Ursula Muckenheim
1929 – 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ursula Anna Muckenheim, on Thursday, October 24th, 2024, at age 95. Beloved wife for 41 years of the late Dieter Muckenheim, Mother to Peter (Sheila), Ron (the late Karen), and the late Fred.

She will be dearly missed by her Grandchildren, Darryl (step-grandson); Benjamin and Christopher. She is pre-deceased by her loving sister Renate and brother Walter. Loving daughter of the late Max and Margarete Knappe, and Lilo (stepmother). Tante (Aunt) Ursula to Oliver, Stephanie, Martin, Michael, Stephen, Robinlea, late niece Dayna, late nephew Jeffrey, Ursula, and late nephew Martin.

Ursula was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and worked on a chicken farm in her teens. She married Dieter in 1952 and the couple emigrated to Canada the next year to start a new life. By ship she arrived in Canada (Halifax) in December, and then took the trains to Toronto and Kitchener to join Dieter, who had arrived three months earlier.

At first life in their new country was challenging for the young couple. Learning a new language and working at various jobs in addition to Dieter’s cabinetmaking and furniture building, to make ends meet. Dieter also even tried worm-picking on golf courses for a while, and some construction work.

In 1965 our family together with Dieter’s brother and family came to the Parry Sound area where they started the Reptile House, and Bear Den Trading Post, which attracted many visitors over the years. They also continued to grow the soapstone-carving business that Dieter had started a few years earlier, to include sculptures sold wholesale across our nation. In 1967 the two families opened the Wolf Den in Parry Sound. Through hard work and innovation, they enjoyed many years of success.

For many years Ursula was very busy in the family retail and wholesale businesses, in accounting, book-keeping, as a store clerk, and as occasional barbecue chef and server.

She was a fine cook, and had a passion for gardening and her flowers, as well for the hummingbirds they attracted. She loved being by the lake and swimming, sometimes with the family’s pet St. Bernards. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, table tennis, yoga and mini-golf were fond pursuits which she continued into her 80s. Cribbage was her favourite card game, and she was sharp and rarely lost, even though she would never ‘steal’ points that her opponents had missed in their own hands - she would simply smile and say “ahem”, pretending to clear her throat, and wait for the points to be noticed.

In the 1970s and 1980s she enjoyed her travels and getaways with her husband to the Florida ocean and orange grove. In later years, as an active member of the Probus club she arranged excursions to numerous events across the province, including live theatre, boat cruises, art galleries, and science exhibits above and below the earth’s surface.

Ursula was a caring and compassionate person who loved her family and friends dearly. She will be missed by all who knew her.

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.

We would like to give our heartfelt thank-you, to the staffs of Lakeland Long-Term Care and the Serenity Seniors Residence, for the outstanding care and support they provided for Ursula.

Donations to Lakeland Long Term Care, or West Parry Sound Health Centre would be greatly appreciated.

Condolences

Deepest condolences from our family to yours. We will miss her. Rest in peace.

Hi Ron and Peter. My Mom told me that your Mother has gone - very sad - Petra and me send you our deepest condolences. Ursula's age was outstanding. so we´ll keep her in our mind and hearts. stay healthy and prosper. Best regards.

My thoughts are with Peter and Ron on the loss of their mom and the whole Muckenheim family during this sad time. Tante Ursula and I shared many wonderful times together and I will never forget her.

In memory of our dear Aunt Usch, we would like to express our sadness at her passing. Your warm, thoughtful and loving nature will be remembered forever. We wish Peter and Ronald and their families a lot of strength to get through this sad time. Michael Buttlar & Family