Obituary of Elfriede Korok

Elfriede Korok, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Monday, May 19, 2014 in Dawson Creek, at the age of 83 years. Elfriede was born August 28, 1930 to Hedwig (nee: Hinterreiter) and Johann Heinz, in Friedricksdorf, Czechoslovakia. She was the middle child in a family of three, and enjoyed her young years living in the small village next door to her cousins. The war years were a very difficult time for Elfriede's family. They were separated, sent back to Germany as refugees and worked in a Labor camp. At the end of the war her father returned home and managed to get work in Bavaria where he convinced a local restaurant owner that he had a daughter who had experience working in the kitchen. This was totally not true. However she proved a willing student and it was here, under the guidance of the Pastry Chef, that she learned to make her delicious tortes and infamous rum cake. One year later she and her father returned to live with her mom and brothers in Wangen where she worked in a cloth factory till 1955. It was at that time that mom decided to visit Canada and her and a girlfriend made plans to come, but at the last minute her girlfriend changed her mind and mom decided to do the journey alone. I always admired her courage to travel all the way from Germany to Tomslake, B.C. all by herself. She came across on the Stolkholm, boarded a train in Halifax and was met by her aunt Mrs Seitner who sponsored her trip. Mom stayed on their farm for about two months but city living was more to her liking and she moved into Dawson Creek and got a job at the Empire cleaners where she met her future sister in laws. They had a younger brother named Reinhold and they introduced them at a summer dance in Tomslake in 1955 and the rest is history. Elfriede and Reinhold married on December 26th 1956 and moved into their partially finished home that they were building and Judy (Jutta) was born one year later. Mom stayed home for about one year then returned to work. She had many different jobs but the one I enjoyed the most was the "drive-in theater" because I always got popcorn and pop if I helped clean up the grounds. The job she enjoyed the most was working in the cafeteria in the hospital, and she stayed there until her retirement in 1996. Mom was an active member here in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She was involved in the "Ladies Aid" group for many years as well as many other functions. She even sang in the choir I directed for the first year. But she loved playing in the hand bell choir the most and I had the joy of doing that with her. Mom had many interests. She was an avid gardener, loved to read and of course cooking and baking was her specialty. Coffee at her house always meant at least three different types of cake on the table and her soups were always unbeatable because of her secret ingredient-- "whipping cream". Mom was very proud and devoted to her family. She never missed a birthday, and Christmas Eve with everyone was the highlight of the year for her. She enjoyed watching the kids in their dance and piano recitals, hockey, soccer, speed skating, all of their events. We will cherish all the laughs and stories we shared while camping and going on holidays together. And let's not forget that magic snack cupboard that never seemed to empty no matter the number of visits. Mom did not voice her feelings in words. She found this difficult, but the love she gave in everything that she did was beyond question. She was my confidant, my champion and my friend and I will miss her! Mom had a strong faith until the end. She asked the Lord to give her peace and He heard her prayer. I thank God for the mother, wife and oma that He blessed us with. She will have a special place in our hearts forever. Elfriede is survived by her loving husband; Reinhold, her daughter; Judy (Don), Grandchildren; Vincent (Melissa), Elita (Travis), Jennifer (Lane), Great Grandchildren; Payton, Caleb, and Sarah. Brothers; Otto (Gertrude), Franz (Maria), Sister-in-law; Emmy Steinke, Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Friends. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 2:00 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Dawson Creek. Pastor Noel Smith officiated. Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery. Special memories of Elfriede presented by loving daughter Judy. For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Elfriede to the Concordia Lutheran Seminary, 7040-Ada Boulevard N.W. Edmonton, Alberta T5B-4E3. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium