1939 – 2020

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Karin Jeske (nee Zabel) on September 11, 2020 at the age of 81. Born into war, food insecurity and dislocation, Karin emigrated from Germany at age 12 with her family. In short order, she learned English and warmly embraced Canadian life, and the values, peace, physical beauty and opportunities afforded here. Industrious, generous and outgoing, the list of Karin’s involvements during her married life in Ancaster is long. In between raising her two children, sewing, cooking wonderful meals and tending her garden, Karin upgraded her skills at Park Business College. Subsequently, she leant her friendly welcome and tech-savvy office skills to several medical practices in Hamilton, and ended out her career with a long run in Ancaster working for a family medical practice led by Dr. Helene Boutin and Dr. Cindy Goebel. With her husband Erwin, Karin was a faithful member first of Mission Baptist Church in Westdale (fondly remembered as a stirring soloist, choir member, and regular in the women’s group and craft circle) and in more recent years at West Highland Church (where the Jeskes joined the seniors group and helped manage The King’s Garden, producing thousands of pounds for local food banks each year). The family extends our deepest thanks for the incredible kindness and care Karin received during her time of illness – to her specialists at Juravinski Hospital, Dr. Kylie Lepic and Dr. Brian Leber; to the wonderful nurses at Oncology Day Services at Juravinski; and finally, to all Canadians who donate blood even during a pandemic (Karin called you her “unknown heroes”). The joyful heart of her family, Karin will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 58 years, Erwin Jeske; her brother Ulrich Zabel (Heidi Rudat); her children, Connie Jeske Crane (Stephen Crane) and Wilmar Jeske (Cathy Buntain Jeske); her grandson Zachary Crane; her extended family in Alberta and B.C.; as well as by her many friends, neighbours and co-workers in Ancaster and Hamilton and beyond. (Karin is predeceased by her parents Irma and Arthur Zabel, and her brother Klaus Zabel.) A celebration of Karin’s life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at West Highland Church in Hamilton. To register, to attend in person please visit https://www.westhighland.org/events/event/246/memorial-service-for-karin-jeske/2020-009-25. (The service will be livestreamed and details will also be shared on www.westhighland.org as they become available.) In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations either to the West Highland Building Fund or to Canadian Blood Services.