KLEMPNER, Arnold

August 25, 1938 — May 26, 2022

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.” 

II Timothy 4:7-8

The Lord called Arnold home on May 26, 2022. He has joined his parents Johann and Augusta, and his siblings Erna, Hilda and Senold.

Arnold was born in Poland on August 25, 1938. His family moved to Germany during the war, which made his early years a struggle. Years later, he still could not stand the smell of cinnamon. He explained it was the only spice they had during, and after, the war and he could no longer stomach to smell or taste it. In 1955, his parents decided to immigrate to Canada and brought 17-year-old Arnold with them.

It was in Calgary, AB that he met the love of his life, Alice. The story is told that she was sent, by her aunt, with $1 to buy 10 lbs of bananas from him. It seems her aunt had already scoped Arnold out on Alice’s behalf. This interaction might also explain Arnold’s lifelong love of bananas. Alice and Arnold married in 1961. He often said that he was the luckiest man in the world, and I’m sure she would agree that he was lucky! Their first child, Fred, was born in 1962. Arnold was working in the grocery industry and between he and Alice, they continued building their life together. As they worked, they continued to grow their family, welcoming John in 1967, Darlene in 1970, and Connie in 1973.

Growing tired of the winters in Calgary, Arnold planned a trip to visit Alice’s uncle in Kelowna, BC. He fell in love with the small lakeside town, after seeing its potential, and along with Alice, they moved the family to Kelowna in 1974.

Arnold was resourceful, industrious, and incredibly hardworking. He used his many talents to support his family in various ways throughout his career. He was able to pass down many of his skills to his children by working with them on many various projects. His kids never used the words ‘dad fixed it’. They always said, ‘dad MacGyvered it’ because he was able to use whatever was available to complete the task at hand. After retiring, he fulfilled his dream of building the condo complex, which he lived in with Alice, until his last days.

He is survived by Alice, his wife of 61 years, and his sister Selma Arndt. He leaves a beautiful legacy in his children: Fred (Nola), John (Joy), Darlene Bulteel (Steve), and Connie Zol (Diano); his 14 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Arnold lived out his faith throughout his life by modelling a love for Jesus within his community and through the mission field.

Having arrived in Canada at the age of 17, not speaking the language, and having to learn a new culture, made Arnold empathetic for refugee and immigrant support. The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, due to current world events, that donations be made to the Emergency Relief & Development Overseas.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

A Funeral Service will be held on TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2022, at 4:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), 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”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service Details

The service for KLEMPNER, Arnold is scheduled for TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2022 at 4:00 pm (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:

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Special Requests:

None.

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