Bert was born on August 15, 1931 in Romania. After being taken to Hitler’s youth camps from the age of 7 to 11, he rejoined his family in Poland. In January of 1945, the Russians forced them to flee, so his family made a seven-week journey by horse and wagon to Bremen, Germany. Bert immigrated to Canada when he was 21 years old, where he worked in the beet fields of Coaldale. As a young man, he went to work in a saw mill in Grande Prairie, and then at the aluminum smelter in Kitimat, BC. He saved all his earnings and bought a farm with his parents in Raineer. It was there that he met and married Anna on January 22, 1966. He adopted Anna’s son Michael and Heidi was born soon after. When the farm was sold, their family moved to Lethbridge. Bert started working in construction and continued that until he retired. Bert loved woodworking, and made many beautiful pieces of furniture, which adorn the homes of his children and grandchildren.

Bert was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and also handcrafted many furnishings for the church.

After Anna passed away, Bert moved into Good Samaritans West Highlands Estates. He loved working in the wood shop on little projects that he shared with many. It was also in West Highlands, where he met his good friend and companion Erica Gerstenbuhler. They had wonderful days together, going for coffee and enjoying sitting in a park or the river bottom visiting.

Bert’s quiet presence, strong work ethic, unmatched resilience, unwavering faith and unique sense of humour will be forever remembered by his family and friends.

Bert is survived by his special friend, Erica Gerstenbuhler; his son Mike (Karolyn) Witt and daughter Heidi (Darrell) Lawton; grandchildren Kevin (Tamara) Witt, Lindsay Witt and Jeremy (Emily) Lawton; and his great-grandchildren: Madison, Natalie and Sadie Witt, and Hudson, Briella and Harlow Lawton. He is also survived by his brothers: Erich and Irwin and their families.

Bert was predeceased by his loving wife Anna in 2014; his parents Johannes and Leontine; infant sister Frieda; and his brother Alvin.

As per Bert’s wishes, a private Family Service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert’s memory to the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, 1400 – 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5.