We Remember
KAPLUN, Adolf
December 28, 1928 — October 26, 2021
With sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved husband, father, and Opa, Adolf Kaplun.
Surrounded by his family, Adolf Kaplun went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2021, at the age of 92 years.
Adolf was born on December 28, 1928, in Cholnica, Poland, the fourth of eight children. He was predeceased by his sister Lydia and brother Herman in their childhood, his parents, Theodor and Alwine (nee Semler) Kaplun, sisters Klara Grams and Taisa Koberstein, and brothers Robert, Philipp and Felix.
He is survived by his loving wife Olga (nee Bettig) of 69 years, sons Bernie (Brigitte), Rolf (Dori), and daughter Rose (Randy) Murray; grandchildren Stephanie (Noel) Nissen, Rebecca (Grant) Hill, Emily (Mitch) Vinet, and Jacquie (Dane) Soares; and great-grandchildren Caleb, Hannah, Averie and Tessa.
Adolf grew up in a time of peace, however, this was soon shattered with the outbreak of the Second World War. The Kaplun family were resettled from Cholica (near Lutsk) in the Soviet-controlled eastern Poland to Vohlyn in German-controlled western Poland. Adolf and the family endured many hardships during this time.
On his 16th birthday, in 1944, he was conscripted into the German air force until the war ended five months later in 1945. During this time the family was forced to evacuate their home and once again as refugees moved to Dresden, Germany. Adolf was able to locate and reunite with his family after walking many kilometres over bombed-out ruins and rubble.
In 1948 the Kaplun family was sponsored to immigrate to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. There he met Olga Bettig in 1950, and they were married on December 22, 1951. The marriage was blessed with three children: Bernie, Rolf and Rose.
Adolf loved music; conducting mixed church choirs from 1950 until a sudden hearing loss in 2005 ended his ability to lead his last choir at Grace Baptist Church in Kelowna. He was active in the church, serving in many other capacities.
We are grateful to Dr. Steinruck and the wonderful staff at Three Links Manor who lovingly cared for Adolf and supported our family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Three Links Manor through the KGH Foundation, (under the “Direct my gift to” section, select Three Links Manor) or the India Mission, which was near and dear to our family.
The Kaplun Family invites you to the Celebration of Adolf’s life on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021, at 10:00 AM (PDT), at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Following Covid-19 restrictions, attendance is limited, we desire all who wish to come to be able to do so – so please let us know of your intent to participate by registering; click here to register.
A Livestream of the event, at the same time as above, will be available online for those who are cautious to attend, and a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
https://vimeo.com/642888055
To Olga and the entire family,
I would like to send my sincere condolences to you all. I am so sad to hear of Adolf’s passing, he was such a unique and genuinely kind man; I feel lucky to have had the privilege of knowing him. His love for Olga and the family was truly one of the most touching things I have experienced. His giant smile that always reached his eyes proved to be contagious anytime I saw him at Sandalwood. Even now just thinking of it, I can’t help but smile to myself.
Please know my thoughts are with you all at this time.
Sarah Spinks
My deepest sympathies for your loss, Rose and family. May your many wonderful family memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Dear Olga and family,
We wish extend our sincere sympathies at this time as you mourn the loss of your dear Adolf. At the same time we want to acknowledge him as a man who lived well and served his Lord and Savior throughout his lifetime. He has gone to his heavenly reward free from the shackles of sickness and age. For that, we praise God. For you who remain, we pray that the God of all peace and comfort will be your portion.
My Mom, sister and I watched the beautiful service for Adolf. We pray God’s comfort for all of you.
Tabea, Carol and Deborah