Honouring the Memory of Our Fellow Members

At the Germania Club of Hamilton, we cherish not only our shared traditions but also the people who have made our community what it is today. This page is dedicated to the memory of club members who are no longer with us — individuals who contributed their time, spirit, and passion to building a strong and vibrant German-Canadian cultural family.

We remember their laughter at festivals, their helping hands at events, and the countless moments of fellowship we shared. Though they may be gone, their legacy lives on in our stories, our celebrations, and in the heart of our club.

May their contributions and friendship be remembered with warmth and gratitude.

Inge Lore (née Kuhlmann) Leitner

March 25, 1936 – September 24, 2026

Born in Danzig, Germany, Inge immigrated to Canada with her family in 1953 and settled in Hamilton. She met Karl, and they married in August 1956. They raised their family and made their home on the East Mountain. Inge and Karl shared a loving marriage and enjoyed travelling extensively together. Both were longtime members of the Germania Club and Germania Choir, where their love of music brought them many close and lasting friendships. A devoted mother, Inge also enjoyed crafts, sewing, needlepoint, baking, and cooking. She was predeceased by her sister, Ursula, and brothers, Gunther and Dieter. Inge will be remembered with affection by her family, friends, and fellow Germania Club members.

Stefan Gavrila Kun

January 17, 1948 – September 6, 2026

Born in Kolozsvar, Romania, Stefan came to Canada with his family in 1984. He shared more than 53 years of marriage with his beloved wife Ana, and was a proud father to Eva (Arthur) Skupien and Csaba (Georgina) Kun, and a cherished grandfather to Erika, Leela, Daniel, Owen, and Mason. Stefan worked as a machinist and tool and die maker and was known for his exceptional ability to fix, build, and repair almost anything. He loved fishing, the outdoors, and most of all, spending time with his family. A long-time member of the Germania Club and the Campers Group, Stefan enjoyed the friendships and community that were an important part of his life.

Harry Rischke

October 24, 1931 – August 6, 2026

Harry immigrated to Canada from Dippoldiswalde, Germany in 1953 and spent many fond years at the Germania Club, where he was a proud member of the Skat Club and the Campers Group. Harry was predeceased by both his wives, Ethel and Josie. We extend our sincere condolences to his children Catherine, Richard, and Mike, his sister Lisa, and his many friends at the Germania Club.

Claudia Eckert

February 11, 1938 – April 28, 2026

Claudia joined the Germania Club in 1982 and quickly became a cherished part of its community. She will be fondly remembered for her many years with the Ballroom Dance group, which proudly called the Germania Club home. Claudia always had a smile on her face and a gentle spirit. She leaves behind many wonderful memories and lasting friendships within the Germania Club family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Horst Kurtz

February 10, 1942 – March 7, 2026

Horst was a cherished long-time member of the Germania Club who passed away suddenly. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Brigitte; his daughter Karina, son Karsten, and grandson Lorenzo. A man of great warmth and generous spirit, Horst touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and the Germania Club family. Er wird uns sehr fehlen.

Linus Konrad Press

September 20, 1935 – February 11, 2026

Born in Hepberg, Bavaria, Germany, Linus was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, married to his beloved “Schatz,” Gertrude, for nearly 70 years. He is survived by his children Linus, Roger, and Karen, their families, 8 great-grandchildren, and extended family in Canada and Germany. After immigrating to Canada, he built a distinguished career as a Draftsman, Quality Assurance Manager at Slater Steel, and Electrical Inspector for BC Hydro. In his later years, Linus resided at Wentworth Lodge in Dundas. A man of many talents, he was athletic, well-read, a skilled handyman, and a gifted artist and musician — playing violin, piano, and conducting the Germania Club of Hamilton Choirs for over 50 years.

Henry Schultz

August 11, 1932 – January 10, 2026

On behalf of the Germania Club Board of Directors and members of the Germania Club, we extend our sincere condolences. Henry was a long-time member of the Germania Club as well as a Skat player.

Mary Denyes

March 26, 1954 – November 24, 2025

Mary passed away peacefully at home on November 24th. A dedicated Camper and Germania Club member since 2020, Mary was known for her generous spirit—always ready to help at events or share a warm conversation. Her kindness and humour touched all who knew her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her spouse, David Matteson; sons, Caleb (Jona) and Jacob (Kendra); grandchildren, Lucas, Octavia, Abigail, Victoria, and Oliver; siblings, Peter and Jeanette (Wayne); and all family and friends.

