Obituary of Günter Rempe

March 4, 1930 – Bochum, Germany

December 2, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Günter Rempe of Calgary, AB, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the age of 94 years.

Günter was born in Bochum, Germany, on March 4, 1930.  He immigrated to Canada in 1954, married Irene Anna Rempe (nee Stürmer) the following year, and then settled in Calgary, AB. They raised a family of three and had a wonderful marriage of 67 years.

Günter worked in Bochum’s steel mill after the war and then graduated from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry with a certificate in business. In Canada, he completed his certificate of qualification as a journeyman bricklayer and founded a highly successful masonry business, BBC Masonry Ltd., with his partner and brother-in-law, Manfred Stürmer.

Günter was a founding member and player of the Kickers Soccer Club, as well as an active member of both the German-Canadian Club and St. Boniface German Catholic Church. Günter and Manfred were instrumental in building St. Boniface Church, which became a home for German-speaking immigrants in the post-war period.

Günter and his wife Irene both had a passion for travel and regularly wintered in their condominium at Kuhio Shores, Kauai. They were often visited by children, grandchildren, and friends, where they often listened to classical music while Irene painted and Günter baked bread and plum cake. 

Günter will always be remembered for his lifelong passion for learning, with a particular interest in European history and politics, as well as his wide-ranging love of music from the classical era.

Günter is survived by his daughter Nicole Rempe, and son-in-law Glenn Stuart. his son Dennis Rempe, and daughter-in-law, Marcia, and daughter-in-law Janice Rempe, all residing in Calgary, AB. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Clarissa Stuart, Rachael Rempe, Rebecca Rempe, Stephanie Rempe, Alexandra Rempe, and Matthew Rempe, living in Canada and the United States.

Günter is also survived by his sister-in-law Erika, and nephews, Oliver and Patrick Stürmer, all living in Calgary, AB, as well as numerous relatives and friends in Germany, Canada, and the United States.

Günter was predeceased by his loving wife Irene Rempe, his eldest son Ronald Rempe, his friend and business partner, Manfred Stürmer, his nephew Robert Stürmer, and his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Rempe.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Boniface German Catholic Church (1923 Broadview Road NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 3395 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Telephone 844-465-6330 (587-231-3100), www.albertacancer.ca/donate/.

Condolences, memories, and photos can be shared and viewed with Günter’s family here.