Obituary of Fred Harold Karau

Mr. Fred Karau, beloved husband of Shirley Karau, passed away peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 with his wife at his side. He was 68 years of age. Fred was born in Churchbridge, SK on January 4, 1943 to Adolf and Clara Karau, and was the youngest of seven children. They lived on the farm in a small house, there was a lot of hard work, but all worked together as a family. As they were a large family, there were many happy memories of large family gatherings, wiener roasts, ball games, horseback riding, and gopher hunting in the North 40. In 1961, Fred left home and joined the R.C.A.F serving in the cooking trade. He served on various bases and in 1964 was transferred to Baden-Baden, Germany. During this time, he was sent on a temporary assignment to the base in Sardinia. While stationed in Baden-Baden, Fred travelled extensively throughout Europe. He often reminisced about the diverse countryside, culture, and architecture which he thoroughly enjoyed, especially Austria because of its authenticity. Often various groups of young people from Canada and other countries would stop to work at the Base. It was here that Fred met the love of his life, Shirley (Kapetz) from Roblin, MB. Their first date was July 1st, 1967 (Canada's Centennial), and the rest is history. Fred was posted back to Canada, Portage la Prairie, MB in December of 1967. During his tour of duty at Portage la Prairie, Fred was assigned to temporary duty at Shilo, during July and August 1968. As Fred and Shirley began their married life on July 27, 1968, their first home was a small camper trailer at Shilo. Upon completion of the summer assignment they settled in Portage la Prairie, where many new friendships were made. Their eldest daughter, Pam, was born in Portage la Prairie. In 1971, he was posted to Lahr, Germany, where he worked in flight feeding preparing meals for crew, service men and their families commuting to Canada, or to various peace keeping posts. Fred always had a special place in his heart for the people he met and friendships he made during this time and remained in close contact throughout the years. Their youngest daughter, Yvonne, was born in Germany and now their family was complete. In 1974, Fred was posted to C.F.S White Spruce (Yorkton, SK) and the family settled in Springside, SK. In 1975, Fred decided to change trades and acquired his voluntary release from the R.C.A.F. He pursued a trade in the carpentry field. Fred worked for various building contractors in the Yorkton area. Through hard work and perseverance, he attained his Journeyman's Carpenter Certificate. During this time he also built his dream home in Springside, which his family loved. Many happy hours were spent here with family and friends. In 1982, he attained the Journeyman Carpenter position at C.F.S White Spruce. In 1986, due to the closure of C.F.S White Spruce, he was offered the position of Carpenter with Base Engineering at C.F.B Shilo, MB. In order for his eldest daughter to complete her Grade 12 in Yorkton, Fred commuted for the entire year and the family then relocated to Brandon in 1987. After Fred's retirement in 1995, Fred and Shirley enjoyed many trips visiting friends, relatives, as well as many tourist attractions throughout the Prairie Provinces and the U.S Dakotas. He also enjoyed evening drives down Grand Valley Road and the Research Centre to watch all the deer. Fred was a very devoted and loving father attending every and any kind of event for each of his daughters, be it 4-H, band, dancing, running a half marathon, being the driver to various functions, or just offering them support and listening to their stories. Fred always made everyone welcome as soon as they walked in the door. He loved to tease young and old alike. His happy smile, mischievous sparkling eyes, his great wit and humor, and the love of a good time with friends and family will remain in our memories forever. He loved his daughters and was so very happy he was able to attend both their weddings. He always said he felt so blessed, and when his little grandson Dante was born he was the light of his Papa's eye. Fred had many diverse hobbies; fish aquariums, wine making, welding, woodworking, taping songs and movies, curling, duck hunting, card games, and various board games. He was very innovative and creative - be it in woodworking, welding or creating food tr ays. Fred and Shirley loved to go dancing and that was one thing he really missed when he became ill. Fred is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 43 years, Shirley, daughter Pam (Sean) Green; daughter Yvonne (Wayne) Adolph and his very loving grandson, Dante. He is also survived by brothers Doug (Frieda) and Walter (Martha); sisters Adela Swanson, Elaine Bliss, Violet Karau, Caroline Karau; sisters-in-law Lillian (Father Mironne) Klysh, Helen Kapetz, Marge Kapetz, and Fran Kapetz; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless good friends. Fred was predeceased by his parents Adolf and Clara Karau, an infant brother and sister, brothers-in-law Carl Swanson, Nick, Pete, and Mike Kapetz; and sister-in-law Matilda Mitchell. Funeral services were held at Grace Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 13, 2011 with Pastor Edmund Mielke officiating. All in attendance were considered Honorary Pallbearers. Interment took place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. We thank God for his life and the legacy he has left with us all. "We love you. God bless you Dad. Rest in Peace."