Obituary of Edward William Fankhanel
Edward William Fankhanel
(December 24, 1947 - December 9, 2022)
It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to our brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend who passed away on December 9th, 2022 at the age of 74.
He will be forever missed by his brothers and sisters Leo, Ann (Hari), Lucy (Don), John (Kenje), Mary, (Norm), Betty (Ken), Donna, Pat (Dave), Richard (Gladys), and Jim (Ardis); his daughters Amber and Miranda; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Ed was predeceased by his dad Francis; mom Rika; sister Marg; and son Michael.
Ed, the second eldest, was born on December 24th, 1947. He ventured out on his own at the age of sixteen. He worked for many farmers in the Heisler area. When he turned eighteen, he was hired as a carpenter’s helper building grain elevators. Ed took the NAIT Trades Training program and continued working in this field for 45 years.
Ed spent the majority of his time on the dance floor for many reasons; good exercise, physical contact, and the opportunity to meet lots of friendly and helpful people. Ed was very timid, even to ask a girl to dance, but once he started all the girls wanted to dance with him. He was noted to say, “if you want to dance, I’m your number one man!” He took a few lessons and practiced a lot. In his younger years he danced in competitions and later as a social outing.
Ed loved music. Music was a meditation to him. Once of his favourite songs was “Choices” by George Jones. He loved all country music.
Ed loved photography and was involved with several groups that shared his enthusiasm. At any of our family functions, out came Ed’s camera. He would take hundreds of pictures and withing a few days, he would post them to our family website. So many lasting memories he has shared.
During the summer Ed would be at all the festivals, taking pictures, and meeting people. He wanted to be around the people that were happy and content with life.
Ed once said, “I have everything I need. There are no real desires to do, go or be anything.”
We know its time to say goodbye, we realize goodbye isn’t forever. Until next time, we love you big brother.
A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the St. Martin Roman Catholic Church in Heisler, AB with Fr. Danial DSouza as the celebrant.
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Edward's memory may be made to the Hope Mission.
