Kaethler, Kurt Abram (1919-2006)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Apr 7 p. 26

Birth date: 1919 Jun 4

text of obituary:

KURT ABRAM KAETHLER

Kurt Abram Kaethler died peacefully Jan. 31 after a brief struggle with lung cancer. He was born in the Ukraine in 1919. In 1939, Kurt married Frieda and they had four children, the youngest of whom, Erika, died in 1944. Kurt was a truck driver and fluent in several languages. He was conscripted into the German army, captured by the Americans, and traded to and sentenced by the Soviets for "feeding the enemy." He served 11 years of his sentence and was released in 1956. In 1965, after a 22-year separation, he immigrated to Canada and was reunited with his family. He worked as a machinist. He spent many years assisting others in emigrating from the Soviet Union. Predeceased by Frieda, his wife of 61 years, he is mourned by his wife of 2 1/2 years, Wanda Toman; sons Nick (June), Ernie (Margaret), Bill (Eleanor); 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial service was Feb. 4 at Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church.