Karla Howard 1951 — 2015

Karla Howard

The family announces with great sadness the passing of their beloved Karla
(nee Brennert) Howard. Karla went to be with the Lord on November 26,
2015 after a brief but valiant battle with cancer.

She is survived by her loving husband Joe Kurtze, her devoted father
Rudolph Brennert of 100 Mile House. Loving family, children, Donald (Caroline) Howard, Jennifer (Sean) McMath, all of Prince George and her grandchildren, Kadence, Landon McMath and Alexandra Howard. She will be missed by her sister Stephanie (Siegfried) Klausat, of 100 Mile House and her brother Robert (Lori) Brennert, of Surrey. Nephew Stephan Klausat (Trish), and great nephews and nieces Tristan , Ashton, Sydney, of Kamloops, Sophia (John) Jackson, of Summerland and Kimberly (Ken) Brennert, of Vancouver.

Karla was predeceased by her mother Ursula Brennert Jan. 15, 2013.

In 2011 Karla retired from a 30 year career at Canada Post, serving well in the
communities in which she lived, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and
Kamloops. Her dedication to great service and a strong work ethic garnered
her much respect from colleagues and customers alike.

Karla loved her family beyond measure and took every opportunity to
share her love, her holidays and birthdays. Her family meant everything to
her. She had a passionate spirit and loved life, enjoyed music, dancing,
gardening and German cooking. Highlights in Karla’s life include

volunteering at the 2010 Olympics for hockey, camping in the summertime,
sewing for her grandchildren and after she took up quilting, she quilted
vigorously for the family.

Karla was born on October 26, 1951 in Maichingen, Germany and
immigrated to Canada in 1958 with her parents. She was always proud of
her German roots.

She will be greatly missed by all who love her and by a community whose life she touched.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Farren and Kamloops Hospice for their compassion and care.

A celebration of life for Karla will be held on Saturday December 12, 2015, 11:00a.m. at the Christ Community Church 1132 – 8th Street Kamloops, B.C. with Pastor Mike Dejong officiating.

In lieu of flowers a donation will be greatly appreciated to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home, 72 Whiteshield Cr., South, Kamloops BC V2E 2S9

 

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13 Tributes

  1. Bob Mitchell
    Posted November 30, 2015 at 10:38 am | Permalink

    Karla was such a strong force in the ten years I’ve known her. Her incredible work ethic and positive attitude carried me through many difficult times. Karla taught me that with determination and work everything was possible. If like to thank Joe and Karla’s family for sharing her with me and her union colleagues. Karla will be missed and her passing leaves a hole in all our lives.

  2. Norm, Gwen and Kevin
    Posted December 1, 2015 at 8:28 pm | Permalink

    We are deeply saddened to hear of Karla’s passing. She was a good friend, great neighbour and exceptional person. Our world is a better place for her having been here. Always in our hearts
    Norm, Gwen and Kevin

  3. Jackie and Gord McMa
    Posted December 2, 2015 at 5:01 pm | Permalink

    It was clear what a profound impact Karla had on those close to her. Our thoughts are with you Joe, Rudy, Don, Jenn and families

  4. Joeys Restaurants
    Posted December 2, 2015 at 6:35 pm | Permalink

    Please accept our sincere condolences during this difficult time in your life.
    The team at Joeys Seafood Restaurants.

  5. Irene & Kai
    Posted December 2, 2015 at 11:24 pm | Permalink

    Sending our heartfelt sympathy to Joe, Jennifer, Donald and all Karla’s family.

    We just wish there were some special words to say to you today; The sort of words that might take your sorrow away. It may be just that knowing how much others really care can bring your hearts an inner peace and ease the heartache there.

    Karla was an exceptional women with a big heart and a true friend who will be truly missed.
    Irene and Kai Rasmussen.

  6. John Bail
    Posted December 3, 2015 at 12:49 pm | Permalink

    Karla was one of the most dedicated individuals in the Canadian Union of Postal Workers from the Pacific region. She was a very strong woman who never backed down. One time, when I was chairing an event for the union Karla had got into the back area for observers and had decided that she was going to ‘participate’ in the proceedings anyhow. So she created big signs for yes or no votes and held them up whenever a vote was called.Karla worked hard long after she retired for our causes. She is sorely missed and she had my utmost respect. Rest in peace Karla, you richly deserve it!

  7. Davide Fattor
    Posted December 3, 2015 at 4:10 pm | Permalink

    Sending our heartfelt condolences to all of Karla’s family.

    Karla had been a client at La Dolcevita for the past 16 years and it was always a pleasure having her in my chair, chatting and laughing.
    Please accept my sympathy on be half of all the staff of La Dolcevita Day spa and Salon.

  8. Debbie Bird
    Posted December 3, 2015 at 8:20 pm | Permalink

    I met Karla through the Union, as she was a strong “sister” and activist! A truly kind person. She will be missed. Sending her family thoughts and prayers.
    Debbie

  9. Lawrence Beaton
    Posted December 6, 2015 at 10:44 am | Permalink

    Ping and I have many fond memories of our adventures with Karla. Great sense of humour, very generous to various organizations around town. Loved the July parties, rest well old friend and spare a thought for us.

  10. Louise Stueck
    Posted December 9, 2015 at 10:30 am | Permalink

    My deepest sympathy to you Joe and your family at this time. Karla’s inner strength and love for her family came through so strongly in all our conversations which I will miss so much. You are all in my prayers. Louise

  11. Brenda Jankowski
    Posted December 9, 2015 at 5:54 pm | Permalink

    Karla was a positive influence on me. I admired her strong will and determination in CUPW, and treasured her as a friend. She stood up for what was right in this world and spoke up against the people who abused the system. Rest in peace Karla.You will never be forgotten!

  12. Sieglinde White
    Posted December 10, 2015 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    Dear family of Karla: You don’t know me but I want to let you know, how shocked I was to see the notice of Karla’s passing. I so wished she could have had a longer retirement after all those years at the post office. I was a regular customer there and am also a German immigrant, and so we always spoke a few words in our mother tongue. She was always tops with service and correctness, compassion and a few words of kindness. I so wished I had had more contact with her, but I had my own struggles around the time of her retirement. Please accept my deepest condolences. She was a very nice person and I always tried to get to the teller counter that was occupied by her. I feel very sad that you have lost this special human being, another immigrant into our lovely Canada.
    I wanted to come to the service but I was sure there was no one there that I would know. I only knew Karla and she was special to me at the post office.
    Sigi White

  13. Sieglinde White
    Posted December 10, 2015 at 2:23 pm | Permalink

    see above comment s by Sigi White
    same as below

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