We Remember
ZEFFER, Josef
September 16, 1925 — March 6, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josef Zeffer. Josef went home to be with the Lord on March 6, 2026.
Josef was born in Tarcea, Romania. Josef left home and years later ended up in Germany where he met his wife, Johanna. They then immigrated to Canada and ended up settling in Kitchener, Ontario. Josef spent many years as a bricklayer, stonemason and gardener to provide for the family. Josef developed a subdivision from the hobby farm he purchased. Josef served the Lord as a Deacon at Central Baptist Church, Kitchener. Josef retired to Kelowna, BC, where he built a house overlooking Okanagan Lake. He built a scale model of the Eiffel tower in the backyard as it reminded him of when he lived in Paris. Josef continued to garden, make wine, entertain family, and serve the Lord as a Deacon at Grace Baptist Church in Kelowna.
Josef was predeceased by his wife, Johanna (d. 2013). He lived on his own for a few years in Kelowna until he decided it was time to sell the house and move into something smaller.
The last few years, Josef was a resident at Royal City Manor in New Westminster. Josef loved the staff and his fellow tablemates (John, Collin, and Ray). Josef called this place his home. The staff always
commented how nice and wonderful it was to have Dad there; comments received, Josef would wheel around, wave, and smile with a twinkle in his eyes. When we visited Dad, we would take him out to the courtyard. Dad would always say, “too many weeds,” and he’d laugh, “if only I was in charge,” and laugh again. The staff said Josef was sitting in his wheelchair talking with them when he closed his eyes and the Lord called him home.
We want to thank the Royal City Manor staff for the exceptionally great care of Dad. A special thank-you to Gina, Sharon, Helen, and Shereesse, and many more staff.
Josef is survived by his children, Joe (Evelyn), Erika (Ernie), Emmanuel, Anita (Gord), and Gabrielle (Ross), grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members
Josef had always wanted to live in peace on earth, and now he has the peace he always wanted.
Thank you Dad for always being my (Joe) role model and friend as we worked together over the years through many fireplace builds and chimney replacements and house construction/renovations.
Thank you for loving Evelyn, who you later nicknamed “Liebe”. We will miss you until we meet again one day.
A Special thank-you to Springfield Funeral Home for helping and guiding us through this difficult time.
As requested by Josef, there will be no funeral service.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

