Obituary of Gerhard (Gerry) Ferdinand Metzinger

Gerry Metzinger, beloved husband of Dolores Metzinger (nee Swanson), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the age of 89 years.

Gerry was born in Grande Prairie, AB on September 6, 1933. He was raised on a homestead in LaGlace, AB with his parents and brother where the land was cleared by hand for farming, and the home they lived in for a time was a sod house.

Gerry attended several different schools in Northern Alberta including Buffalo Lake School, St. Augustine Mission in Peace River, St. Therese Rose in Friedenstal and St. Joseph's Academy. Gerry completed many years of education including St. Joseph’s Business College in 1952, SAIT in drafting 1956, and University of Alberta in Education degree 1964.

Throughout his life he worked for different companies in Calgary, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie. He also built a house for his parents while farming in Grande Prairie 1961 - 1962. From 1964 - 1981 he was a teacher at Ernest Manning High School in drafting and math. From 1981 - 1991 he was a Drafting Instructor at SAIT.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Good Sam RV Club, and Wildwood Community Association.

Gerry and Dolores met in 1958 and were married in 1960 in Calgary. After retirement they enjoyed many winters as snowbirds in their Motorhome with good friends in the southern USA.

Gerry accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of his family and children.

Throughout his life Gerry was especially known for his love of music. He was always the first to start music wherever he went. Campfires and parties were always ready for Gerry to sing a song, play his mandolin banjo, harmonica, “bones”, spoons, and the piano.

Gerry especially looked forward to his weekly jam sessions at the Bowness Legion with his fellow musicians. He was one of the original jammers for almost 30 years, since 1994.

Besides his loving wife of 63 years Dolores, Gerry is survived by his children, Jeff (Ellen), Rob (Cathy) and Kathy (Eric); grandchildren, Nicky, Amanda, Kara, Quinn, Dominik, and Emma; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Ferdinand and Anna Metzinger (nee Gergen); and by his brother Werner (Wayne) Metzinger.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Community (800 85 Street S.W.) on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with Gerhard’s family here.

In living memory of Gerry Metzinger, 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.