Helmut Sonnenberg

Born in Gross Linden (Ostpreusen) Poland, Helmut and his family survived the horrors of being in a Polish prison camp before moving to Canada in 1952. Although it was not their first stop, they came to call Coledale home. He was a great student, and an exceptional athlete, but left school to help support his mother and sister. This is the kind of man Helmut was strong, kindhearted, hardworking, and always putting others before himself.

Over the years, Helmut worked in various places such as the Canadian Pacific Rail, Firestone, The City of Calgary, AGT (Telus), and Valley Drilling. Most recently, for about 30 years, he was the administrator for The Loyal Order of the Moose where he was a lifelong member. He was recognized as a Pilgrim of the Fraternity, of which he was very proud.

Helmut was married three times. Eleanor Johnson was his first wife, with whom he had two children, Christine and David. His second wife, Susan Shipway, had two children, David and Leigh, who he loved as his own. His third wife was Lori Burt whose children, Corri, Shawn and Frazer, Helmut also loved dearly. Helmut and Lori remained happily married until she passed away.

Although Helmut’s health has declined over the years, he never complained. He was proud to be part of the congregation at Our Savior Lutheran Church, where he loved going and had many great friends. He enjoyed lunches with the Forge Seniors. He recently moved to Bow Valley Commons, where he enjoyed the staff, residents, activities, and of course the food. This is where he passed away, peacefully in his sleep waiting for dinner.

Helmut was predeceased by his parents Eduard Sonnenberg and Olga Plitt; his siblings Natalie, Sigmund, Irma, Adam, and Alex; his nephew Richard Sonnenberg; his son David; his brother-in-law, Herb Spiegelberg; sister-in-law, Maria Sonnenberg; and also including Eleanor, Susan, and Lori. 

He leaves behind his sister, Ida Spiegelberg; his daughter, Christine (Pat) Bastine; his grandchildren, Lytasha, Ashley (Ryan), Alora (Kevin), Juliana, and Mitchell(Kris); and his great-grandchildren, Daniel, Christian, Steven, Damien, Alexia, Dustin, Patrick, Conrad, Dominic, Mila, Theo, and Landry; as well as Susan's children, David Ferguson and Leah (Russ) King; grandsons, Jeff and Justin (Lauretta); and Lori’s children, Shawn, Frazer, and Corri Volashin; and his granddaughter, Bozena. He also leaves behind many other family members and friends who he loved dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held at Evan J Strong Funeral Services South (5502 2nd Street SW) on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 1:00 pm. For those unable to attend in persona recording of the available below.

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