Ada Schalk

ADA SCHALK

October 26, 1938 – February 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, Ada Schalk of Petersfield, Manitoba passed away at the Selkirk Betel Home. Left to cherish her memory are daughters Elaine and Wendy (Neil), son Ronald (Audra), grandsons Bryce (Rebecca), Evan (Sarah), Travis (Alex), and Owen (Beka), and great-grandchildren Adilyn, Jameson, and Camden. Ada is also survived by her twin sister Betty Schofield, sister Peggy Janisch, brothers Jim Fisher (Barbara) and Joe Fisher, brother-in-law Alfred Schalk, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. Ada lived a long life, so she was unfortunately predeceased by a number of her sisters, brothers, and other family members.

Ada was born on October 26, 1938. She was one of 11 children, and she lived her early years on the family farm in Netley, Manitoba. Ada married Karl-Heinz Schalk in 1958 and they built a beautiful life together, raising their children and farming the land. Prior to getting married, Ada lived in Winnipeg and worked at the YMCA.

When Ada and Karl bought her father-in-law’s farm, they developed a true partnership. In addition to her homemaker role, Ada operated the combine during harvest, drove the tractor to harrow fields, fed the hired hands, and went on many road trips to pick up parts. During this time, she also worked off the farm at the local greenhouse. Ada still found time to maintain a lovely yard with numerous flower beds and a neatly trimmed lawn. She was very proud of her yard and received a great number of compliments on it over the years.

Ada had a lifelong love of curling. Ada and Karl enjoyed travelling with friends to curling events across Canada. She was a talented curler and made a name for herself as a skip on the curling circuit, winning countless bonspiels.

Family was everything to Ada. She was always interested and very involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, along with her brothers and sisters and their families. Ada was a hands-on farm Nana. When the grandsons paid a visit, she made sure they had a blast, taking them on quad rides, planting gardens, even collecting frogs. During winter, she convinced Karl to make a skating rink in the hayshed, and it was there that her grandsons learned to skate. Ada was so proud of her grandsons. Her world revolved around them.

Ada loved nothing more than being at home on the farm visiting with family and friends. There was an open invitation for people to stop by at any time, and Ada made everyone feel welcome. Many joyful memories were created during these visits, often over pots of coffee and egg-salad sandwiches.

When Karl passed in 2023, Ada was devastated. Special thanks to her twin sister Betty and close friend Diane Donohoe for supporting her during this difficult time. Ada has missed Karl terribly and now is at peace as they are together once again.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Selkirk Betel Home for their care and compassion.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The service can be viewed by using the following link https://youtu.be/UDp38gcyWTI

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Petersfield Curling Club via e-transfer to 

Petersfieldcurlingfees@outlook.com

 specifying the donation is in memory of Ada Schalk.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ada Schalk, please visit our floral store.