We Remember

BADKE, Waltraut Helene

May 24, 1930 — January 19, 2026

Waltraut was born on May 24, 1930, in Gross Britannien, East Prussia, to Ewald and Helene Siemund. She had two older brothers, one younger brother, and a sister, the youngest. Although they were not blessed with material wealth, they had a wonderful childhood and had to be creative and innovative. To occupy their time, they played and made things with whatever was found at hand; her sister always had great ideas.

On October 10, 1944, they had to leave everything and flee from their home because The Russian Front was drawing near, but the Lord in His mercy kept the family safe from all harm in all circumstances, and the family finally ended up in West Germany, close to Osnabrueck.

In 1947, Mom met her future husband, Edmund, who had just returned from being a prisoner of war in France. On June 4, 1949, they were married. When Russia invaded Hungary in October 1956, they made the decision to leave Germany, along with two daughters at the time and on August 11, 1957, they embarked on their journey to Canada and set sail on The Seven Seas. The family arrived in Kelowna on August 25, 1957, and never left. Grace Baptist Church became their spiritual home with a large family of God, where they developed friends and business partners for a lifetime. After being settled for a few years in Kelowna, they had two more girls. Daddy always said, “I have two maedchens and two girls” and there was no father more proud of his girls.

Mom lost her beloved husband on April 22, 1991, and not a day went by that she did not miss or speak of him. They were completely devoted to one another, and she always talked about how much he loved her and the family.

Our mother seemed to manage everything with ease and without effort. She learned her trade as a Tailor in Germany and was the only female hired, reluctantly, by her boss. Yet she quickly became his main seamstress after seeing how quickly she developed her craft. She was an incredible cook and baker, supported her husband as they developed many custom homes and commercial buildings throughout the Okanagan, and was his rock. Her intelligence and wit, memory recall, and love for politics were well known. Her memory was sharp until her last moments. She was generous with her words and wealth, and our parents financially assisted many families during their lifetime. Everything we children have we owe to them.

Our precious, beautiful mother went to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on January 19, 2026. She talked about how much she looked forward to her eternal home and being reunited with her husband. In her final year, when she could barely see, she was grateful she had read her Bible from cover to cover at least half a dozen times and could recall scripture. She prayed constantly and fervently and relied heavily on God’s mercy in the end.

In her final words to her family, she wrote, “No accolades and praises please because I have not done anything to deserve it. Please forgive my shortcomings if you can and are able to. But no matter what I did or did not do, you are all anchored in my heart, and I love you more than you will ever believe. What a joyful day it will be when I meet your Dad again in our Heavenly home. Rejoice with me. God never makes mistakes. He has blessed us beyond measure. To Him be the honour and glory.”

Waltraut was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edmund; two brothers, Hans & Horst; her sister Ursula; son-in-law Michel; and grandson Michael.

Left to mourn are her daughters, Gudrun (Andru), Veronika, Birgit (Jacques), and Christine (Len). She leaves eight grandchildren Nanci, Akeem, Justin, Feliceia, Colton, Joel, Allegra, and Bethelehem. She also leaves great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her youngest brother, Karl-Heinz and wife Christa in Germany; sister-in-law, Hanni, in Germany, and sister-in-law Doreen in West Vancouver; by her nieces and nephews in Germany who loved and adored her. She is also mourned by her loving, faithful friend and travelling companion Gertrude Motschko.

Psalm 73:23-26
Nevertheless, I am continually with thee; thou has holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart: and my portion forever.

Memorial Donations in memory of Waltraut may be sent to Chain of Love (Brazilian organization to help children).

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

Springfield Funeral Home is always professional, caring and very knowledgeable.  We appreciate that you have dedicated staff for all needs from planning the service to completing government paperwork.

Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

David Henseleit, your compassion and professionalism is truly amazing!  The entire staff were courteous, super professional and caring as each guest arrived.  Everything was done to perfection!

Myra Neuman

Keep up the good work that you do as it is such an important service you provide.  It is still the most difficult time in a person’s life.  Your kindness is so appreciated.  We appreciated the peace of mind that everything was being looked after.

Gloria Couture

You provide a wonderful service for people going through a traumatic time.  Thank You.  The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at Springfield Funeral Home was exemplary.

 

Kim McCaveney