Obituary of Robert Walter Trefz

With deep regret, the family of Robert Walter Trefz announces his sudden passing on Friday, February 11, 2011 at the Stettler Hospital. Robert was born November 9, 1924 in Bashaw to Wilhelm and Clara Trefz. He was the eldest son and second eldest of 7 children. Schooled at the South Lake School south of Bashaw and raised on the family farm, Robert learned the value of hard work, sacrifice and saving a dollar. He met the love of his life, Esther Gebhardt, in 1948, a result of visiting his older sister Alva and her husband John Klatt. Robert and Esther were engaged in 1949. In 1950, Robert and his father and most of the family went to the Mission BC area, where Robert built a log cabin for he and his future bride, while working in a cedar shake mill. In 1951, Robert headed back to Alberta to marry Esther and bring her to BC with him. The two of them lived and worked in the Mission area until returning to Alberta in September 1955. Upon returning they rented the “Heslop” farm northwest of Castor. They purchased the “Anderson” farm in 1957 and settled in to working and raising a family. Victor was adopted in 1959, followed by Gail in 1962. Pearl was their first born in 1966 and Sheila followed in 1968. Robert taught his children honor and humility, he instilled in them a good work ethic and showed them how to have fun family style. Robert enjoyed family and extended family skidoo parties, fishing, hunting and camping trips. He was a member of the Paintearth Gun Club and an upstanding neighbor, always able to lend a hand. In his later years, he developed his talent for whittling, and has several complex pieces cherished by the family. Robert enjoyed new challenges and tried his hand and even excelled at taxidermy. Robert and Esther entered retirement at Robert’s goal of 55 years old. In 1980 they rented the farm and began to “enjoy” life. In 1985 they sold the farm and moved to Botha where they remained until the spring of 2009 when they moved to Willow Creek Lodge. Robert was tragically predeceased by his son Victor in 1976 and daughter Sheila in 1986. He was also predeceased by his brothers Louis and Vern, and sisters Alva and Freda. Robert is survived by his loving wife Esther, daughter Gail (Richard) Pochylko, Red Deer, daughter Pearl Willsie, Olds, granddaughter Rozalyn (Blake) Vickery, Red Deer, grandson Matthew (Chelsea) Pochylko, Red Deer, granddaughter Pamela Willsie, Calgary, grandson Tom Willsie, Olds, great grandchildren Dylan & Gabrielle Vickery of Red Deer along with numerous nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his brother Ed (Eileen) Trefz of Lone Butte BC, sister Mary Stenerson of Forest Grove BC, brother in law John Klatt, brother and sister in law Helmut and Emma Gebhardt and sister in law Frieda Turigan all of Stettler, sister in law Molly Keufler of Wetaskiwin and brother in law Otto (Jean) Straub of Condor. A funeral service for the late Mr. Robert Trefz was held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 in the Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home with Pastor Karl Faltin of St. Peter Lutheran Church officiating. Donations in memory of Robert can be made to the Willow Creek Lodge, Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home and Crematorium Box 1780 Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, who were entrusted with the care and arrangements. The family wishes to thank Dr.’s. Heaven and Agwaze and staff at the Stettler Hospital as well as the paramedics of the ambulance service for their kindness and dignified service throughout Dad’s care.