Lorraine Annie Tennis – February 4, 2026
(https://www.burgarfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Lorraine-Annie-Tennis?obId=47195449)
Lorraine Annie Tennis of Camrose, Alberta, formerly of Ferintosh, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the age of 92 years.
Our dear mom, Lorraine Annie Tennis, second child of May and Adolf Hoff, was born June 15, 1933 at home on the family farm near Cluny, Alberta. She grew up surrounded by her three brothers and many close-in-age cousins. She recalled asking Jesus to come into her heart at a very young age, and her love for Him shone through in the way she offered hospitality and compassion towards others throughout her life.
Mom took her schooling in Cluny and at Luther College in Regina, followed by one year of teacher’s training at the University of Calgary. Always full of ideas and activities, she began teaching in one-room schoolhouses in southern Alberta and at Rosebrier School near Wetaskiwin.
In 1957, Mom boarded a ship to Papua New Guinea and her waiting fiancé, Wilmer Kurtz. As newlyweds and for the next 12 years they worked together under Lutheran Mission PNG; Wilmer as a pastor/missionary and Mom teaching school. Ingenuity, practicality, and creativity always defined Mom, but those traits flourished even more in such remote surroundings. With the arrivals of Allen, Valerie, and Brian, Mom cherished the opportunity to raise her children in this unique environment. In 1969, that special chapter of life came to a sudden end when Wilmer unexpectedly passed away while the family was on furlough back in North America. Mom’s strong faith saw her through this difficult period, and a few months later, God provided Mom with a teaching position in Falun, Alberta.
In 1973 Mom married Leonard Tennis, a farmer and former beau from her teaching days at Rosebrier. Sharon was born the following year, and Mom managed a busy farming household, including a baby, three adolescents/teens (plus one more when nephew Kelvin moved in to attend high school), as well as an enormous vegetable and flower garden, and yet always had the ability to make life fun. And when the grandchildren (and eventually great-grandchildren) began arriving, Mom thrived in her new roles.
After building their house in Camrose in 2005, which Mom had spent many years designing, Mom and Leonard left the farm and officially retired. Leonard passed away suddenly in 2007 and Mom was able to live out her days in the home she loved so much. On February 4th, 2026, at the age of 92 years, Mom left this life for her eternal home.
Lorraine is survived by her son Allen (Louise) Kurtz, their children Lowen and Alise (Braden) – Isla, Leeyell, and Allistair; by her daughter Valerie (Randy) Fiege, their children Stefan (Megan) – Landon and Carter, and Laurel (Peter) – Austin and Brielle; by her son Brian (Laura) Kurtz, their children Dakota, Naomi (Nathanael), and Caleb; and by her daughter Sharon (Michael) Sonnenberg and their children Jesse (fiancée Allison), Natalie, Georgia, and Noah. Lorraine is also survived by her brothers Vernon and Ken (Judy) Hoff; and sister-in-law Mary Hoff.
Lorraine was predeceased by her first husband, Wilmer Kurtz; second husband, Leonard Tennis; brother, Max Hoff; sister-in-law Jo Hoff; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.
A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Calvary Lutheran Church in the County of Ponoka, officiated by Rev. Randy Fiege. A recording of the service can be viewed at the following link: Church (Part A) (Part B no longer available)
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Lorraine’s memory may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, Hungry for Life International, Mission Aviation Fellowship, or Faith Lutheran Church Sundre (Uganda School Mission).
Robert Knopke – January 25th, 2026
(From Elinor Radke)
Hello Wantoks,
I hope you are well. I had a phone call at the weekend from Meryl Knopke of the passing of her husband Robert on 25/01/2026. Meryl [nee Leske] worked at the KLS in 1962-1963. Meryl worked with Rita Janhke in the catering and laundry services for the school boarders.
Robert’s Memorial service will be Friday, 06 February at 1000 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 23 Brendale Road, Toowoomba. Meryl has suggested those attending who wish to make a donation to the Gideon Bible Plan in lieu of flowers. Envelopes will be available.
Enjoy your day.
Em tasol. God i ken i stap wantaim yupela olgeta – Elinor Radke, Meri Madang.
Professor Paul Weiblen – December 23rd, 2025 (George Weiblen’s Dad)
To read earlier obituaries, click here. Obituaries, post-2023 Reunion
PNG-KLS-SPLC Reunion 