Obituary of Telmer Oliver Napen

Telmer Oliver Napen was born April 1, 1920 in New Brigden, Alberta the eldest child of Hans and Louvisa Napen. He passed away peacefully on December 13, 2009 in Beaverlodge, Alberta at the age of 89 years. Telmer is survived by his sister, Irene Viken of Hythe, Alberta and his brother Lawrence and Gunda Napen of Dawson Creek, B.C. He is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews and their spouses, 43 great nieces and nephews and 8 great-great nieces and nephews. He is fondly remembered by his special friend, Marilyn Balderston. Telmer was predeceased by his parents Hans and Louvisa, his brother Herman, sister Bernice and brother in law, Ole Kjemhus, sister Gilma and Knut Boness, brother in law, John Olson, nephew John Olson, great nephew, Daniel Olson and great-great nephew Kayde Kjemhus. A few common threads that ran through Telmer's life became evident at an early age. One thread that showed up early in life was that he wasn't afraid to get involved and help out. Another thing about Telmer that was obvious throughout his life was his mechanical ability. When he was young, the family farmed with horses, but that was not something he was interested in at all. Now the neighbour, Lars Ness had a Rumley Oil Pull tractor…that was something he could get in to. In 1934, after several years of drought and crop failures the family decided to move to the Peace. All of their possessions, including livestock were loaded into a boxcar and shipped by rail. Since the trip would take several days, someone would have to travel with the livestock. This duty fell to Telmer, even though he was only 14 at the time. In 1941, Telmer joined the Canadian Army. In August 1943 his outfit joined a joint U.S. and Canadian force schedule to land in the Aleutian Islands and fight the Japanese there. Fortunately when they came ashore the Japanese had left and there was no fighting. Telmer was asked if he could run cat. Of course this was right up his alley. In 1944 Telmer was shipped overseas. He was sent in as a replacement a few days after D Day and fought in France, Belgium and Holland. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and although he seldom spoke of those days, he did say they were very hard times. In 1945 he was transferred to Aldershot, England to serve as a small arms instructor and was there until the war ended. After returning from the army, Telmer took an Agricultural lease on the N ½ of section 28 and began farming and continued until 1978 when he retired, with the exception of a few years. Telmer enjoyed traveling and had a life - long love of learning, especially any kind of new technology. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Valhalla Lutheran Church. Pastor Ella Loberg officiated, interment followed in the Valhalla Cemetery. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium, Dawson Creek, BC.