Edwin Ergang

Edwin Ergang, was born in January 1927 in Neu-Aleksandrowka in the district of Lusk, Wolhynia Poland. He was born to his father Daniel and Mother Olga Natalie. They had five children of their own, Natalie, Else, Reinhold, Edwin, Alma, and an adopted daughter Melitta.

There was never a shortage of work on the farm and all hands were on deck when it was harvest time.

Some of Edwin’s favorite pastimes included watching the storks that came back each year and playing with his siblings. He also enjoyed going to home-based church services and took the lessons he heard there to heart.

The war between Germany and Poland began in September 1939 and, in January, the family had to leave their farm to head to Warthegau. Edwin’s father and brother, Reinhold, went by horse and buggy with whatever belongings they could take. Edwin, Alma and their Mother were to take the train, but by the time their mother was to board the train it was full, and because they were on the train already, the children were forced to go without her. Edwin was 12 and Alma 9.

Ten days after his 18th Birthday, Edwin was conscripted into the German Army. The Russian Army captured him and he was sent to Siberia to a prisoner of war camp. Prisoner life was hard in Siberia as the work in the frigid cold was unbearable, and there was never enough food. In August 1949 Edwin was released after 4 years and 3 months in captivity.

During his time in captivity Edwin recommitted his life to God. He promised God that if he got home, he would serve him the rest of his days. Without God’s grace and protection, he would never have survived being in the army, or his captivity in Siberia. This was truly his life's testimony and he never wavered in his faith.

In 1951, Edwin married his first wife, Margarete and their first son Ehrenfried was born the following year. Seeking a better life, Margarete and Edwin immigrated to Canada in 1953.

With the help of his sister, Edwin was sponsored by Jenkins Groceteria where he was mandated to work for at least one year. He was encouraged to learn at least 3-5 English words each day.

The family grew as a second son, Arthur was born in September 1955. Due to a health condition with Margarete’s heart, she became quite sick and passed away in 1960. The young widower was left to take care of his boys on his own.

After Jenkins went out of business, Edwin found work at F.W. Woolworth’s downtown.

He met a young widow named Elfriede, who had three children of her own Alice, Ingrid and Hildor. Together with his children they would often go to the zoo or parks. The couple married in July 1961.

Edwin became a Canadian Citizen in February 1968.

After 7 years working at Woolworths, Edwin decided to become his own boss and in October 1966 the couple bought a corner grocery store in Renfrew called Stanley Jones Grocery. They became respected members of the community, and folks would come in just to chat, and Edwin enjoyed the time spent with them. After 21 years of operating the grocery store, they sold it and retired. In retirement, Edwin had two heart attacks which lead to quadruple heart bypass surgery in 1991. He also suffered a minor stroke in 2004.

Later in life, Elfriede was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Edwin cared for her at home until the care became too much for him and she was placed her in long term care. Eventually Edwin needed to have further care himself and Homecare was brought in to help him daily.

After several health and safety concerns Edwin was placed into long term care in 2021. This past October, he contracted his first case of COVID and got through that well.

On Friday, January 5 of this year Edwin suffered another stroke, but still managed to celebrate his 97th birthday. Two days later, on January 9th, he passed peacefully with family at his side.

He is survived by his son Hildor (Carla), daughters Alice (Johannes), Ingrid (Manfred), Edie (Randall) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Edwin is predeceased by his parents; wives Elfriede and Margarete; siblings Natalia, Else, Reinhold & Melitta; sons Ehrenfried and Arthur; granddaughter Aysha; and great grandson Levi.

Edwin loved his family deeply, but his love for the Lord was deeper. He never wavered in his Faith and was a true servant of God. We know Edwin has been rewarded in Heaven for his faithful service.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation via their website at www.heartandstroke.ca.

A Celebration of Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

The Celebration of Life will also be live streamed for those who wish to attend virtually, please click in the link in service area below the obituary. Call Foster’s Garden Chapel for more information.