On Thursday, June 18th, our Lord called Johanna "Hannchen" Kalau to her heavenly home in her 101st year. Johanna lived a remarkable life, richly blessed with faith, family, and friends across two continents.

Johanna was born on February 2, 1926, the eldest of the three children of Rudolf and Berta Bensler. She spent her childhood near the banks of the Vistula River in Lenzen (West Prussia), Poland, alongside her brothers, Siegesmund and Rudy. Following the Second World War, Johanna fled Soviet-occupied Poland and, in 1948, travelled alone to Canada aboard the SS Beaverbrae. She eventually settled with family in Kitchener, Ontario, where she would build a life marked by resilience, service, and love.

In Kitchener, Johanna became part of the vibrant German-Canadian community and married Matthew Leitner in 1950. Her life changed dramatically with Matthew's illness and untimely death from atherosclerosis. Johanna's spirit of perseverance and keen sense of humour carried her through difficult years. She opened her home to many newcomers to Canada, helping them establish themselves in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. She was an active member of the Schwaben Club and an original member of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she celebrated both her Christian faith and heritage in her adopted homeland.

In 1971, Johanna married Leonard Drung and lovingly embraced his children, Bernie (Helga) of Waterloo and Arnold (Cheri) of West Montrose, as her own. Following Leonard's sudden death in 1975, she worked tirelessly to provide for the family she cherished. Throughout her working years, she was a respected employee of Cluett, Peabody and Company, the John Forsyth Company, and the Kaufman Shoe Company.

In 1984, Johanna married John Kalau of Kitchener and warmly welcomed the further growth of her family. Through that marriage she gained children, Harry (Linda) of Waterloo, Sharon (Dennis) of Sherwood Park, Shirley of Calgary, and Sheila of Kitchener. Together Johanna and John enjoyed their retirement, travelling and creating beautiful gardens at their home on Krug St. Following John's passing in 2007, Johanna continued to be grateful for the love of the Kalau family.

Among the greatest blessings of Johanna's life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she delighted in spoiling with treats and affection whenever she could. Johanna is survived by Brandon Drung (Shauna), Chelsea Lynch (Greg), and Katie Santos (Alan); Jeremy Drung (Katie), Benjamin Drung (Laura), and Jacob Drung; Brianna Cable; Kaylie Doerner; Ian Kalau (Nicole), Jessica Kalau, and Erin Kalau; as well as her great-grandchildren Lauryn and Teagan Almeida; Riva and Charli Kalau; Hannah, Levi, and Hank Santos; Lucy and Leo Lynch; Eleanor Drung; and Beckett Drung.

Johanna was predeceased by her parents, beloved brothers and their wives, Elfrieda and Marjorie, as well as nephews Kim Bensler and Robbie Bensler. She will be dearly missed by nephews Chadwick Bensler (Camille) and Andrew Bensler; niece Angela Wiebe (Shane) and their children, Joelle and Josiah; her extended family throughout Canada, the United States, and Germany; and her many godchildren.

Anyone who knew Johanna, knew her gift for hospitality. Whether through a delicious home-cooked meal, one of her many cakes, or a conversation that could last for hours, she delighted in welcoming others and making them feel at home.

Johanna faced many hardships with courage and faith, and her enduring spirit and sense of humour strengthened both her and those around her throughout her life. She immigrated to a new country alone, learned a new language, worked long hours to support her family, and endured the loss of three beloved husbands. Yet she never allowed hardship to define her - instead, her belief in Christ sustained her and gave her confidence in the future God had prepared for her. She was quick to remind those she loved, with a hug, a kiss, and a warm smile, that she loved them and, more importantly, that God loved them. Johanna's generosity touched countless lives, and she was blessed in return by the kindness and generosity of many. Her family rejoices in the promise fulfilled for her now: that she rests with her Saviour and joins the company of saints, family, and friends in the eternal joy of Heaven.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at PeopleCare A.R. Goudie, Edna Place, where Johanna spent her final years surrounded by compassionate caregivers. Special thanks are also extended to the warm-hearted team at Kitchener Home Care Services, whom Johanna affectionately called "her girls," and whose dedicated care allowed her to remain in her own home until the age of 96.

Visitation for Johanna will be held at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, Kitchener on Sunday, June 21st, from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm. Visitation will continue at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kitchener, Ontario, on Monday, June 22nd, 2026 from 10-10:45 am, followed by the The Service of Christian Burial, at 11:00 am. Rev. Paul Roggow officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Kitchener. Thereafter, a reception for all will be held at Henry Walser Funeral Home. Those unable to attend may join the service via live stream at www.henrywalser.com/our-services/live-streaming-webcasting.

Johanna was known for her generosity and would be grateful for memorial donations made in her memory. Those wishing to do so may support the Concordia Lutheran Mission Society or Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26.

Visit www.henrywalser.com for Johanna's memorial.

Recent Obituaries

Message History

Delivery option(s)