Klaus Ludecke

December 18, 1937 – November 7, 2025

Klaus was a lifelong member of the Germania Club. He will be remembered for his love of music and film, and for bringing that joy to our members on Sunday Movie afternoons. We extend our condolences to his family in Germany and his many friends here at the Germania Club.

Egon Ueberholz

March 2, 1933 – November 5, 2025

Egon was a lifelong member of the Germania Club. He was a member of the Germania Choir and Chess Club. He, along with his wife Magdalene, spent their retirement years on Vancouver Island. We extend our sincere condolences to Magdalene, his daughter Heidi Frank, her son Tom, their families, and the friends of the Germania Club.

Hank Hope

September 17, 1947 – October 28, 2025

Hank was a cherished long-time Club member and devoted camper whose great spirit touched all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife Jeannie, his family, and all friends who had the privilege of knowing Hank.

Herbert Rakowski

November 7, 1941 – October 14, 2025

Herbert passed away peacefully at home, the day after spending Thanksgiving surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Karin, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Devoted father of Birgit, predeceased by his son, Udo. Proud grandfather of Katrina (Lydia) and Marc (Sarah) and cherished great-grandfather of Skylar, Emily, and Anna.

Ingrid Venohr

May 3, 1940 – July 4, 2025

Ingrid joined the Germania Club in 1992. She was a member of the Germania Choir and the Frauenverein. We extend our sincere condolences to her husband Ulrich, their children Gwen, Steven, Barbara, David, their families and friends of the Germania Club and Germania Choir.

Jutta Anton

July 4, 1927 – June 28, 2025

Passed away on June 28, 2025, surrounded by family, 6 days before her 98 birthday. Jutta is survived by her sister, Eva, nieces and nephews, daughter, Jutta (Erwin); son, Richard; granddaughter, Elizabeth (Andrew); grandson, Michael (Cat); great-grandchildren, Jaden, Sydney, and Michael. Predeceased by her husband and soulmate, Felix Anton.

Dietrich Eckert

September 15, 1939 – June 7, 2025

Dieter joined the Germania Club in 1979. Dieter was also an Honourary Member. He was a strong advocate in trying to keep the German Culture alive both within the Germania Club and outside of the Club. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Claudia, son Andrew, and the family and friends of the Germania Club.

David Simon

January 18, 1962 – June 4, 2025

David joined the Germania Club in 1991. He became President in 2008 and served as President until 2012. He also held the position of Business Administrator and Treasurer. David was a member of the Germania Choir, Narrhalla ’58 and an Honourary Member. We extend our sincere condolences to his brother, John, and family, as well as his friends, including both the Germania Club and the Germania Choir.

Waltraud Schork

March 5, 1943 – February 21, 2025

As a 15-year member of the Germania Club, an enthusiastic member of the Germania Choir, and founder of the Culture Circle Germania, Waltraud strove to reconnect with her heritage. She also served on the Board. Waltraud was predeceased by her daughter Sunsar. We send our sincere condolences to her brothers, Ray and Will, their families and her daughter, Jasmin and grandson Liam, as well as her friends at the Germania Club.

Werner Anders

March 22, 1941 – December 19, 2024

Werner was a Lifelong member of the Germania Club and the Fisher & Hunters. Our sincere condolences to his wife Maria, children Werner, Monika and their families and his friends of the Germania Club.

Alto Muhlhuber

May 16, 1932 – November 22, 2024

Alto was a Lifelong member of the Germania Club. Our sincere condolences go out to his daughter, Liselotte and her family and his friends of the Germania Club.

Helga Rausch

September 1, 1940 – November 14, 2024

Helga became a member of the Germania Club in 2022, but previously would attend many club functions with her husband, lifelong Member Thomas. Our sincere condolences to her husband, Thomas, her daughters, Kirn-Karin and Shelley, and their families, as well as the friends of the Germania Club.

Richard Lutz

April 20, 1933 – November 14, 2024

Richard was a member of the Germania Club for over 60 years. He was an active member over the years with Narrhalla ’58 and the Campers. Our sincere condolences to his daughters, Rosemarie, Linda, son Rick and their families and his many friends of the Germania Club.

Sigfrid Barta

August 30, 1941 – November 2024

Siggy recently joined the Germania Club. He was a member of the SKAT Club. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and his friends at the SKAT Club.

Wir werden sie nicht vergessen.We will not forget them.