July 15, 1931 - March 11, 2020
Gus Klaus of Didsbury, Alberta passed away peacefully at home on the farm after a battle with ALS. Gus was born July 15, 1931 in Poland. During his early childhood, he grew up on his grandparents orchard farm, where he learned all about farming. Gus returned home to attend school and shortly thereafter was estranged from his family when his father and oldest brother were taken as prisoners of war. Living life on the run, Gus was taken in by a family as a farmhand in exchange for food and shelter.
Seeking a better life, Gus immigrated to Canada. Following a long ocean voyage, Gus set foot in Saint John’s NB, where a prearranged job was no longer available. After a long cold winter felling trees in Dryden, Ontario, Gus headed west. Eventually calling Calgary home, Gus was hired as a special delivery mailman with Royal Mail. During this time, with that ‘twinkle’ in his bright blue eyes, he caught the attention of a farm girl, Eleanor Fritzler, to marry November 11, 1955. They bought a farm near Park Lake in 1961. In addition to cropping and livestock, Gus worked industrial construction for the Poole and Kenwood companies. In 1986, looking for relief from the rigours of irrigation, a family farm was purchased northwest of Didsbury. It was here Gus actively farmed until the age of 86, when he was diagnosed with ALS.
With fierce determination, Gus continued to do as much farming as he could with his son, Kevin, while the illness chipped away at his body. His strong spirit, will, and determination that had sustained him through many a hard time allowed him to stay on the farm, passing away peacefully at home on March 11, 2020.
Gus is predeceased by his father Ernst, mother Lydia, brothers Oswald and David, and sister Ella. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Eleanor, son Kevin, and daughter Karen (Darrell Hitchings), treasured granddaughters, Diane and Hailey, as well as his brother, Edmund and sister, Olga.
Gus lived life to the fullest, doing what he was passionate about, spending time with family and farming for over sixty years. Although not large in stature, Gus was strong in spirit, will and determination with a work ethic, surpassed by none. He had a quiet soul, with a faith in God that translated to a kind, loving and generous individual. We will miss Gus’ twinkly bright blue eyes and fun loving character, and are forever grateful for his time on this earth.
Special thanks to the ALS Society, Calgary Region, the ALS Clinic at South Campus, Calgary and the Didsbury Home Care team who provided care and comfort to Gus during his illness.
Gus was laid to rest at a burial service at Westerdale Cemetery, Olds, AB. A Celebration of Gus’ life will be held at a later date.
