Arthur Klages

Obituary of Arthur Klages

It is with great sadness, that the family of Arthur Klages share the passing of their beloved father on July 6, 2017.  His mind continued to be alert and active; however, his body and caring heart had decided it was time to go.  His family knows that he is now at peace and that he is no longer in constant pain.  After the passing of his wife Emilie of 50 years, in 2011, his health began to decline; however, he got his wish to live out his life at home with his loving daughters.

Arthur was born on January 5, 1932 in Hoxter, Germany to Karl and Maria Klages.  He grew up in Germany as one of 6 children (Gerda, Herbert, Werner, Christel, Harry) and he was the last surviving member of his family.

In Hoxter, he trained as a gas-fitter and plumber and worked at the city Gas Works.  When he came to Canada in 1953, he first explored the country and visited Alberta to see what farming and cowboy life was like.  He returned to the KW area and continued working as a plumber.

As a young boy, he was an avid fussball player and he cheered for Schalke 04.  He continued to follow soccer and he was delighted when Germany won the last world cup.

When he came to Canada, he developed an interest in a new sport; hockey and he watched many Kitchener Dutchmen Sr. A games.  He was an avid Leaf fan until 2011, when he began to follow the Jets on their return to Winnipeg.  When his children were young, he spent every winter creating a skating rink in front of their house for them to learn to skate, and when older play hockey and ringette on.

He is survived by his children Maria, Michael (Tammy), Cristina and Arthur Jr. His constant singing, captivating stories and frequent politics, history, math and geography lessons will be greatly missed by his family.

He appreciated the great friendships he had of many years, with his neighbours Gary, Bob and Judy.

Thank you to the many individuals who made it possible to care for him at home, but especially the nurses Liz and Jacquie, the weekday support of Bess and Donna and the PSW’s Kim, Karen and Kith.

The family will be having a private service and interment beside his wife in Bloomingdale.  As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Hospice Wellington (in memory of his wife), Bloomingdale Mennonite Church or the Salvation Army and may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

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