Carl Wildeman
1930-2024
Passed away peacefully at Hospice Waterloo on Sunday May 19, 2024 in his 94th year.
Carl was born in Sadolesch (now Sadoleś), Poland. He was the last of 3 children born to Jakob Wildemann and Emma (née Neumann).
After his family was forced to leave their rural farm and flee Poland, Carl lived outside Hamburg, Germany for 6 years after WWII, until emigrating to Barrhead, Alberta in the early 1950s. Here he worked several jobs, such as hauling wood for Beaver Lumber, and becoming a door-to-door milkman. After that short period, he moved to Kitchener-Waterloo, joining his brother and becoming part of the German-speaking community.
In 1955 he married Hilda (née Schuster) until her death in 1973. They had 2 children, Robert and Shelley. He worked in various roles within the Seagram's distillery plant for over 30 years until his retirement at age 57. He and his wife Phyllis then spent many happy years as snowbirds, playing golf regularly, and enjoying the Florida warmth with summers back in Ontario.
Carl was a passionate gardener, growing both vegetables and flowers. His specialty was roses. He combined this interest with his hobby of photography, creating many beautiful images of his best blooms. Travel was also of interest, especially seeing the European castles and fairytale landscapes he heard so much about when he was a boy in rural Poland. He also loved classical music, and the occasional Manhattan cocktail.
In his last years, he lived with Phyllis at The Westhill Retirement home in Waterloo, making new friends and acquaintances.
He was the beloved husband and best friend to his wife Phyllis for over 41 years. He was also the loving father of Robert Wildeman and Shelley Wildeman (Archie) and stepfather to Jason Ollesch.
Carl is survived by his half-siblings from his mother’s second marriage; Ruth, Lucy and Siegfried.
He is predeceased by his 2 siblings (Susan and Ernst), his first wife (Hilda), and his 2 half-siblings Erma and Ellie.
Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society as expressions of sympathy.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.trictycremations.com or 519-772-1237. Please visit Carl’s obituary notice on Facebook.