On Thursday, May 9, 2024 Carl Henry Willberg went to be with his Creator and Redeemer joining a multitude of loved ones that preceded him. Carl was born to his parents, George and Amelia Willberg in Tompkins, Saskatchewan in 1928. The Cypress Hills and Sandhills country where he grew to be a man profoundly shaped how he saw himself and who he was for the rest of his life. Carl was the sixth of nine children; he was the last to survive, and his generation passes with him. The Willberg family into which he was born could be a feisty bunch and occasionally a bit competitive – especially when it came to crib and gardening – but generosity was instilled into all of them, they overcame hard times together with love, and they remained close over the years even when separated by many miles.

Carl proudly called himself a family man. To mourn his passing and celebrate his life Carl leaves his devoted wife Patricia; his two sons, Wayne (Angela) and Dean (Laurie); grandchildren Alyssa (Dallas), Connor, Owen and Frances (Collin); and great-grandchildren Willa and Isla. Carl and Patricia’s deep commitment and care for each other over the years continues to inspire our family. Carl was also the jolly – somewhat mischievous – uncle to many nieces, nephews, and children of life-long friends. He loved you all and was proud that you called him uncle. He leaves us in the following generations with many fond memories and lots of chuckles.

Carl’s life’s calling was construction, he built with intensity, and he built to last. Miles of pipeline, compressor stations, bridges, stream crossings, houses, or bookshelves – it didn’t matter – he built it solid. Carl demanded excellence and could be a tough supervisor, but he reveled in working with a well-tuned construction crew, and his joy in a job well-done was infectious. Many work colleagues became cherished life-long friends. He loved the mountains and foothills where he worked, and he fought the wind to a draw. At home Carl worked joyfully and incessantly in the yard or shop, and he was at his happiest spreading peat moss, planting a garden, or building a fence outside on a sunny day alongside Patricia, his sons and grandchildren.

Sometimes Carl wasn’t exactly easy to be around. He held strong convictions, could be stubborn, and had limited patience. However, those who really knew Carl know that inside this occasionally rugged exterior was a deeply compassionate man. Throughout his life he was especially sensitive to the needs of elderly neighbors, and he did what he could for kids who had received a tough break. Carl also knew how to have fun and relished being in a happy crowd. Carl and Patricia enjoyed entertaining at their home, picnicking in Waterton, and taking long road-trips together through mountains and deserts. Carl could be particularly aggravating playing “Aggravation” with his grandchildren. He had a ball when he was out with friends and family fishing, hunting or golfing. So, in lieu of flowers, please go catch a fish (and brag about it), play a round of golf, plant a tree, or rototill your neighbor’s garden. After 95 years of a life well-lived Carl now rests in his Savior’s arms.

Our family would like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Seasons Encore, and to the nurses, doctors and staff at Olds Hospital for caring for Carl through his final days on this earth. Your professionalism, kindness and good cheer was a blessing to Carl and to our entire family.

• Date : 2024-05-17
• Location : (Olds) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com