Christiane Maria Volpel was born in Germany December 11, 1936. Growing up in Germany during WW2 shaped her outlook on life. At age 18 she married Gunter Volpel, her childhood sweetheart and they shared an exciting and dynamic life together for 69 years. In 1959, the couple along with their 5 year old daughter Elfi, immigrated to America.
Coming to America and speaking no English, those wartime lessons of making due with very little served the young family well and they prospered.
Christiane exemplified the 1950’s Housewife with a bit of Jackie O’s flair for style. She always took pride in her appearance and Gunter was proud to always have her by his side. They were a team and built themselves an exceptional life in America. They always enjoyed traveling and after retirement in 1973 traveled extensively- Australia, New Zealand, Figi, Hawaii, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, England, Ireland, Scotland, all of Europe and the United States and especially Alaska.
The dynamic duo especially enjoyed catching fish and Christiane’s culinary prowess made for exceptional dining in their home.
In 2004, Christiane and Gunter permanently moved to Coos Bay. The exceptional fishing and the fact that the climate in Oregon resembles Germany made the couple feel they had come home.
Their fishing boat, Tina2 was named after Christiane. She was an avid and competitive fisher women often catching more salmon than Gunter.
Christiane was proceeded in death by their daughter Elfi Merle and husband Gunter Volpel. She leaves behind her daughter Nicole Stagner of Coos Bay and Grandson Benjamin Merle and Great Granddaughter Frieda Merle of Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Christiane succumbed to the ravages of Dementia on June 10, 2025.
She passed away in the loving arms of her daughter Nicole into the Glory of Heaven where Gunter was waiting for her. Her charm and smile will be missed by all who knew her.
Services will be held on July 7th at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in North Bend at 2pm with Coffee and cake served afterwards.
Wishing to be together in death as in life, Gunter and Christiane’s ashes will be spread together by their family.
