Karl Schrank

July 11, 1931 - January 19, 2023
In loving memory ~
Karl Schrank passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Thursday, January 19, 2023, in Penticton, B.C.
Karl was born in Heilbronn on July 11, 1931, and lived in the small villages of Ilmspan and Neudenau in southern Germany, before immigrating to Canada in September 1954.
Shortly after settling in Montreal, Karl's eyes met Thea's across a crowded dance floor and they were married a year later in 1956. Karl arrived in Canada with not much more than a dream, but worked hard to open his own businesses wherever they lived. First settling in Montreal, Thea and Karl opened a deli and welcomed their daughters Ellen and Rita.
In 1967, the family moved to Port Moody, convincing a group of their friends to follow them to B.C. Thea and Karl opened a new deli and welcomed Linda, Eric and Erika during their time on the coast.
In 1972, on the twins' 2nd birthday, they moved to Penticton, where they would settle for good. Karl and Thea established the family businesses - the Hansel & Gretel Motel and Karl's Schnitzel Steak & Lobsterhaus, in 1974. The restaurant closed in 1994, but not before becoming a fixture in the community, most notably for the entertainment provided by Karl, who sang along to the magical song stylings of Billy the "Flying Bavarian Dutchman" (the house accordion player). To this day, the Schrank family is still stopped on occasion to hear locals share how much they loved going to the restaurant and being entertained by Karl. Favourite memories undoubtedly include a mention of Karl holding court in the middle of the dance floor, leading patrons in a rousing round of "the Chicken Dance" (super enthusiastic rooster crow included!).
Karl had a full life filled with family, friends, laughter and travel. He was known for his generosity, humour and song. He will be profoundly missed by his family: wife of 66+ years, Thea; children Ellen (Chris), Rita, Linda, Erika, Eric (predeceased) and his treasured grandchildren Krista and Michael (Linda and Stuart) and Katie, Alicia, Olivia, and Alex (Eric and Veronika).
One of dad's favourite sayings was "Not every day can have sunshine...every now and then it has to rain..."
Please join us in celebrating the sunny days of Karl's life at St. Ann's Parish in Penticton, on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 1 p.m. - reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Canadian Red Cross.
Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com.

Everden Rust Funeral Chapel

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