Obituary of Jacob "Jake" Fleck

Jacob "Jake" Fleck of Camrose passed away Sunday, November 24, 2013 at the age of 72 years. Jacob Fleck was born in Ukraine Russia on April 22, 1941. He was the youngest of seven children. During the war he and his family were able to move to Canada. They settled on a farm outside of Lampman, Saskatchewan. Dad was raised on a farm. This farm life created a strong young man who worked hard to help out on the farm. When he was 17, he met the love of his life, Ellen Paus. There was one time when he anxiously asked her to go out for a night of dancing. It was against her nature to go out with strange boys. He did not stop there. He sought out her parents and asked their permission. They said yes! What a wonderful evening it was. Their friendship grew into a loving relationship and they were married on June 12, 1963. Once married, they raised a beautiful family and eventually settled in the city of Camrose, Alberta. Dad worked his way up the corporate ladder with Texaco, developing a rewarding 35 year career. However, from 1975-1978 he took a small break from the corporate world to try his hand at a private business. He co-owned a Dairy Queen with his brother-in-law Gaynel Paus. He re-launched his career with Texaco in 1978 and shortly after accepted a position where he travelled overseas to further his career. In 2001, Dad retired to spend time with his family. He loved travelling. Immediately, he and Ellen started travelling to their winter paradise in Yuma, Arizona. He spent time with his family every summer in Kelowna. Being with his grandkids gave him great joy. It was rare for him to miss an opportunity to attend a Christmas concert, dance recital or hockey game. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was what he lived for. Dad's life nurtured him into an amazing person. He was our friend, teacher and hero. To us, he was the best father in the world. He was our superman. Even when times were tough, he never let us know of his pain. He was our protector. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Ellen; children Kim (Calvin) Erickson of Camrose, Kevin Fleck of Calgary, Kyla Fleck of Edmonton and Kelly (Michelle) Fleck of Sherwood Park; seven grandchildren Brandon, Cory, Travis, Jared, Jaelin, Ciarra and Kaia; three brothers Raphael of Germany, Joseph of Saskatchewan and Johnny of Saskatchewan; and three sisters Barbara of Denver, Rose of Saskatchewan and Tillie of Saskatchewan. Jake was predeceased by his parents; and two nephews Allan and Dale. Thank you for all that you have given us. Good bye Dad, until we see you again. Love your family. A Prayer Vigil was held 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 29, 2013 from the Burgar Memorial Chapel. A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 30, 2013 from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Larry Pederson as celebrant. Inurnment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to St. Mary's Hospital Palliative Care, Hospice Society of Camrose and District, or to the Cross Cancer Institute.