It is with great sadness that the family of Alfred announce his passing on Sunday, September 01, 2024 at 88 years of age.
Freddy was born in 1935 in Gottschee, a German speaking settlement with Austrian roots located in the former Yugoslavia. He has three living sisters and one brother who passed away as a child. Political circumstances of WWII forced his family to re-settle to Austria where he spent his childhood and subsequently became an electrician. He told us many stories of his adventures in Austria, and while born in Yugoslavia, he identified as a proud Austrian. Post war Europe however was not the place to be and like many others, at age 19, and at the advice of his grandfather, he emigrated to Canada and settled in Hamilton. After a few years of working at smaller electrical shops, he joined the great steel company Dofasco, met Elfriede at a German Club Dance, got married and they soon welcomed their son, Hardy.
Freddy loved Canada and was very grateful for the opportunities it presented to him. After moving to St. Catharines in the mid 60’s he began his career at General Motors, the company he eventually retired from after many years of service. He was a simple guy and a happy person. He loved people and loved learning new things along with time spent in the wilderness. He worked very hard and knew how to play hard and enjoyed a good party. He thoroughly appreciated the time to take his wife to the dances at the German Club, they were usually first on and last off the dance floor. He also never passed up the chance to sing, when the opportunity presented itself. He had a very good voice, a trait Hardy wishes he had inherited. But most of all he loved his grandson, Chester and Walter. There was never a day that he wouldn’t say how proud he was of those boys; they were his pride and joy.
Freddy had some health challenges as he did not recover from a heart attack suffered a few weeks ago staying in the hospital from the time of that event. The past several weeks have been very difficult, especially for Elfriede. They were married for 62 years. But we are grateful we had him as long as we did. He had a great life and was never sick for longer than a few days. Freddy is survived by his wife, Elfriede, son, Hardy (Debbie), grandsons, Chester and Walter, sisters, Marlene, Louise, Inge; predeceased by his brother, Aste and his parents, Ernst & Aloisia.
RIP Dad.
In honouring Freddy’s wishes private family arrangements have taken place. Memorial donations to Heart & Stoke Foundation would be appreciated. https://donate.mytributegift.org/?cid=5e548309bd0558be336e3262ffa326f3c536f9bd4ba92faf9f8999438758e7d5&fh=FRP-308918&fp=3089186b5c6c0632d102cc0b9fbb841d8e
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca