Josef Martha
1931 - 2026
Josef Martha, beloved husband of the late Gerda Martha, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the age of 94 years.
This epic life story began in a small German village in Karamurat, Romania, where Josef was born on May 26, 1931, to Arsenius and Katharina Martha.
As a young boy, he enjoyed rural life, extended family, and the antics of the villagers. One of his favourite memories was a horse-and-cart ride to the city of Constanta with his father to sell fish. Afterwards, he was allowed to choose something from a shop. He chose a harmonica, beginning a lifelong love of music.
Unfortunately, the turmoil of war uprooted the family. They endured hunger, displacement, and dangerous journeys through war-torn Europe, spending time in Austria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, and finally settling in West Germany. It was truly a miracle that all ten members of the family survived.
At a young age, Josef found work wherever he could to help support his family. He developed a strong work ethic and proudly earned his transport truck license. This career eventually brought him to Dürmentingen, where he spotted the love of his life, Gerda. He often said, "The most beautiful girl in the room is the one with the biggest smile." She truly was a treasure. They married in November 1954 and welcomed their daughter, Gabriele, in November 1955. The next great adventure came in 1957 when Josef and Gerda immigrated to Canada to join the rest of his family, who had arrived four years earlier.
He worked tirelessly to establish a new life, beginning in construction in Calgary, then as a labourer at the lime plant in Exshaw, before eventually settling in Taber. A skilled mechanic and welder with the Town of Taber, he took great pride in contributing to the town's growth. His work included projects such as the Civic Centre, the new golf course, Confederation Park, and even the turnstile at the cemetery. Alongside helping build the community, he also built a home for his own family. Two more children joined the family, Mary-Anne in 1959 and Josef Jr. in 1965.
In 1976, he accepted a position as a heavy-duty mechanic at a lumber mill in Slave Lake. During his time there, he represented the IWA Union and attended meetings across Canada. Slave Lake brought many adventures, and many of us are grateful to have survived some of his enthusiastic camping and fishing trips. It was there that he became the cherished "Opa" to Casey, Sarina and Joleen. He also enjoyed coaching hockey, curling and golfing.
In 1994, Josef and Gerda moved to what he often referred to as heaven, their dream acreage in Erickson, British Columbia. His enthusiasm for life was infectious. Family and friends were drawn into the hobby fruit farm lifestyle, and the acreage became a hub for gatherings, celebrations, and unforgettable memories. Josef became the neighbourhood mechanic and repairman. His creative mind could envision, invent, build and repair almost anything. To him, everything was possible. He was strong, capable, and endlessly positive. With his finger-crushing handshake, tall posture, and brisk stride, he approached every day with gratitude and purpose. He considered each day a gift and never wasted a minute. His days were filled with projects, joyful folk songs, harmonica music, yodeling, and the occasional polka spin with his beloved Gerda.
When Gerda suffered a stroke in December 2010, Josef lovingly took on the role of caregiver. He devoted his days to feeding her meals, singing her favourite songs, and taking her on countless wheelchair rides. When she passed away in March 2015, he was heartbroken.
A trip back to Germany with Gabriele and Michael allowed him to revisit cherished memories and begin healing. With their support, he carried on, continuing to tend his hobby farm, which became a magical vacation destination for his great grandchildren Gavin, Jonah, Leo and Aria.
A small stroke eventually changed Josefs world. It was finally time to slow down, retire at the age of ninety one, and allow himself to be cared for by Gabriele and Michael. His final years were spent being spoiled, loved, and cherished by family. He continued sharing the endless stories and lively music of days gone by; memories that will be treasured forever.
Josef showed us how rich and fulfilling a life of adventure, hard work, gratitude, and love can be.
Peacefully, the mountains were calling, and the Happy Wanderer had to go.
Auf Wiedersehen to an incredible man.
A private committal service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden Columbarium.