Obituary of Walter Feifel

We are saddened to announce the passing of Walter Feifel of Goulais River at the Sault Area Hospital on Saturday, September 22, 2018. He was 94 years young. Walter was the beloved husband of the late Olivia Feifel and will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his sons Thomas (Ann) and Peter (Marta). Loving Opa of his grandchildren Robin Feifel, Tanya Feifel-Rhodes (Kurt), Curtis Feifel (Julie) and Nikita Feifel (Ben Johnson), and his great grand-daughter, Olivia Feifel. Dearly loved brother of late Margaret Langguth (late Gernot), late Arthur Feifel (late Renate), and Hannelore Kraus (Guenter), all of Germany. Beloved brother in law of the late Franziska Deiss (late Robert), late Hede Kiefer, Rosemarie Maenner (late Ernst), all of Germany. Loving Onkel of Heidi Duckstein (Rudi), of Sault Ste. Marie, Sybille Goeppner (Guenter), Gabriele Herrmann (Heinz) of Germany. Great Onkel of Michael (Annette) Duckstein, their children Lucas and Sabrina, of Sault Ste Marie, Stephanie Duckstein (Paul) of London Ontario, plus many other nieces and nephews in Germany. Dear friend of the late Adelbert Bull, the late Herbert Roth, Hannel Roth, and Frank Vanderloo. Walter and his family came to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in 1958 where he worked at Algoma Steel until the time of his retirement. In 1959, he and his family purchased a house and land at Buttermilk Hill, in Goulais River. Walter looked up at the hill and saw a vision of building it into a ski hill. His vision became reality in 1965, and Buttermilk Ski Hill became a well-known icon in the community, bringing many people together from the Sault and Goulais River area. Many lasting friendships and unions began at the ski hill. Walter, together with his wife Olivia and sons Thomas and Peter, created a warm atmosphere at the ski chalet that made everyone feel welcome. After a day or evening of skiing, many people enjoyed sitting on the wooden bench in front of the huge fireplace in the ski chalet, sipping hot chocolate or enjoying a steaming hot bowl of Walter's home-made soup. Many people would remember the sign over the fireplace that is so true: "Ve get too soon oldt undt too late schmart". Walter was well known for his culinary skills, making many batches of his wonderful home-made soups, various German dishes, but most favorite of all, his delicious home-made German cheese noodles. Walter always stayed up on world events. He enjoyed just sitting and visiting over a beer arguing about world politics, one of his favorite topics. One of his other favorite things was the roulette table at Kewadin Casino where he developed many friendships with the dealers and pit bosses. They treated him like family. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude for the exceptional kindness and excellent care provided to him at home by Joe Pauze, a personal friend, his personal home caregivers, and the staff and doctors at the SAH, who tended so gently and caringly to Walter through his illness. A special thank you to Brandy Mitchell with her compassion and help in caring for Walter at home through the last few years. At Walter's request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorial donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Walter, you were loved by many, and will be dearly missed. You will always be in our hearts and memories. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).