In Loving Memory of
Franz Eckhart Dautel
of Grande Prairie, Alberta
January 22, 1957 - July 8, 2024
Franz Eckhart Dautel was born on January 22, 1957, in Germany. He passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.
Franz was the beloved son of Eckhart and Margot Dautel. In 1967, the Dautel family emigrated to Canada, bringing with them Franz and his brothers Wolfgang, Mike, Ben, Marty, and Robert, and later welcoming Fred and Einar.
Franz's journey through life saw him living in various places, including Grande Prairie, AB and Kelowna, BC, before finally settling on his own in Goodfare, AB. In 1983, Franz met the love of his life, Brenda Calliou, in Beaverlodge, AB, where they shared 41 years of happiness together.
Franz embraced his role as a loving father, helping to raise Brenda’s children, Gwen, Rodney, and Brandy, as his own. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was sitting in the seat of a Cat, enjoying the view of the mountains from his couch with a room-temperature beer in hand, or having a loyal dog by his side. He had a passion for biking and loved taking trips to places like North Saskatchewan, Belcourt, or Onion Lake with his friends Clifford and Margaret, Claire and Judy, Rod and Cindy, Wellington and Evelyn, among many others.
He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Brenda; step-children: Gwen Calliou (Ivan), Rodney Lenko (Annita), and Brandy Lenko; grandchildren: Dylon (Amber), Jade (Adam) and their children Jacob, Steven, Ella, and granddaughter Avie. He also leaves behind his siblings Mike (Darlene), Ben (Sis), Marty (Carrie-Anne), Robert (Jennifer), Fred, sister-in-law Ruth, and Einar (Tina); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Franz was predeceased by his parents, Eckhart and Margot, brother Wolfgang, and grandson Dallas.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Franz and Brenda’s farm on Saturday, July 20, at 1:00 PM (712017 RR115).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation (11205 – 110 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4B1).
