Dr. Hans Lewke 1916 ~ 2014 On November 22, 2014 Dr. Hans Lewke of Milk River, formerly of Calgary, beloved husband of the late Magda Lewke passed away peacefully at the age of 98 ½ years. Born on April 18, 1916 in Biegen, Germany he was the youngest child and only son of Reinhold and Frieda Lewke. He had 2 sisters, Margareta and Johanna. In this small farming community where his father was the local school master, he learned gardening, fishing, the love of music and the outdoors. He graduated from high school, went on to become a teacher but then was chosen to study medicine starting in Berlin and completing his training in Vienna. There he met the love of his life Magda Ganglbauer. They were married June 19, 1942. After the Second World War they settled in Weyregg, Austria where 3 daughters Margareta, Gerda and Elisabeth (Liesl) were born. In 1951, the family immigrated to Canada. Their first home was in Langenburg, Sask. Then it was on to Regina where he did his internship, was successful in his first attempt to pass the Canadian medical qualifying exams, settling in Vanguard in southern Sask. In 1955, the first son Reynold was born and 2 years later a second son, Bernard arrived. In 1960, never tiring of learning, he chose to move to Saskatoon to study orthopedic surgery. In 1965, they moved to Calgary where he returned to family practice becoming a founding member of the Division of Family Practice at the Foothills Hospital. He was devoted to the practice of medicine for more than six decades. The nurses always knew he was coming down the hallways because of his cheerful whistling. Using his orthopedic training he became the team doctor for the Calgary Centennials. Madga and Hans loved to travel but this came to an abrupt halt when she was incapacitated by a stroke in 1999. His focus changed completely becoming her devoted partner and constant caregiver. With increasing age and adherent problems, it was decided to move Mutti to Milk River in 2005 to get the best possible care and to be close to Bob and Liesl. Hans then moved to Milk River as well because he could see that his wife thrived on the excellent care she received there. They had a lovely year together in Milk River before Magda was called home to heaven. He leaves a legacy of a positive attitude towards life, a deep love of God and strong ties to family and friends. His walk in life is an inspiring example to his family and friends. He rests firmly in our hearts with his sense of duty towards his patients and his family, his humour and his optimistic belief in the goodness of God. He is survived by his 5 children Dr. Margareta (Dr. Walter) Klinger, Gerda Lewke, Dr. Liesl (Bob) Bogle, Reynold (Laura) Lewke, and Dr. Bernie (Elsie) Lewke, 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 12:00noon at the ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street N.W, Milk River, AB, with Pastor Tom Peterson officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Town of Milk River, Prairie Rose Lodge Building Fund, c/o Town of Milk River, PO Box 270, Milk River, Alberta T0K 1M0. Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com.