We Remember
GERSZKE, Renate Hildegard
August 10, 1942 — September 10, 2024
The family of Renate Gerszke is saddened to announce her sudden passing on September 10, 2024, at the age of 82, while on route to compete in the BC Senior Games.
Renate leaves behind a wealth of love, including her two children, Diana (Clive) and Cindy (Casey); two grandchildren, Megan and Camden; brother, Manfred (Petra); and many loving extended family in Ottawa and Germany. She now goes to join her beloved husband of 43 years, Erich.
Renate was a beloved mother, Oma, and friend, whose warmth and positivity touched all who knew her. Her sunny disposition and bright outlook on life were contagious, lighting up every room she entered. She had a fun-loving spirit and competitive nature, always in the name of fun, which made her a force to be reckoned with. Even in her eighties, she kept active, playing table tennis with a passion that belied her years.
She was more than just fun; Renate was a fighter. Her stubborn resilience saw her through many health challenges, inspiring admiration from everyone around her. Her strength and determination were constant reminders of the unstoppable force she was in life.
Family was everything to Renate. Her daughters and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she never missed a moment to dote on them. As an adoring Oma, she insisted on babysitting her grandchildren—and even her grand dog—going above and beyond to care for those she loved. Renate’s nurturing spirit was unmatched, always putting her family first and going to great lengths to ensure their happiness and well-being.
Renate’s presence will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her bright spirit will continue to shine in the stories and laughter she leaves behind.
A Memorial Reception will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:30 am, in the Family Centre at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Renate’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a meaningful charity of your choice.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:30 am
Location
The Family Centre at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
Share with Others:
Heart and Stroke Foundation Link: www.heartandstroke.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for GERSZKE, Renate Hildegard is scheduled for Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
The Family Centre at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Dear Diana, Cindy and family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom and Oma. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers over the coming days.
Ruth (Kingsley) Coleman
May you, as Renate’s family, find strength and comfort in knowing that she was a very special friend. And it was our privilege to have known her.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom.
I always looked forward to our table tennis practices and games at the Rutland Senior Center.
I knew that if I didn’t play my best, Renate would kick my butt!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Gregory Metzger
I knew your Mother and Oma through the Rutland Seniors Centre. Such a happy good sport she was, playing a game she loved, table tennis with the good friends she made over the years. As a newcomer, she welcomed me, and was adept at displaying her steady play and fine skills. Our chats in between games were so enjoyable…. My deepest condolences to all her family.
To Renate’s family: I wish to express my condolences and sorrow for your loss.
She and I shared walls–that is: we were next-door neighbors at Regency’s Summerwood Retirement Resort. Renate’s joy of life was so expressed by the gleam in her eyes. Her glowing smile will be sorely missed.
Shirley Rochon
So sorry to hear of Renates’ passing. Such a beautiful smile and hello, each time I saw her at the Rutland Senior Center. Condolences to all her family and friends. She will be sadly missed
Melanie Faulkenham
Board of Directors, and members of the center
On behalf of the BC Seniors Games Society I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Gerszke family and friends on the sudden and tragic passing of Renate. She was a special woman and an enthusiastic table tennis participant who played in the spirit of the 55+ BC Games “for life, sport and friends”. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Sincerely, Diane Murphy, President, BC Seniors Games Society
Dear Diana and family,
We were so sorry to learn about the sudden tragic loss of your Mom and Oma. We know you will miss her terribly and hope you are finding some peace in celebrating a life well lived.
thinking of you all, Donna, Andy and Anamarie