VOGEL, RUDY
Born in Poinsk, Poland on February 22, 1933, passed away at home in Summerland surrounded by his family on January 16, 2016.
After spending some time in concentration camps in Poland, he escaped to Germany with his family in 1943, then immigrated to Canada in 1950. Rudy worked in orchards, Summerland Sawmill and at whatever else he could find until 1954 when he went to Saskatchewan. There he worked for MacDonalds Consolidated in Saskatoon until 1956. He then returned to Summerland where he was destined to meet the love of his life, Alma Lekei. They were married in March 1957 and have 2 children, Suzanne and Larry.
Rudy and Alma were orchardists for a number of years and in 1960 or thereabouts, he met Leo Peeters. They became great friends and eventually became partners and built many buildings and homes in Summerland.
Rudy had a very full and good life. He will be missed by his wife Alma, children Suzanne (Steve) and Larry, grandchildren Ashley, Brent Gurakowski (Michele), Savannah and Sabrina Vogel and great-granddaughter Emalee Gurakowski, sisters Freida (Oscar) Strafehl, Irma (Lother) Kraus and Alice (Jerry) Polesello, nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
There will be a memorial service for Rudy on Friday, January 22, 11 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church on North Victoria Road with Pastor Michael Colbeck officiating.
Celebration of life to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.