Obituary of Edward Arthur Kleinmeyer
Edward (“Ted”) Arthur Kleinmeyer, 81, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2023, surrounded by family at his home in Sedgewick, Alberta.
Our Dad was born in Killam Alberta on June 13th, 1941, and grew up in various Alberta towns as a kid with Devon and Edmonton seeming to be where he spent the most time. He loved cars and loved to race around Devon and Edmonton in his high school years. When he wasn’t burning rubber, he would have a couple younger passengers eager for some adventure – his sisters! His sisters loved to spend as much time in his vehicle as he did. Being such a tall and athletic guy, our Dad played many sports with basketball being one of his favorites.
When Dad graduated from high school, he trained and went to work surveying the Alberta wilds before training as a Power Lineman with Calgary Power (turned TransAlta Utilities). Dad lived in Camrose, Provost and Sedgewick during his 30 year career with Calgary Power and was an active and respected member in each of those communities. He made many close friends during his working years and volunteer activities and was well liked by those he met. Dad was a straight shooter and you could always count on him to give you a straight answer, good or bad.
Dad married Shirley Dammann on September 3, 1966. The family grew with the birth of Kelly in 1969 and Shannon in 1971. That meant it was camping time with Dad! He loved to camp and as we grew up we did a lot of camping. If it was the weekend or vacation days, we would go camping as a family or meet up with his brother, Robert, and cousins (such good times with everyone). Dad also loved to go camping with Gordon and Shirley Dammann. There were a lot of laughs spent over a competitive round of golf, a feisty game of cards or a race up a Rocky Mountain highway in the motorhomes (yes, motorhomes!). Those were some great moments and Dad created many of those great memories for us. He also documented those good times through many pictures for us to treasure in the years to come (thanks Dad).
Dad eventually retired as a District Manager from TransAlta Utilities at age 54 in Sedgewick where, for the next 27 years of his retirement, he created more great memories. Dad loved to golf, hunt, snowmobile and take day trips with family and friends to roast a wiener or just explore the great Alberta wilderness. We would all go snowmobiling with the Morken, Pottage and Jacobsen families in Sedgewick and occasionally ‘plink’ a bottle/can in the bush. Dad would relish the chance to go snowmobiling with Anthony and Terri in Muskoka country in Ontario; “Best snow ever” he would say. In the summer, Dad would love to ride his ‘tricked’ out Honda Aspencade on a day trip or take a longer trip with friends to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in North America) or the BC Coast.
Our Family would like to thank the Killam Hospital organization and staff in doing their best to make Dad comfortable in his final weeks and days. We would also like to thank the MAID team for their compassionate support. Dad mentioned on many occasions how grateful he was to have the option to pass on with dignity and he never wavered from his decision.
Should you feel inclined, memorial donations may be made to the Lions Club of Sedgewick, Sedgewick Lake or Sedgewick Cemetery community groups that our Dad actively supported and participated in.
Edward/Teddy/Tater/Pops/Grandpa will be forever loved and remembered by his children – Kelly (Annie) and Shannon (Jason); 5 grandchildren – Riley, Jager, Charlie, Shaefer and Jennifer; 3 siblings – Robert, Penny and Terri (Anthony); niece Cindy and nephews Rob and Randy; many cousins and countless friends and acquaintances.
At Dad’s request no funeral service will be held. A graveside service will be planned for a later date.
