Edith Gunhild (Nelson) Humbke

On April 29, 2025, Edith Humbke slipped quietly through the gates of heaven only two weeks shy of her 99th birthday.

Edith Gunhild Nelson was born May 13, 1926 in Hotagens, Jamtland, Sweden to parents Nels and Alva Nelson. She was the first of what was to become a family of six girls and one boy. At the tender age of 2, she and her mother and little sister Annie, 7 months, immigrated to Canada, to join their father who had moved to Canada earlier to work. 

Edith was raised in the Gwynne and Clover Lawn area. Being the eldest, Edith soon learned much about cleaning, cooking, and helping with children. She left school as soon as she was able and began a career of helping others with their households. She worked for Hank and Florence Johnson, Henry’s sister, and that may be how Henry and Edith were introduced. After Henry and Edith married in 1945, they farmed in the Haultain district until 1972, when they moved to Red Deer and lived there until retirement. 

Summers were spent camping whenever possible, and they made good use of their motorhome for many years, enjoying fishing trips to various lakes in central Alberta. 

Edith is survived by her sons, Brian (Carolyn), Terry (Donna); grandchildren, Shane, Brandon (Jenn), Greg (Kim), Dylan (Brittany), Candace; great-grandchildren, Cody (Jennifer), Bailey (Colin), Addie, Brea, Cash, Liam, Brody, Tanner, Easton, Harper, Mila; great-great-grandson, Everett; sister, Norma, brother, Gerald (Sharon) Nelson; and brother-in-law, Ed Johnson. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry; grandson, Steven; parents, Nels and Alva Nelson; sisters, Annie (Gordon Welda), Gladys (Casey Edinga), Doris (Don Groves), Florence Johnson; brother-in-law, Bill McCoy. 

A Celebration of Life luncheon will take place at the Wetaskiwin Seniors Centre on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. with a private family graveside service to take place prior. In memory of Edith, donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S Air ambulance or the charity of the donors choice.  

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