We Remember

HAEMMERLING, Hartmuth Hugo “Hart”

February 14, 1939 — April 29, 2026

Hart Haemmerling was the sort of man who could pour a concrete foundation, enjoy a cold beverage on a hot day, and fall asleep in a lawn chair (sometimes in that order), and make it look like a life well planned. We are saddened to announce his passing on April 29, 2026, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 87. He left behind a family who loved him and a community that was better for having had him in it.

Born on Valentine’s Day, 1939, in Romanów, Wolhynien, Poland, Hart came to Canada via Germany in 1953, a young man of 14. Hart, along with his dad Christoph and Linda, as well as his 5 brothers and 1 sister, settled into his adopted country with the faith of someone who had already decided this was going to work out fine.

In 1960, Hart married Helen, and that, as they say, was that. Sixty-six years of marriage is less a milestone than a statement of character. Hart’s character was steady: easy-going, thoughtful, kind, and generous. Qualities his family will tell you were not occasional but habitual.

Hart was employed by the Winnipeg Hydro company, but by 1969 the infamous Winnipeg weather prompted Hart and Helen to take a leap of faith when they moved across the country for a new adventure in Kelowna. With two young children, a mother-in-law, and all their worldly possessions, it was quite the undertaking. Initially, Hart found work as a plumber for 2 years, then he ventured out on his own – to place and finish concrete in 1971. If you asked Hart anything about his occupation, his love of concrete work would be evident; he genuinely enjoyed the work along with its plentiful challenges. Hart was always proud of his numerous landmark pours in Kelowna that he was a part of: Okanagan College, many churches and car dealerships throughout Kelowna, and countless driveways. Hart was also one of the first in the Okanagan to install paving stones, replicating “the old country” style of patios, driveways, and walkways.

Hart was a faithful churchgoer attending Kelowna First Mennonite on Gordon Drive. He was a committed member of the church business committee and the men’s group. Hart and Helen were among the original founders of the German Club. He liked people, plain and simple, loved to laugh and get together over good German food, or BBQ ribs, and don’t forget dessert… the best part. Whether it was a gathering at the church or club, a camping trip, cross-country skiing, an RV adventure, bowling, or a long soak at the Nakusp hot springs, Hart showed up with the same good nature he brought to everything else.

Hart was a devoted husband, a loving parent, and an Opa his grandchildren were lucky to have. He is survived by his beloved wife, Helene Haemmerling; his children, Richard (Marie) and Teresa (Neal); his grandchildren, Nicole and Jenna (Michael); his siblings, Walther (Rosel), Gerhard (d. Friedal), Charlotte (d. Alfred), and Manfred; and sister-in-law Margaret. He was predeceased by his brothers Siegfried (d. Elenora) and Helmut.

The family is grateful for all the healthcare workers and numerous other staff who have helped care for Hart in his last remaining years. There is an amazing team of caring staff at David Lloyd Jones nursing home. They have shown Hart and his family the meaning of patience, dignity, grace, and a never-ending well of kindness.

He will be remembered warmly, easily, and with a smile.

Memorial donations in memory of Hartmuth may be sent to Parkinson Canada.

A Memorial Service, will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PDT), at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will be held following the service.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PDT)

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

Send Condolences
Send Flowers, Sympathy Card or Comfort Meal
Parkinson Canada Link: www.parkinson.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for HAEMMERLING, Hartmuth Hugo “Hart” is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Cindy Menghini says:
    May 4, 2026 at 8:20 pm

    To Hart’s family, especially Helen. He always had a smile on his face whenever we brought the children up to visit with the “grandma and Grandpa’s”. I enjoyed getting to know him a little bit through volunteering at DLJ. His quiet, kind presence is missed by many. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers as you begin to adjust to a life without your loved one. My deepest condolences. Cindy

    Reply

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.

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