Arnold Zielke

Arnold went to be with his Lord Jesus on Friday, June 19, 2020 at the age of 91 years. He was born on April 5, 1929 in Mlinok, Ukraine to Andreas and Mathilde, (nee Liske), and was the third youngest of seven children. During a severe famine in 1933 at only 4 years of age, Arnold and his younger brother Julius starved to the extent that they both lost their sight and became temporarily blind. At age 8 he was taken to a foster home, where he began attending school, and was trained to work on a farm.

In 1952 Arnold immigrated to Canada and worked on a farm north of Winnipeg. Then via gang work on the railroad he made his way to Calgary where he met his future wife to be, Marichen (Mary). They were married at the Bridgeland Baptist Church in Calgary on November 7, 1953 (mom’s birthday!). In 1954 Arnold boldly declared that Jesus Christ was his Lord and was baptized later that year by Reverend Faul.

Arnold attended and served at Temple Baptist Church for over 60 years – playing in the brass band, ushering, singing in the German choir, and helping with construction programs. Arnold had a construction company for many years and worked very hard to provide for his family and himself. He loved to fish, and Mary and him camped and fished all over Alberta and BC. When at home the two of them enjoyed visiting others and until well into their 80’s they would visit seniors (often much younger than themselves) in nursing homes – sing, talk, and pray with them. Arnold stayed busy with various hobbies, collections, and enjoyed the company of his two sons (Alfred and Walter), daughter-in-laws (Karin and Marlis), and grandchildren (Rodney, Terry, Stephen, and Jeffrey). He modeled his faith in Jesus Christ to his family his entire life.

After over 65 years of marriage together with Marichen, health challenges were such that in November, 2018 Arnold was admitted to the Brentwood Care Centre. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at the Morrison unit of the Brentwood Care Centre for their excellent care of Arnold over the past 2 years. He was one of their cheerful, smiling residents; and he participated in many of the social outings and Christian worship opportunities that were made available. He so much appreciated the visits, fellowship, and interactions from family and friends while he was there. He continued strongly in his faith in Jesus Christ and also his steady prayers for his wife and children

He will be deeply missed by his wife Mary, sons Alfred (Karin), and Walter (Marlis), and his four grandsons Rodney, Terry, Stephen, and Jeffrey. He was predeceased by his siblings Andreas, Lilli, Adolf, Linda, Julius, and his baby sister.

The family is thankful for a lifetime of wonderful memories, an example of living Christian values, the closely developed family connections, and will keep him deep in our hearts forever. As much as he was able … Arnold continued to Praise the Lord!