Obituary
GAILAN SCHMIDTKE
July 15, 1944 – February 12, 2022
The world became a sadder place on Saturday, February 12, when Gailan Schmidtke passed away and left her loved ones broken hearted. She fought a brave fight, but in the end her illness won. A remarkable being through and through, both strong and tender, characteristics that endeared her to those who knew her best.
Gailan Rach was born in Morden, Manitoba, the only daughter and eldest child of Arnold and Kathleen (Bailey) Rach. She grew up on the family farm south of Morden and attended Alexandria School. When her mother contracted tuberculosis and was sent to the sanitorium in Winnipeg, Gailan became cook, housekeeper, and substitute mother to her three younger brothers. She attended Morden Collegiate for her high school years and upon graduation worked for Manitoba Telephones in Winnipeg, until her marriage to Otto Schmidtke in 1966. Gailan and Otto lived in Morden until 1974, when they moved west to Alberta with sons Brad and Steve, eventually settling in Nanton. The birth of a daughter, Jen, soon completed the family. When Otto passed away in 1981, Gailan became a single parent, forced to raise her three children on her own. She met every challenge presented to her with amazing strength, courage and determination.
Gailan is survived by Greg McNeill, her loving partner of 29 years, as well as her cherished sons Brad (Isabelle) Schmidtke, Steve Schmidtke (Nazlin), and daughter Jen (Randie) Lalonde. She is also survived by her stepsons Ryan and Rob McNeill, as well as her precious and beloved grandchildren, Danika, Mikael, and Kieran Schmidtke, Chantal and Tristan Lalonde, and Samatha, Alison and Connor McNeill. Gailan is also survived by brothers Don (Brenda) Rach of Morden, Kim (Barb) Rach of Winnipeg and sister-in-law Doreen Rach of Morden, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Arnold and Kaye Rach, her husband Otto Schmidtke, and her brother Terry Rach.
At Gailan’s request, no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the High River Health Foundation in support of the Palliative Care Unit at High River Hospital, in memory of Gailan.
www.highriverhealthfoundation.ca/donate-now/
Arrangements in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes (High River) LTD.
www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
403-652-2222
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gailan Schmidtke July 15 1944

February 12 2022..

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Death notice for the town of: High-River, Province: Alberta

death notice Gailan Schmidtke July 15 1944

February 12 2022

mortuary notice Gailan Schmidtke July 15 1944

February 12 2022