Walter Ortlieb

Walter leaves his wife Violet, his sons Ron (Jodie) and Kevin, his grandchildren; Amber, Jason (Russet), Leslie and Ashley, and his great grandchildren; Gracie, Hannah, Alexandria and Lucy.

He was predeceased by his siblings; Marta (Kurt) Neumann, Margaret (Waldemar) Rott, Richard (Helga), Herb (Johanna) and baby Gunda, and beloved daughter, Karen (2019).

He was born in Dubeczno, Poland on April 13, 1927 to Samuel and Wanda (née Riemer) Ortlieb. His childhood was spent on the family farm with his five siblings. Near the end of WWII, he was conscripted into the Germany Army and fought bravely till his capture in 1945.

Walter and brother, Herb, came to Canada in 1950. As young men, Walter and Herb moved to Edmonton where they joined the cultural clubs, played & organized men’s soccer, attended dances, learned to plaster, and both met their sweethearts. Mom (Violet Krischanowski) and Dad married on July 10, 1952 in Leduc, AB and were blessed with three children, Ronald (1957) and twins Karen & Kevin (1963).

His ambitious spirit led him to build homes on the side to secure and save money. In 1963, he moved his young family to Mirror, AB to own, renovate and operate the Mirror Hotel including the bar and restaurant. Five years later (1968), the family relocated to Lethbridge to grow on his success by purchasing the Lethbridge Hotel with his brother-in-law, William Riewe. After 13 years, they sold the hotel, and Walter started Classic Carpets with his two sons. Today, Classic Carpets has operated for 44 years, employing all three children, and his grandchildren. At 95, he continued to visit the shop daily. He hustled, negotiated, and worked hard to become successful. He enjoyed travelling with family & friends.

A Funeral Service for Dad will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Olivier Ravelojaona officiating. For those wishing to pay their final respects, a viewing will take place one hour prior to the service.

Following the Funeral Service, Walter will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.