Dussault, Lee Ann Manzer, Melissa Winkler, Joshua Winkler, Jessica Huynh, Eliot Winkler, Bryan Fowler, Matthew Winkler, and Alexandra Winkler; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Gisela is predeceased by her daughter, Luiselotte Winkler, daughter-in-law, Zoë Winkler, grandson, Zachary Winkler, husband, Walter Winkler, and all her brothers.

We speak for our whole family in thanking you for taking this time to help us remember Gisela as she was. Please stay and share your stories with us and most importantly, please keep Gisela in your prayers.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Winkler’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Gisela Winkler, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.

Click Here to View Gisela Winkler's Memorial Card

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