Frank Kluscarits

Toronto, Ontario Frank Kluscarits participated actively in the climax of many carnival celebrations in Ontario and by doing so he has delivered many humorous speeches that had not been read from a script but came from the heart. His speeches had been delivered in rhyming fashion in the form of a "Büttenrede", a speech from the "Bütte" or barrel as is custom during the carnival season in Germany. Frank loved the pomp, the ceremony and the excitement that went with the Carnival celebrations and emulated as a role model for young people to get involved in the culture and custom of carnival in his new homeland in Canada.

Frank Kluscarits gives a toast at the Harmonie Club 1975

Also being active in the co-founding and trustee of the German Canadian Museum he made many good and lasting friends.

Frank was born on September 12, 1921 in Grossmuerdich, Austria where he grew up during the depression. Then later he became conscripted into the German Army to serve in Greece and under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in Africa. His nephew Erich and niece Rosa fondly remember when he came home from army leave bringing with him scarce oranges as a special treat. In December 1954 Frank came to Canada where he married Rita Hentschal who prematurely died of cancer.

A plaque for Frank Kluscarits

On January 21, 2009 Frank died of a stroke while driving a car, thus resulting in a fatal accident. Subsequently being cremated and now resting at Parkland Cemetery in Toronto. A memorial service was held January 31, 2009 at the Church of Saint Mark-Lutheran Church in Mississauga. The Officiating Pastor Jeffrey G. Miskus included the words in the sermon "I go to prepare a place for you, yes, and as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death dear god shall comfort Frank".

Frank's 71st birthday 1992

An exemplary member of the German Canadian community will be missed. And we shall remember Frank with a smiling face.

Rolf A. Piro