1944 – 2024
Mrs. Ilka (Neunherz) Conibear of Innisfail, Alberta passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the age of 80 years. A feat Ilka wanted to achieve while living with ovarian cancer.
Ilka had an adventurous heart and at the end of schooling she faced two choices. She could accept a Hamburg Zoo Internship highly coveted, one of a few women, or she could fulfill a dream of coming to Canada. She chose Canada. Oma and the youngest brother, Peter immigrated too. Peter and Ilka were welcomed in the Raven, Alberta area to work on a farm, to learn English and earn a living.
Ilka’s English improved, but her written letters to her daughters and granddaughter were a source of delight. Ilka’s love of Canada resulted in her enthusiasm for wild spaces, wild crafting, picnics, hiking, plants but most of all animals. All shapes and sizes. Furred, feathered or scaled. Many a stray including the “black and white prairie cat” were welcomed and cared for by Ilka.
She is remembered by her daughters, Karen (Len), Ursula (Dave), Angelina and beloved granddaughter Breanna as well as nephews and nieces in Canada and Germany.
Ilka is predeceased by her sister, Hella Fritz, her brothers Hansurgen Fridberg and Peter Neunherz, as well as her parents, Irma and Paul. As Ilka chose to be buried in the Raven Cemetery, the circle closes. A private family gathering will be held later in the Spring.
Animals were a source of comfort and joy to Ilka. We are grateful for the support and thoughtfulness of the Spruce View and Raven Communities to ensure that our mom was cared for. If desired, Memorial Donations in Ilka’s honor may be made to the Whisker Rescue Society of Alberta at Box 27138, Red Deer, AB T4N-6X8 or email [email protected].
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
