Hans Franczak, resident of Grande Prairie, AB passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the age of 77 years, after a very successful hunting trip.

Hans was born in Germany on May 22, 1941 and immigrated to Canada in 1963. He quickly learned English and, after several years, became a Canadian citizen.

Coming from a crowded city, Hans took full advantage of Alberta’s great outdoors. He loved camping, hunting, fishing and roughing it at the cabin. In 1968, Hans married an Alberta farm girl and together they raised two beautiful daughters. Providing for his family often meant moving to where the work was, so this family packed, moved and lived in several northern Alberta communities with Grande Prairie becoming the final stop. After retiring, and with more time on his hands, Hans had more success with hunting and began to turn his wild game into jerky, sausage and smoked meat. He also made his own wine to accompany the hundreds of sausage and rye bread sandwiches if there wasn’t a lager available.

As a teenager and young man in Germany, Hans enjoyed the sport of weightlifting. He continued lifting weights after coming to Canada and earned himself several provincial and national titles. At 77 years of age, he still continued to go to the gym and lift.

Hans was hardworking, stubborn, always right, and would never hesitate to tell you exactly what he thought. Above all, he was just a little man with a huge heart, making him a great husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. He will be greatly missed by his daughters Susan (Bartley) Bagan and Jeannie (Todd) Mogridge; grandchildren: Emily (Luis) Eckardt, Spencer Bannister, Marshall Hornback, Mary Hornback, Dawson Mogridge and Jill Mogridge; sisters Cecelia (Manfred) Gesan and Ella Kranki; brothers Theo Franczak and Peter Franczak; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be especially missed by his wife of nearly 50 years, Laura Franczak.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, December 7, 2018, between 10:00am and 2:00pm, at the Grande Prairie Legion (9912 101 Ave).