She was born on February 1, 1944, in Rypin, Germany, Gretel Henseleit went to be with her Lord on August 19, 2026, in Kelowna, BC, surrounded by her loving family. She was 82 years old.
Gretel was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years, Werner Henseleit, who passed away in 2010.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Richard (Michelle) Henseleit, Angela (Brad) Klassen, David (Andrea) Henseleit, and Daniel (Bonnie) Henseleit; her nine grandchildren, Talina (Herv) Kameni, Christina (Ashur) Namato, Conrad (Julia) Henseleit, Joel (Marissa) Henseleit, Joshua (Michelle) Klassen, Alexander (Hannah) Henseleit, Andrew (Carly) Henseleit, Nicholas (Joy) Henseleit, and Anna-Marie (Alec) Paquette; and her nine great-grandchildren.
Gretel is also lovingly remembered by her brothers, Herb (Aldeen) Helwing and Ron (Helen) Helwing; her sister, Barb (Tom) Rose; as well as extended family and many dear friends.
Throughout Gretel’s life and her long journey with Parkinson’s, she stayed true to the core of who she was.
Gretel’s love for her family ran deep and constant. It especially shone through in her love and generosity to her grandchildren, highlighting special Omi/grandchildren trips and supporting them in any adventure or dream they shared with her.
Her cheeky humour expressed through her cards, quotes, and one-liners would surprise us and often make us laugh out loud.
Kindness and service to others also never stopped – supporting friends in ways that met them where they were at, emotionally or in many practical ways, big or small.
Her tenacity and commitment to excellence allowed her to build a legacy with Werner: not only with Springfield Funeral Home but also with the Slavic Hope Mission, which reflected a passion to ensure that we do not live this life just unto ourselves, but rather to be conduits of the love and resources we have been given for others, because of God’s great love for us.
Gretel loved nature, and she often talked about how she longed to hike mountains again. She channelled her love of nature into the gardens where she was. It was her chance to be outside and add beauty for others to enjoy with her.
Her deep faith and love for Jesus were not only constant but continued to grow as she surrendered her grief and many physical losses to Him. Always trusting and knowing that Jesus was with her, she believed that “He makes all things beautiful in His time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Mom – you were beautiful and journeyed through your life with grace, kindness, and love. You have blessed our family in ways that will ripple through generations, and we are beyond thankful and proud to call you mom, Omi, Ur-Omi, sister, and friend.
Thank you to all the friends who continued to speak into her life these last years. It meant so much to Mom. Thank you, Zandra, and the amazing team at Orchard Manor, who supported her gardening passions and cared for her.
A Funeral Service will be held in Gretel’s honour on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 am (PDT), located in the Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
Following the service, Gretel will be laid to rest beside her beloved Werner at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC.
