We Remember
HENSELEIT, Gretel (née Helwing)
February 1, 1944 — August 19, 2026
Born on February 1, 1944, in Rypin, Germany, Gretel Henseleit went to be with her Lord on August 19, 2026, in Kelowna, BC, surrounded by her loving family. She was 82 years old.
Gretel was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years, Werner Henseleit, who passed away in 2010.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Richard (Michelle) Henseleit, Angela (Brad) Klassen, David (Andrea) Henseleit, and Daniel (Bonnie) Henseleit; her nine grandchildren, Talina (Herv) Kameni, Christina (Ashur) Namato, Conrad (Julia) Henseleit, Joel (Marissa) Henseleit, Joshua (Michelle) Klassen, Alexander (Hannah) Henseleit, Andrew (Carly) Henseleit, Nicholas (Joy) Henseleit, and Anna-Marie (Alec) Paquette; and her nine great-grandchildren.
Gretel is also lovingly remembered by her brothers, Herb (Al’deen) Helwing and Ron (Helen) Helwing; her sister, Barb (Tom) Rose; as well as extended family and many dear friends.
Throughout Gretel’s life and her long journey with Parkinson’s, she stayed true to the core of who she was.
Gretel’s love for her family ran deep and constant. It especially shone through in her love and generosity to her grandchildren, highlighting special Omi/grandchildren trips and supporting them in any adventure or dream they shared with her.
Her cheeky humour expressed through her cards, quotes, and one-liners would surprise us and often make us laugh out loud.
Kindness and service to others also never stopped – supporting friends in ways that met them where they were at, emotionally or in many practical ways, big or small.
Her tenacity and commitment to excellence allowed her to build a legacy with Werner: not only with Springfield Funeral Home but also with the Slavic Hope Mission, which reflected a passion to ensure that we do not live this life just unto ourselves, but rather to be conduits of the love and resources we have been given for others, because of God’s great love for us.
Gretel loved nature, and she often talked about how she longed to hike mountains again. She channelled her love of nature into the gardens where she was. It was her chance to be outside and add beauty for others to enjoy with her.
Her deep faith and love for Jesus were not only constant but continued to grow as she surrendered her grief and many physical losses to Him. Always trusting and knowing that Jesus was with her, she believed that “He makes all things beautiful in His time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Mom – you were beautiful and journeyed through your life with grace, kindness, and love. You have blessed our family in ways that will ripple through generations, and we are beyond thankful and proud to call you mom, Omi, Ur-Omi, sister, and friend.
Thank you to all the friends who continued to speak into her life these last years. It meant so much to Mom. Thank you, Zandra, and the amazing team at Orchard Manor, who supported her gardening passions and cared for her.
A Funeral Service will be held in Gretel’s honour on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 am (PDT), located in the Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
Following the service, Gretel will be laid to rest beside her beloved Werner at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to a charity meaningful to you.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM provided by Springfield Funeral Home:
Service
Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 am (PDT)
Location
The Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home



David, Richard, Angela, Daniel and family – we are truly sorry to the hear the news of your loving Mom’s passing. We are so grateful we had a chance to visit with your Mom this past March. We will remember your Mom for her kindness and always making a point of visiting us or we visiting her when we were in Kelowna. Cherish your memories. May the Lord be your strength during this time. Sending hugs and prayers. Joe and Evie Zeffer
Angela and Brad, Richard and Michelle, and David and Andra – we are thinking of you in your loss while at the same time rejoicing that her suffering is past and she will have a new body and be with her Lord. She was always someone who shared a kind word or action and we will remember her for that – and the legacy that shines through her family in the generations she influenced
Gretel brought friendship and hope to all that knew her. She is deeply missed and our inner thoughts are deeply saddened by her departure. We express the utmost sympathy and respect to her loving family. Gretel you live on in our memories always. You are now with your Lord peace be with you ✨️
My friend at Orchard Manor, goodbye. Rest in peace and love
So sorry to hear of Gretel’s passing. It was difficult we understand for her for a number of years but now she is in the hands of Jesus. Gretel always spoke kindly to us and that’s something we will always remember even though it’s been quite a while since we last saw each other. Ralph’s special memory is being the ring bearer at her and Werner’s wedding many years ago. She was an exceptional lady!
To each family member, I forward my deepest condolences. Gretel was a dear and special friend for many years, a true blessing in my life and in Gerry’s as well. Sharing memories of history and the joy of Christian music was a constant when we were together. Gretel enriched the lives of all she knew. It was a privilege to have been been befriended by her. Blessing to you all.
Our heartfelt sympathy to each family member. May God’s comfort be yours. Your Mom was a beautiful Christian lady.
Sending you and your family our love and prayers during this time of grieving. And praying for a wonderful service today celebrating the amazing life of your beloved mom, grandmother and great grandmother. Love Rob and Lenore and familyxxx
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Gretel. She leaves an incredible legacy for her children, grandchildren, and siblings. Gretel was the eldest of the many cousins here in Canada and as Gretel’s cousin, I have very fond memories of her and her strong convictions and her caring nature during those times we were all together many years ago.. She will be missed but it is comforting to know that she is together again in heaven with family that has passed before her..
We send heartfelt condolences to all the family on the passing of Gretel. Our first contact with your Mom was when Jessie-Anne began Sunday School at age 2 (along with Christina, Talina & Kiki Babbel). She loved children with a huge and compassionate heart and served with joy! Her smile was radiant and she always had an encouraging word. Her faith in the Lord was firm and steady all through the years, no matter the circumstances . May you hold precious memories and the hope of knowing you will see her again! Much love to each one of you!
Please accept our sincere condolences to the entire family. Roland and Irene.