Obituary of Louis (Alois) and Magdalena Durnbeck

Louis (Alois) Durnbeck, July 11, 1929-February 14, 2021 and Magadalena Durnbeck, March 30, 1928-February 20, 2021

We are heartbroken to announce to the loss of our dear Mother and Father. Theirs was a true love story. Neither wished to live without the other and they passed on just six days apart. Their wishes were granted.

Alois (Louis) Durnbeck was born in Vienna, Austria, on July 11, 1929 to the late Aloisia Durnbeck and Josef Derkits. Magdalena Durnbeck (Pollinger) was born on March 30, 1928, to the late Adam Pollinger and Magdalena Pollinger in Filopova, Yugoslavia. Louis and Magdalena passed away on Feb.14 and Feb.20, 2021, respectively. They are together again after less than a week apart.

Lena’s early years were spent in a small village in Yugoslavia, Filipova. Life there was peaceful and simple until “partisans” arrived. They forced all the men deemed adults to dig their own graves and killed them. The women and children were imprisoned in a primitive camp where many died, including Lena’s sister Eva. Lena suffered many illnesses there including malaria under extremely barbaric conditions but she, her mother, two sisters and a number of others managed to escape and make it to Austria. Lena met Alois there.

Alois had attended boarding school in Vienna as a youth and worked on farms and as a butcher. He didn’t have a chance when he met Lena and they fell in love and were married. The couple left for Canada in 1952, with only a few dollars and a newborn son, Louis. They loved their chosen country and were proud Canadians who lovingly flew the Maple Leaf Flag. They were deeply grateful to the Pollingers of Pelee Island who had sponsored them.
After first working on farms and then as a custodian at Windsor’s Labelle Building, Louis became a Met Life Agent when he impressed the Manager there. He later went into business for himself as a general insurance agent with his friend and partner Roy Wittke. They did business for many years as Wittke and Durnbeck Insurance Brokers and had a solid reputation for high ethical standards that served them well. He became an Honourary Lifetime Member of the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario.

Lena had her hands full with two sons when Richard was born in 1955. With the loving help of her mother, Magdalena, she was also able to work outside the home, most notably at Assumption College and Dahl Specialties. She was a home economics wizard who could cook the most wonderful meals, sew like a tailor, and bake with the very best. She was also a terrific gardener whose specialty was roses. She got a big kick out of the Windsor Star featuring her garden in the newspaper one year.

Louis and Lena joined the St. Michael’s German Catholic Church early on. Louis served as an Usher and was an active member of the Catholic Men’s Society. Lena participated in the activities of the Catholic Women’s League, helping in the kitchen for Church community events and baking up a storm at home for special occasions at the Church Hall. She loved giving and doing.

As members of the Windsor Teutonia Club, Louis and Lena danced away many evenings with their friends. They were wonderful dancers and made a beautiful couple gliding around the floor. Louis also served on the Board there for several terms. They also had fun with friends in the five-pin bowling league they enjoyed for years. Later in life Louis discovered the joys (and frustrations) of golf. He enjoyed league play and joined Pointe West Golf Club where he loved playing with his sons whenever possible.

Lena and Louis had many friends along the way and appreciated them all. They spent several summers in their camper at a seasonal trailer park in Rodney with their spunky little canine pal Betsy with whom they made many new friends. They were very deeply loved by their family and closest friends. They are survived by their son Richard, their son Louis (Jr) and his much loved fiancée Toni. Louis is also survived by his two much loved and loving sisters, Anneliese Falterbauer-Richter in Boca Raton, Florida, and Helga Saltzmann in Vienna Austria. Their husbands, Bruno and Hans were deeply appreciated by Lena and Louis.

Sincere thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at the Fourth Floor of Met Hospital who provided care and comfort to Louis during these dangerous Covid times. Lena’s care at home was under the supervision of the Windsor Hospice and a team of Nurses and PSWs from Para-Med, Care Partners and the E-Shift staff who served overnights. Again, Covid was a high-risk factor. Everyone has been very caring and extremely helpful, and we deeply appreciate all your efforts and guidance. We also thank Fr. John Pirt who took time to visit Lena at home near the end to perform the Last Rites. That meant a lot to her and to us all.

We wish to also remember and acknowledge the love and kindness of Mike and Mariette Ackermann, Domenic and Iolanda Luciani and a great neighbour and friend, Peter Theos. God bless you all. To our support team at Windsor Chapel, particularly Funeral Director John Lalonde and our pal Scott Webster, thank you.

Rest in Peace Mom and Dad. You are together forever, no doubt stomping up a polka storm and gliding heavenly waltzes with grace and style to the lasting amusement of the angels cheering you on. You were the best parents anyone could have a right to hope for and more than we deserved. You will be always in our thoughts and in our hearts.

Arrangements entrusted to WINDSOR CHAPEL (Central Chapel) 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E., 519-253-7234. Their wishes will be respected in that there are to be no formal services. Cremation has taken place and interment will follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. The family would much appreciate all Holy Masses dedicated to their remembrance. They asked for nothing more. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com