Helmut Gehringer
July 30 1927 to October 12, 2011

 

On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Mr. Helmut Gehringer of Osoyoos passed away at the age of 84 years. Helmut was born on July 30, 1927, the youngest of 4 children, in Weikersheim, Germany. He lost his mother at 6 months, and his father at 6 years, and went on to live with his aunt. He was predeceased by his mother, Minna (Habel) Gehringer and father, Georg Gehringer, brothers Georg Jr. and Karl Gehringer, brother-in-law, Otto Frohnmaier, and nephews Otto Frohnmaier (Jr.) and Guenter Frohnmaier.Helmut will be sadly missed and remembered by his wife of 57 years, Betty (Czwalinna) Gehringer; his sons, Walter (Annemarie), and Gordon (Debbie); grandchildren, Brendon, Liana, Kali, Kevin & Kristi Gehringer; his sister, Helene Frohnmaier , nieces and nephews, Rose Frohnmaier, Wolfdieter (Dagmar) Frohnmaier, Hartmut (Anita) Frohnmaier, Ute (Helmut) Weeber, as well as grandnieces/nephews in Germany. Helmut came to Canada with his brother, Karl, in 1952 and initially worked installing the cooling system in the original curling rink in Osoyoos. He then went on to work for B.C. Tel from 1953 – 1955. In 1954, Betty came from Germany, and they were married on March 19, 1954. In 1955, together with his brother, Karl, he built a service station at the junction of Hwys 3 and 97, where he worked in his trade as a trained mechanic for many years. He also sold and serviced Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen vehicles in the area, for both Canadian and American customers. In 1970, he was involved in the development of Cathedral Lakes Resort, together with Herb Clarke, Tom Fleet and his brother, Karl. When he sold his shares in the Resort, he invested in the present day vineyard and winery operation of Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, together with his sons, Walter and Gordon, and his brother, Karl. There he worked in the vineyard, in the workshop as a mechanic, and was also often seen chatting about his love for wine with visitors in the wineshop. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, working with his sons in the vineyard / winery, visiting with his grandchildren, friends and neighbours, and having a glass of good wine with a great home-cooked meal! He will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mariposa Gardens, the Oliver Hospital & Dr. Tarr for the tender care they gave to our husband, father & Opa.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mariposa Gardens for a memorial bench in Helmut’s name (Mariposa Gardens, 8816 Hwy 97, Osoyoos, B.C. V0H 1V5). A celebration of Helmut’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.