Obituary of Wolfgang Pelzer

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved father and brother on February 9, 2021.  Wolfgang was born in Bremen, Germany on December 14, 1950.  In the aftermath of World War II, his family boarded the Beavererbrae ship in 1953 and sailed to Canada arriving at Prince Edward Island.  From there, they took a train to Regina, Saskatchewan and joined other family members with the hope of a better life.  Wolfgang attended school in Regina, Bienfait, Estevan and then back to Regina.  His high school years were spent attending Balfour Collegiate where he played on the football team and graduated in 1969.  Wolfgang went on to play for the Regina Rams with his brother Dieter. He spent some time travelling through Europe backpacking, even making his way across the Mediterranean Sea to Israel.

Wolfgang was an ardent believer in education, and a respected educator himself.  He obtained a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from the Canadian Bible College before he went on to do a Bachelor of Vocational/Technical Education with Distinction from the University of Regina in 1986.  He eventually fulfilled his dream of pursuing postgraduate studies and obtained a Master of Adult Education with Honors through the prestigious Saint Francis Xavier University in 1994.

As a young wolf cub, he learned the painting trade from his father, including the value of pride in work, which he then passed on to his son Daniel.  His value in education was also passed on to his children; Emily obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Daniel obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in History. He spent many years working nights as a typesetter for the Regina Leader Post.  In 1996 he took a position teaching English in South Korea, eventually taking a position at the University of Ulsan as an English Professor where he worked until 2005.  Upon returning to Regina, he started and operated a painting business with his son Daniel, while simultaneously teaching English courses at the Beth Jacob Synagogue for new Canadians.  The last years he worked as an English Instructor for French Canadian RCMP Constables at Depot in Regina.  He also had numerous private students over the years, even helping one to obtain her Master’s Degree.

He was predeceased by his parents Herman and Ursula (nee Brudigam); and sister Rita.  Wolfgang is survived by his son Daniel Pelzer (Alicia Sloman) of Australia; daughter Emily Pelzer of Regina; brother Dieter Pelzer (Lynn Bechard) of Regina; sister Ingrid Pappas (Ted) of Regina; and several nieces and nephews. 

Wolfee, as he was best known to his friends and family, was an intellectual and a true gentleman.  He worked hard, felt hard, lived hard and played hard. He had a great sense of humor, and an unforgettable booming laugh.  Wolfgang could often be found at Shannon’s Pub sharing a drink and a laugh, a meeting place for all, which became a true home away from home. Education and his children were the loves of his life.  His German immigrant identity stayed with him his entire lifetime and it allowed him to understand and connect with people on a deeper level.  He always taught his children to be kind to newcomers, because often they came from horrible circumstances.  Wolfgang valued hard work, professionalism and dedication to one’s trade above all else.  He came of age in the 1960’s, carrying the hippie spirit with him for the rest of his days.  He travelled the world and saw more than most ever will.

He will truly be missed by many, but never forgotten, because he touched so many lives.  In lieu of flowers please consider donations to either the Salvation Army, Territorial Headquarters, 2 Overlea Boulevard, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4 or the Regina Food Bank, 445 Winnipeg Street, Regina, SK S4R 8P2; both organizations Wolfgang and his mother truly respected.  A memorial service will be held this spring when he is laid to rest with his late sister Rita, as was his last wish. You may contact his daughter Emily at e_pelzer@hotmail.com for details and to share memories of Wolfgang.