Obituaries

Peacefully on August 11,2024, at Vision Nursing Home, Heinz Kzyonsek (“HEINZ”) passed away at Vision Nursing Home at the age of 94.

Beloved husband of Ingeborg for almost 60 years.

Cherished dad of Mark(Amy)

Proud Opa of Emily and Alexa

Dear brother of Christel Zscheck (the late Hans), uncle of Stefanie

Predeceased by his parents Berta and Karl, and older brother Kurt

Heinz was a survivor.  His life’s success was built on what he would say were the 3D’s: Drive, Determination and Discipline.

As a young boy he was forced to flee from the invading Russians and walked for months to find family in Bochum, West Germany.  He survived a firing squad, numerous check points and many hungry nights.  This impacted him forever as he ate as if he was never to receive another meal and loved all foods.  In Bochum he learned his trade as master carpenter and was the youngest and best carpenter in the largest shop in the city.  As work became scarce they continued to keep him busy and hide him in the organization to keep him employed due to his high skill level.

As unemployment started to rise in Germany, Heinz and his cousins saw opportunity with the great land of Canada.  He landed July 20, 1957 in Montreal on the Fairsea and he and the Krueger family were sent to Edmonton. They struggled with the cold and lack of continuous work in the west and rejoined other members of the family in Sarnia where he successfully made his life.

Heinz’s skills have always been in demand.  He and Steve Ganter started Ganter Construction together in 1963 and for over 50 years the company helped to shape the landscape in Sarnia and area with the construction of numerous homes, apartments, condominiums, nursing homes and commercial properties as trimmers, framers and as a general contractor. He was an active member of the Sarnia Home Builders and former President of the Sarnia Home Builders.  He was proud to travel with the Canadian Homebuilders on several European tours meeting with numerous Canadian dignitaries abroad.

After a short courtship Heinz married the love of his life and partner, Ingeborg Scholz on New Year’s eve1965.  The celebration never stopped. They have spent their lives as a true partnership in family and work and are proud parents of Mark (Amy) and grandparents of Emily and Alexa.

The last 6-7 years have been particularly challenging with health issues.  Without Inge by his side, as his main advocate, he would not have survived. Age finally caught up with him and we will forever miss his colorful humor, smile and wisdom that he would share with all of us. His stories were never ending and interesting to hear over and over again.

Many thanks to the Krueger family for taking him in during the war and giving him a family as he grew up in Bochum and a home in Canada. He cherished being Onkel Heinz. He could never thank them enough.

A special thanks to Paul Blunt, his neighbor, for his friendship and assistance in so many different ways. We would also like to thank Robin, Harry and Gabi at the VISION nursing home for their care through Heinz’s final months.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 429 Indian Rd N, Sarnia, on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:00 am.

Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice or Bluewater Health Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Lakeview Cemetery Burial and Cremation Services.

Memories and condolences may be sent online at mainoffice@lakeviewcemetery.ca

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