Karl Schalk

KARL HEINZ FRIEDRICH SCHALK

On August 28, 2023, Karl Schalk of Petersfield, Manitoba passed away at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg.  Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Ada, daughters Elaine and Wendy (Neil), son Ronald (Audra), grandsons Bryce (Rebecca), Evan (Sarah), Travis, and Owen (Beka), great-grandchildren Adilyn, Jameson, and Camden, and his brother Alfred. Karl is also survived by sisters-in-law Betty Schofield, Peggy Janisch and Barbara Fisher, brothers-in-law Jim Fisher and Joe Fisher, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Karl Sr., mother Anna, sister Irene Rosser, sister-in-law Faye Schalk and nephews David Schalk and David Schofield. 

Karl was born on August 16, 1936 and lived his entire life on the family farm in Petersfield. He married Ada Fisher in 1958 and they built a beautiful life together raising their children and farming the land. Karl and Ada would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 6 this year.

In addition to farming, Karl worked many different jobs over the years. As a young man, he drove a milk truck and worked construction but spent most of his time working on his father’s mixed farm.  After he bought his dad’s farm, he also worked at the Selkirk Rolling Mills and as a school bus driver. Any student lucky enough to be on Karl’s school bus route would have experienced many fun antics over the years.

Karl was proud to be an active community member and a good neighbour. He was a member of the Petersfield Community Club, president of the Petersfield Curling Club, and sat on the council of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Karl had a lifelong love of curling, and played until he was 80 years old.  He loved his dogs, spending time with family and friends and attending his grandsons’ sporting events.  He was particularly happy that he was able to travel Canada, the US, and Germany, but he was equally content hosting family for Sunday dinner on the farm or chatting with people in the community.   

As family members can attest, Karl couldn’t go anywhere without bumping into a friend. He had a great sense of humour and you knew there was a good story coming when he got a grin on his face and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Karl’s smile, gentleness, and warm presence will be missed by all who were close to him.  How lucky we are to have had someone who makes saying goodbye so hard. He was loved so much and will be missed every day.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The service can be viewed via the link https://youtu.be/SYvdJ-dS-eM

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 Karl Schalk.

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