Marianne Helga Hove
May 4, 1968 - April 15, 2025
Marianne Helga Hove (née Kalk), age 56, of Barrhead, Alberta, passed away on April 15, 2025, surrounded by her family after a post-surgery illness.
Marianne was born on May 4, 1968, in Celle, Germany, to Gisela and Siegfried Kalk. In 1977, she arrived in Canada with her parents and younger brother, Manfred Kalk, to settle on land near Gardenview. The Kalk family started a dairy farm. Initially there was no electricity and Marianne recalled doing homework by candlelight. Soon, the farm was modernized and expanded. Marianne attended school in Barrhead, participating in community theater and spending time with friends. She graduated from Lorne Jenken High School in 1987.
She found work at the Barrhead Legion and the pub at the Barrhead Inn. Many will recall her knack for remembering everyone’s drink orders. Marianne was very social and always knew what was happening in the community. She carried this ability until the end of her life, when she still followed all Barrhead connections and events. Marianne was an animal lover and owned and bred several dogs over the years. She especially loved Dachshounds.
Marianne met Roland (Rollie) Hove in 1999, soon joining him on his farm in Rich Valley. In a burst of spontaneity, they traveled to Las Vegas to get married in 2003. Rollie and Marianne had three children: Emmy Kalk-Hove, Stephanie Kalk-Hove, and Oliver Kalk-Hove. Sadly, Marianne and Rollie only shared a few years together as Rollie passed away from cancer in the spring of 2004.
Marianne continued to live on the farm but in 2013 suffered a massive stroke at the age of 44. Over the next 12 years, Marianne was in and out of medical care as she adjusted to challenges of life after a stroke. While her children moved to be with their Uncle and Aunt in Edmonton, Marianne remained steadfast about staying connected and involved in their lives.
Marianne will always be remembered for her quirky sense of humour, generosity (she loved gift giving), and was often described as a character. She enjoyed a good game of cards, watching a hockey game, a shot of Jagermeister, and singing along to outlaw country music. Marianne loved the Christmas season and spent much time reveling in the festivities. Many will remember her dedication to making and sharing mulled wine at the Barrhead pub every Christmas Eve.
Marianne is survived by her children Emmy Kalk-Hove (Noah Young), Stephanie Kalk-Hove (Adam Vreudge), and Oliver Kalk-Hove; mother Gisela Kalk (Herbert Prem); brother Manfred Kalk (Laura Manuel); nieces Claire Kalk-Manuel and Anna Kalk-Manuel. She is predeceased by her husband Roland Hove; and father Siegfried Kalk.
Marianne will be buried in Rich Valley. A memorial service will be held on April 28, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Rose Garden Chapel in Barrhead, Alberta. A luncheon will follow at the Barrhead United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Barrhead Animal Rescue Society (BARS).
