Renate Leutschaft

Renate (Reni) Leutschaft
May 26, 1934 – October 24,2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother Renate (Reni) Leutschaft.

Renate was born on the Island of Rugen on May 26, 1934, to Irma and Alfred Salkowsky. She was the second oldest of four children. She was met by her older sister Inge, and later Heinz and then Peter. Later, the family moved to Berlin where Renate’s family had a bakery. There was nothing like the fresh smell of baked bread early in the morning. This is where mom learned her wonderful baking skills.

In 1939 World War 2 broke out in Europe lasting 5 years imposing many hardships on the family. She often talked about the sirens and the bombs being dropped, something that a child should never endure.

Mom sailed to Canada in 1954 to visit her sister who had already immigrated to Canada in a town called Quibell. That visit turned into a lifetime after she met the love of her life Oscar. They met at a dance in the Old Quibell School. Dad wasn’t much of a dancer but being from the city, mom was very disciplined in her dance. She often said …I didn’t know if dad was doing the foxtrot or the Polka. Oscar and Reni were married on March 12, 1955. They had five children, Peter (Susan), Sharon (Randy), Harold (Patti), Ben (Susie), and Curt (Caren). She enjoyed her grandchildren immensely; Steve, Audi (John), Kelly, Cori (Riza), Chelsie (Mike), Aaron (Lisa), Jeramie (Jessie), Ashley (Trevor), Sarah (Phillip) and Ryan (Michelle) and many great- grand children.

Mom loved the outdoors; she loved to fish and go partridge hunting on their 160-acre property. She liked to spend time at the cabin on Canyon Lake that she and Dad had built. She loved to cook and preserve vegetables from her garden. Nothing would make her happier than when she would have company come over and she would put on the coffee pot and make sure she had baking on the table. She’d always say, “fill your faces” She will always be remembered for her donuts!

Mom was always a homemaker. After the kids were grown, she ventured out and started tree planning in the spring for the Ministry. She enjoyed the bus ride into the bush with a bunch of women. She also enjoyed picking cones for the ministry. She enjoyed the outdoors and all that it had to offer. She loved to pick blueberries, raspberries and mushrooms. She would often take us along to pick blueberries, but it was so much easier to pick out of moms’ bucket. She loved music. She often played in church or for the seniors or for any other community function that was happening in our area. She would often bring her guitar and sing her German songs that brought a tear to your eye with her quiet angelic voice.

Mom was predeceased by her sister Inge, and brothers Peter and Heinz. Her parents Irma and Alfred Salkowsky, and her son Peter. Her in-laws Elizabeth and Joseph Leutshaft.

Mom was Auntie Reni to so many children from our little town of Quibell. She always had gum or a mini chocolate bar in her purse for the kids. She will be missed by her church, her friends, and her neighbours and most of all, us.

A special thank you to all the doctors and nurses at the Thunder Bay and Dryden Hospital. Thank you for your kindness and your compassion and your professionalism. Mom appreciated everything you have done for her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Upper Falls Baptist Church on Hwy. 105 in Vermilion Bay, (Red Lake Road) with John Snyder officiating. Interment to follow in the Quibell Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared at https://aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/renate-leutschaft

If friends so desire donations can be made to Upper Falls Baptist Church, Vermilion Bay, Ontario P0V 2V0 or through Aurora Funeral Services.

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2