Obituary for Philip Frank Kohlenberg
Philip Kohlenberg, age 89, late of High River, Alberta, was called home to the Lord on November 25, 2022, at AgeCare Midnapore. The family is grateful for the excellent care he received there.
He was the last of his immediate family, predeceased by parents; Michael and Christina; siblings Adam, Daniel, Valentine, Eleanor, Caroline, Elizabeth and Katherine; and grandson, Matthew. He and his siblings were all first- generation Canadians. He leaves his loving wife of 68 years, Yvonne (Audet); his four children, Dale (Moira), Peggy (Grant Abbott), David (Pamela) and Kim (Monica); nine grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
Philip was born on the family homestead near Bateman, Saskatchewan. His parents encouraged him to become a teacher. His father passed away suddenly when Philip was 20. It was a difficult decision, but he still attended teacher’s college. It was during these years he met the love of his life, Yvonne, at a local dance. They married and began their family right away.
He began his teaching career almost immediately out of high school at a one room school called Harwood.
He then moved onto Lafleche Public School where he was the Vice Principal. Here the superintendent advised him to get his Bachelor of Education degree. In 1965 with four children, he moved to Regina to finish his degree. It was always his regret that his father did not live to see that day.
The family then moved to Bateman, Saskatchewan, where he was the Principal and a teacher for three years. Following this, the family moved to Weyburn where he taught junior high and elementary school until he retired in 1988. After retirement, he took a job at Weyburn Curling Club. His social and organizational skills were greatly appreciated.
Philip was always athletic. When his family was young, they would often travel to weekend ball tournaments. Then followed a lifetime love of curling and golf. Curling became his legacy. Eventually, three of his son’s competed provincially and nationally, very proud moments for him.
Philip’s family was very important to him and he loved get-togethers. This extended to many of his nieces and nephews whom he visited and travelled with. He was Master of Ceremonies at many weddings, as he was a great public speaker with a good sense of humour. He loved card games and watching all sports.
In 2000, he and Yvonne moved to Alberta to be closer to three of their children. They eventually settled in High River. He made many good friends with whom he would golf, curl and have coffee.
Philip was an active participant in his faith, with the Lutheran Church and he served many years as an elder. He loved the old hymns and new songs. He was ready to go Home to his Saviour and we know he is whole there.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Philip’s memory to Alzheimer Society of Calgary.
A Celebration of Philip’s Life will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (910 – 12 Avenue, High River, AB).
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Philip, visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services, Rocky View (587) 328-6727.
He was the last of his immediate family, predeceased by parents; Michael and Christina; siblings Adam, Daniel, Valentine, Eleanor, Caroline, Elizabeth and Katherine; and grandson, Matthew. He and his siblings were all first- generation Canadians. He leaves his loving wife of 68 years, Yvonne (Audet); his four children, Dale (Moira), Peggy (Grant Abbott), David (Pamela) and Kim (Monica); nine grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
Philip was born on the family homestead near Bateman, Saskatchewan. His parents encouraged him to become a teacher. His father passed away suddenly when Philip was 20. It was a difficult decision, but he still attended teacher’s college. It was during these years he met the love of his life, Yvonne, at a local dance. They married and began their family right away.
He began his teaching career almost immediately out of high school at a one room school called Harwood.
He then moved onto Lafleche Public School where he was the Vice Principal. Here the superintendent advised him to get his Bachelor of Education degree. In 1965 with four children, he moved to Regina to finish his degree. It was always his regret that his father did not live to see that day.
The family then moved to Bateman, Saskatchewan, where he was the Principal and a teacher for three years. Following this, the family moved to Weyburn where he taught junior high and elementary school until he retired in 1988. After retirement, he took a job at Weyburn Curling Club. His social and organizational skills were greatly appreciated.
Philip was always athletic. When his family was young, they would often travel to weekend ball tournaments. Then followed a lifetime love of curling and golf. Curling became his legacy. Eventually, three of his son’s competed provincially and nationally, very proud moments for him.
Philip’s family was very important to him and he loved get-togethers. This extended to many of his nieces and nephews whom he visited and travelled with. He was Master of Ceremonies at many weddings, as he was a great public speaker with a good sense of humour. He loved card games and watching all sports.
In 2000, he and Yvonne moved to Alberta to be closer to three of their children. They eventually settled in High River. He made many good friends with whom he would golf, curl and have coffee.
Philip was an active participant in his faith, with the Lutheran Church and he served many years as an elder. He loved the old hymns and new songs. He was ready to go Home to his Saviour and we know he is whole there.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Philip’s memory to Alzheimer Society of Calgary.
A Celebration of Philip’s Life will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (910 – 12 Avenue, High River, AB).
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Philip, visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services, Rocky View (587) 328-6727.