Obituary of Reinhard Spletzer

September 4, 1938 – Poland

December 23, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Reinhard Spletzer of Calgary, AB, beloved husband of Lydia Spletzer. Reinhard passed away on Friday December 23, 2022, at the age of 84 years. Reinhard was a man of Christian faith and loved the Lord.

Reinhard Spletzer was born on September 4, 1938, in Klein Kuple, Volhyni, which is formerly known as Poland.  Reinhard immigrated to Canada in 1953 with his immediate family and settled in Winnipeg. His siblings called him “Kleina” which translates to “small one” in English.

Reinhard is survived by his dear wife, Lydia, his children, Roland (Cynthia), Angela (Brian), Darren (Lisa-Jane); and his four lovely grandchildren, Kaden, Kobin, Myka and Neyla. He is also survived by brothers Erwin Sr., and Rubin as well as numerous nieces, and nephews.

Reinhard was predeceased by brother Rudolf (1934), his father Johann (1940), son Markie (1968), brother Ewald (1988), sister Else (1992), mother Julianne Buss (1992), brother Artur (2000), sister Ruth (2001), daughter Marlies (2003), and his sister Alma (2015).

Reinhard met Lydia Spletzer (nee Gerhardt) in 1963 at McDermont Avenue Baptist Church in Winnipeg. They got married on August 29, 1964. Together they had five children Roland, Marlies, Markie, Angela, and Darren. Reinhard was a very loyal, devoted and loving husband and father.  Reinhard and Lydia always supported one another through the good times and the more challenging times. They were an amazing team together. Reinhard always put his family’s needs before his own. He was a professional painter by trade and worked hard painting for his brother’s construction businesses. Reinhard took great care of his family and always provided for his family. Reinhard gave special fatherly care to our sister, Marlies (Poolina), who was born with spina bifida. He provided for all of her needs and ensured her quality of life was equal to that of us, her other siblings.

Reinhard took great pride in keeping his yard and especially his trees free of weeds. On weekends he enjoyed “playing around the trees” - as he liked to call it. Reinhard eventually ventured into self-employment to continue to provide for his family by opening up his own businesses, Jägermeister Imports and Rely Washers. After Marlies passed away in 2003, Reinhard and Lydia decided to move to Calgary in 2004 to be close to their children who all lived in Calgary at the time.

Reinhard and Lydia were so thrilled that they had moved to Calgary. They really enjoyed being a part of our lives and their grandchildren’s lives as well. Reinhard and Lydia cherished all the wonderful opportunities to look after their grandchildren! This gave both of them great joy and was a highlight of their lives! They really loved every minute of it!

Reinhard loved refinishing and staining furniture. He saw the beauty and possibility in old wood furniture. He took great care in removing old paint and stain. The children each have a piece of his refinished furniture in their homes with his signature underneath.

In 2017 Reinhard moved to Walden Heights Age Care to live there full time. This was his final residence. The wonderful nurses and medical team at Walden Heights Age Care provided our dad (Reinhard) with special, daily care. He lived there until he passed away on December 23, 2022. We would like to thank the staff on the third floor of Walden Heights Age Care who did such a wonderful job taking care of our father (Reinhard).

Reinhard had a small stature with a big personality and always tried his best to make everyone laugh and make them feel special. Reinhard supported all of his family so well. He loved us. He took care of us. He made us laugh. We could not be better loved. He loved and accepted us with such devotion. We are eternally grateful for all he has done for us.

Dad, we know you are in Heaven with the Lord. We love you! And we miss you!

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 6, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. Memorial Tributes can be donated to Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary www.alzheimercalgary.ca/get-involved/donate-now.

In living memory of Reinhard Spletzer, 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.