KOLKE Erich Clement Kolke of Ponoka passed away January 16, 2007 at the age of 75 years at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. Erich was born to Ludwig and Amollia Kolke in Wetaskiwin on June 16, 1931. At the age of 16, Erich went to Rutland, BC to pick fruit and then later worked for the CPR Railroad. In 1950 he began working for UGG, working his way to foreman building and repairing grain elevators and annexes throughout Alberta. On September 2, 1956 Erich married Irene Kraft of Ponoka. In 1962 they purchased Irene's grandparents farm in the Asker district. They received the Farm Century award in 2005. Erich's love of traveling was evident as he traveled extensively throughout Canada, US, Europe, UK, Norway, Turkey, Holland, Mexico, South America and many of the Caribbean Islands. Since cruise was Erich's favorite form of travel, he wanted to share this experience by taking his entire family on a Caribbean Cruise in November 2006 in honor of Erich and Irene's 50th anniversary. This will always be a cherished memory for the family. Erich has many challenges in life. First was to survive his own blue birth, then polio and was told he would never walk again; not to mention rheumatic fever, two heart surgeries, two bouts of cancer, one stroke and diabetes. Erich is survived by his loving wife Irene; daughter Catherine Kolke (Ken Neuts) of Beaumont and her two sons Samuel and Simon Haseloh; his son Rick (Colleen) and their two children Derrick and Kayla of Calgary; his youngest daughter Heidi O'Connor (Troy) and their daughter Haley of Sylvan Lake; one sister Margaret Grinde (Don), brother-in-laws Jerome Kraft and Arnold (Dorothy) Kraft; sister-in-law Luella Krefting; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held on January 23rd at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ponoka with Pastor David Schumacher presiding. Donations are gratefully accepted to Trinity Lutheran Church in Ponoka or Unit #35 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. In lieu of thank you cards, a donation will be made to Erich's charities. Funeral and Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to PONOKA FUNERAL HOME.