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249 Grand Trunk Ave, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3

Wilfred Burgstaler October 2, 1958 - November 22, 2022

Date of Funeral

December 3, 2022

On November 22, at the age of 64, Wilfred Edward Burgstaler entered the gates of Heaven when he passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his closest loved ones.

Wilfred was born on October 2, 1958, in Dryden to Ed and Irma Burgstaler. He was the 5th of their 6 children and spent his childhood swimming and fishing in Thunder Lake. It was obvious from an early age he had inherited his father’s passion for the outdoors.

In 1980, Wilfred married Judy (Froese). Together they spent 42 years building an amazing life filled with the joys of raising 2 boys, Sunday suppers at his parents’ house, fish fries with family and friends, and a 40-year career in real estate- spent mostly with the amazing staff at Austin and Austin. As busy as he was, he always took the time to lend a listening ear and offer a word or two of advice when needed. This was how he became a father figure to so many, which was a role he truly cherished. His greatest passions in life were his family, fishing, and hunting. He took every opportunity he could to share the outdoors with those he loved. Even when no one could join him, he didn’t hesitate to take to the lake every chance he got (rain or shine). Throughout his life, Wilfred was a community volunteer and advocate- working with many local and regional organizations to help educate others about the outdoors, and to protect land access so that others could continue to enjoy the things he was so passionate about. One of these initiatives was carrying on his father’s legacy within the Dryden Conservation Club.  In 2004 he received the provincial Volunteer Service Award for all his hard work and dedication.

Wilfred is pre-deceased by his parents Edward and Irmgard Burgstaler, and numerous other relatives.

He is survived by his wife Judy, sons Curtis (Laura) and Trevor, and his beloved grandson Oliver. He is also survived by his siblings – Christine Wiley of Toronto, Erwin Burgstaler of Dryden, Barbara Morrison of Penticton, Peter (Karen) Burgstaler of Dryden, and Eddie (Kerry) Burgstaler of Dryden. He will forever be remembered by his lifelong friends Chris Thiel and Greg Coombs, as well as his “pain in the butt” dog Tyke. He will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, the friends who cast a rod with him over the years, and his poker buddies who now stand a chance of winning.

Wilfred’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Bester, Dr. Cook, Dr. Goulet and all of the staff at the Dryden Regional Health Centre, the Dryden Oncology Unit, and the Thunder Bay Cancer Centre for their kind and compassionate care that even included phone calls and house visits in Wilfred’s final days.

Please join us in celebrating Wilfred via YouTube at drydenlutheran.ca/streams/

A memorial service to remember Wilfred will be held on December 3rd at 11:00 at the Our Saviour Lutheran Church with Pastor Alex Timm officiating. Lunch to follow. Internment of ashes will take place at a later date.

Condolences(11)

  1. REPLY
    Anne Berrey says

    I miss our great discussions wilfred….it was always a delight to listen and laugh with you. Really interesting to see you sharing your recipes…your thoughtfulness and caring to each of us…unique in so many ways…including your smile and smirk! My sincere condolences to Judy and families….may your memories be a blessing…

    • REPLY
      Donna says

      ❤️💝

  2. REPLY
    Greg and Debbie says

    Our deepest sympathies to Judy and the rest of the Burgstaler family. Rest in peace Wilf.

  3. REPLY
    Barbara says

    My deepest condolences to the family. I knew Wilfred professionally and always enjoyed the opportunity to chat with him about real estate, appraisals and just life in general.

  4. REPLY
    Randy Dean says

    Erwin & Family
    We want to extend or deepest condolences over your loss.
    We will keep you and all your family in our prayers.
    Micheline & Randy Dean

  5. REPLY
    Francine Higgins says

    Dear Judy & family & the Burgstaler family…
    Please accept our most sincere condolences.
    Thinking of you all at this time.
    Fran & Jamie Higgins

  6. REPLY
    Donna says

    RIP glad I got to see you at Chris’s this summer.my sincerest condolences

  7. REPLY
    Guy Ueland says

    RIP Wif, my condolences to the Burgstaler family. He was always friendly, ccrdial and upbeat to me.

  8. REPLY
    Cindy O’Brien(Enge) says

    Sorry for your passing.
    I wish i had one more time to say to you, hey bean bag!.
    The last time we spoke was when your where a pallbearer at Carl’s passing in 1988.
    So at this time , your at peace, pain free,.

  9. REPLY
    Kim C. Coulas says

    sorry to see your brother has passed Peter…..condolences to you….and his family….

  10. REPLY
    Marycath Bleich says

    Dear Judy, Curtis, Laura and Oliver, Trevor,
    When Carl mentioned Wilf had passed, my heart went immediately to each of you. Remembering our early days on Second Street and getting to know you.
    With love from the Bleich family

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