Edward “Ed” Woelk passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21st, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, perseverance, service, and gratitude.
Born in 1935 in the Mennonite Molotchna Colony in Waldheim, Ukraine, Ed experienced firsthand the hardships of war, displacement, and uncertainty. As a child, he and his family were forced to flee their homeland during World War II, joining thousands of refugees on the arduous Great Trek across Eastern Europe. After surviving years of upheaval and hardship in refugee camps in Germany, Ed’s family found hope through the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), which helped them immigrate to Canada and begin a new life.
Settling eventually in Gem, Alberta, Ed embraced the opportunities of his new homeland. He moved to Calgary and built a successful 38-year career with CP Rail, and in 1962, married the love of his life, Kay. Together they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Shannon, and lived a busy life full of family, friends, church, and music. He found great joy for many years singing barbershop in the Stampede City Men’s Chorus, and years later he would renew that joy, singing in the Tofield Men’s Chorus and with his small men’s group, the Lamplighters.
Following his retirement in 1990, Ed and Kay devoted countless hours to MCC and other volunteer organizations, helping others in need and giving back to the organization that gave them so much.
In 1995, Ed and Kay fulfilled a life’s dream and moved to a beautiful acreage near Tofield, Alberta, where they raised Morgan horses, enjoyed community and church life, and spent wonderful time with family, especially their grandchildren. They eventually moved into town and made Tofield their happy forever home.
Throughout his life, Ed remained deeply grateful for God’s love and guidance, and for the communities that welcomed him and his family with open hearts. Their kindness helped transform his journey as a refugee into a life filled with hope, faith, belonging, and gratitude.
Ed is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Shannon Matson; son-in-law Ken Matson; and grandsons Kai Matson and Beck Matson of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Cody Reid and his wife, Tammy Reid, and great-grandson Ares Reid of Edmonton; granddaughter Jessica Reid of Edmonton; and granddaughter Taylor Reid of Spruce Grove.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kay Woelk; his dear daughter, Jennifer Reid; his mother, Susan Woelk; his brothers, Jake Woelk and Henry Woelk; and his sister, Agnes Dueck.
Ed will be lovingly remembered for his warm spirit, kind heart, and great generosity. He will be deeply missed.
Memorial service to be held Saturday, November 7th, 3:00 pm at Tofield Community Church, 4619 57 Ave, Tofield, AB. Memorial donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee.
