We Remember

LEMKE, Horst Hugo

January 20, 1932 — October 11, 2026

Horst lived life fully with his family, his business, and his travels until late in life. At the age of 94, Horst Hugo Lemke passed away on October 11, 2026, in Kelowna, BC. He now joins his beloved wife of 67 years, his business and travel partner, Irene Lemke. He leaves behind his children, Tracey, Bert (married to Shannon), Glen, and Evelyn (partner Pat), his grandchildren, Katie, Mickee, Alisha (married to Kun), and Ashley (married to Zac), and his great-grandchildren, Madyson, Axel, Tripp, Kobi, and Jia.

Horst was born in Heidelberg, Germany, and later lived in Biberach, Germany, with his parents and his two siblings, Gisela and Werner. He apprenticed in five trades in Germany and Switzerland: plumbing, welding, heating, air conditioning, and natural gas.

In his mid-twenties, he decided to immigrate to Canada to apply his trades and build a new life. He arrived in Winnipeg, MB, where he worked for a top trade company. He also met his wife there, Irene, a new immigrant, along with her brother, Victor, and their Wilhelm and Katarina Littau. They were part of The Kolping Society for trades. They married in December 1958 and together rebuilt a house and had three children in Winnipeg.

Then in 1965 they moved west to Kelowna, BC, bought a house, and had their fourth child. In order to work for the Peace River Dam project for the natural gas company, they moved north to Hudson’s Hope, near Fort St. John, for several years. Horst started his Progress Plumbing and Heating business there. He then moved this business and his family back to Kelowna in 1969, where they continued to raise their four children. They designed and built several houses together. Horst and Irene also ran their own business side by side until he was 81, before retiring. In the meantime, his family grew with the children’s spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all around. His life was well built.

Horst enjoyed many hobbies as well. He was an entrepreneur at heart. He often tinkered in his workshop, creating useful gadgets. He loved to garden with his wife and kids. In the summer, he often went fishing and camping with his family. He travelled the world with his wife, Irene. His life was also full of music, song, dance, fine food, and home-crafted wine.

We wish him well as he moves on heavenward to join his wife and his past family where “God will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine, the best of meats and the finest of wines.” Isaiah 25:6

Donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Catholic Church to assist those in need.

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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Catholic Church  Link: ssvp.ca

 


 


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