Obituary of Wanda Hess

Wanda Korok was born on January 20, 1920 in Skorkowka Poland to Ludwig and Lidja (nee Boehmert) Korok. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith on February 7,1920 in Olszewice and reconfirmed her faith on May 20, 1934 in Tomaszow, Poland. Wanda met Walter Hess during the war and they married on December 31, 1948 in Syke. They were blessed with their first child Ulrich, affectionately known as Uli in 1949. The post war years were difficult for Wanda and Walter and the entire family, so plans were made that Emmy, Alex, Wally, Lidja, Ludwig and Reinhold would immigrate to Canada. This was accomplished in stages. Alex and Emmy came first, Wanda and Walter came in 1952 (sponsored by the Rebain family) and her mom, dad and Reinhold followed later that year. They settled in Dawson Creek and were further blessed with the birth of Heinz in 1955 and Heidi in 1956. They both worked at various jobs in order to sustain their household and built their own home on 106th avenue where Wanda lived until 2008. Wanda was a down to earth women that spoke her mind. Determination and forwardness is what saved her family from being trapped in Poland under Russian rule. On January 15, 1945 Wanda and her family left their homestead in Poland and made a run for West Germany and freedom. Wanda was responsible for getting Reinhold, her mom, aunt and two cousins out. She accomplished this task by bribing soldiers with whiskey, begging for food and rides and arguing with a ticket collector to let her family on the last train out, even though they had no money. Wanda will be remembered for her generous heart. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends or strangers. There was always room at her kitchen table for anyone that showed up at her door, and there was always slabs of Kuchen in her pantry which the kids had regularly raided. Her love of gardening and flowers was well known. She was also an avid garage sale shopper. Wanda was a remarkable and unique women. She had strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was brought to faith on the knee of her father by whom taught his children bible stories. Her bible could be seen on the kitchen table or by her favorite chair because she read it daily. Wanda never strayed from her faith despite all of the obstacles she encountered in her long life. We think of her often, miss her greatly, but only for a short time. Until we meet again. Wanda passed away on Monday, July, 16, 2012 in Dawson Creek, at the age of 92 years. A funeral service was held on Friday, July 20, 2012 at 4:00 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Pastor Noel Smith officiated, Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery. Wanda was predeceased by her Husband; Walter, Parents; Ludwig and Lidja Korok, and Brother-In-Law; Alex Steinke. Wanda is survived by her Sons; Uli (Renate), Heinz, Daughter; Heidi, Sister; Emmy, Brother; Reinhold (Elfriede), Grandchildren; Michael, Andrea, Great Grandchildren; Aaron, Torin, Rowan, and many nieces, nephews and friends. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Wanda to the Lutheran Hour 901-Cornwall Crescent, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 1P1 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium