Rudolf Traxel
September 25, 1931 – December 8, 2025
Our Papa Rudolf Traxel or “Rudy” as he was known to his friends and
associates, lived his life as a hardworking, dedicated family man. He proudly
operated a small painting business, G&R Decorators, for more than 30 years
before retiring at 59.
Rudolf spent his retirement tending his garden, caring for his flowers, and
enjoying time in the yard of his northeast Beverly home in Edmonton along
with the love of his life, Elviere (Loffelbein) whom he married on December
18, 1954. They raised their three children there, and then as empty nesters
shared many happy years not only together in their garden but also at their
cherished hideaway north of Smoky Lake Alberta. There, he cultivated an
additional substantial garden and also built a custom smoker for the jackfish
and perch he caught in nearby lakes.
Rudolf was a longtime member of the Männerchor Liederkranz where he
enjoyed many years performing in concerts, at dances, and many cultural celebrations all over Western Canada and even multiple trips to his homeland – Germany! He and Elviere also traveled extensively after retirement on their own and enjoyed touring and learning about the many different locations that piqued their interest!
Social time was always a highlight. Coffee and cake, lovingly made by Elviere, welcomed every visit, with a good card game being a favorite and regular pastime. Stampede Wrestling along with a glass of red wine was always a can’t miss on Saturday afternoons!
When Elviere became too ill and had to be moved into full time care, Rudolf immediately transitioned from his Beverly House to an Independent Senior’s apartment at Shepherds Care Millwoods Manor. There he could be closer to his ailing wife. He lived there independently, building a new life with new friends especially after Elviere’s passing in April of 2017. He was very content in his apartment. He made friends easily and had a very self-satisfying routine in place.
Recent months proved difficult for Rudolf. Multiple hospital visits determined full-time care and in July, he arrived at the Gerald Zetter Center only to struggle with this latest transition. On December 6th, Rudy was taken to the U of A Hospital where he passed peacefully on December 8th with his two sons present.
Rudolf is survived by his sister Ella, children, Sieglinde, Gerhard (Connie), Rolf (Lea), his many grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by 6 siblings, Theodore, Paulina, Emma, Peter, Gustav, Eduard, his wife Elviere, son in law Jack Koning and granddaughter Julia Carter.
Rudolf’s family would like to thank:
The staff and friends 3rd floor Shepherds Care Millwoods Manor.
The staff and friends 3rd floor Gerald Zetter Center.
The staff at University of Alberta Hospital 5D-3.
A special thank you to all who visited Rudolf regularly especially in the last few years!
Rudolf approached life with discipline and enthusiasm. To him, hard work was “a means to an end,” and the true reward was the pride of accomplishment. The memories of earlier hardships shaped his resilience and fueled his determination never to give up. Truth, honesty, and respect were values he lived by daily. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him! Rudolf Traxel was 94 years young! A celebration of Rudolf’s life will be determined in the Spring.