We Remember
FARTACZEK, Margret Ida
June 1, 1938 — July 7, 2025
Our beloved Mom, Oma, Auntie, and friend found peace at the age of 87, on July 7, 2025.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Friedrich Fartaczek, February 4, 2021.
Margret is survived by her four children: Margret (Darren) Ablitt, Fred (Carmen) Fartaczek, Linda (Lowin) Zander, and Alan (Cheryl) Fartaczek; and seven grandchildren: Jade, Carson, Emma, Ethan, Melissa, Lily, and Aidan.
She will also be remembered by her sisters-in-law, Clara (Heinrich) Geigenmuller and Zita (Fred)Schmidt; several nieces and nephews, Tony (Lucinda) and Fred (Shelley) Schmidt, who referred to Margret fondly as “The Captain “.
Born in Dortmund, Germany, in 1938 and raised in the orphanage in Aachen, Germany, Margret developed a pen-pal relationship through the Catholic Church with Friedrich Fartaczek “Fred”.
After months of communication, Fred sent Margret a one way airplane ticket, and she immigrated to Canada to marry Fred in 1964.
They celebrated 56 years of love, laughter, and family, until Fred passed in 2021.
Margret cherished her spouse and spent her last years missing his presence.
She had an open door, smile, or coffee for every person she met. Margret was up early in the mornings, preparing breakfast for Fred and his work crews. Coffee would always be ready as people would gather around her kitchen table throughout the day.
Margret worked on many construction projects with Fred. She took a position at the Courtroom Dining Lounge, working in the kitchen preparing items for the restaurant’s buffet. After school, her children would join her to peel onions, carrots, and potatoes with her. Soon her children were hired on as well.
Before she retired with Fred, she worked at the Illichman’s German Deli, although it was more of a social outing than work to her.
Margret would tell her family and friends, “I told Illichman to keep my pay cheque in exchange for all of the meat and goodies I brought home”. The Illichman family had a special place in her heart! One of Margret’s final requests, to see her friends and enjoy the Deli.
Margret will be missed by all of her engaging friends. A special thank you to Leona Turk, Joyce DeCock, Idella Roshinsky, and Shirley Hamm, who were there for Margret throughout the years.
Thank you as well to the care aides, nurses, and staff at the Village at Mill Creek, as well as Interior Health, for the love and care you gave to Margret.
A Graveside Service to lay Margret and Fred to rest together will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:30 am (PDT), at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
To lay Margret and Fred to rest together a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:30 am (PDT)
Location
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery


I truly enjoyed meeting Margret and will always remember her genuine, beautiful, and infectious smile. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.🙏❤️
Sorry to hear about Margret’s passing. I used to work with Margret at the Buffet.
My prayers are with you. Darlene Baran