Wencke (Wagner - that was how I met her back in the late 1980's) was my German sister, she was our German exchange student while I was in high school, in the United States (Colorado). I have no words as to how devastating this news is, she was a truly special person. We kept in touch over the years, visited each other and their families and made wonderful memories. My heart is with Albert and the kids during this time. Love always. 

Dear friends and family of Wencke,

When I think of Wencke, her HUGE spirit, her love of nature, and the void you must know in this time, I remember a Jewish prayer that has become a part of my life:

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.

God hold you close in this time. Peace to you: Wencke has joined "the great immensity" too soon, but please remember that you are not left alone. Fondly, Twila (Keith's friend who 'somehow' was blessed to be connected to your lives)

Dear Albert, Abigail and Vincent,
We are so sorry and deeply saddened to hear that you are going through a very difficult time. We will always remember Wencke and the wonderful moments our families shared during our time in St. Kitts.
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort.

Some of our best memories in St Kitts were side to side with you and your family. We are very sorry to hear these news and send our condolences. Have great memories grilling in the beach, snorkeling in the reefs and making fun of John and Jason. Our deepest condolences to all of you.
Esteban, Tati, Dani, Luciana and Samuel

Our hearts are with you in this time of tragic loss. May you hold on to all the special memories of Wencke.

Condolences,
Claire Windeyer and Bruce Stover

It was a pleasure to know Wencke and see how her eyes would light up as we discussed imaging in zoo species. My heart goes out to Albert, Abigail, Vincent, and other family members and friends.  Her light was extinguished far too soon.  May your souls be comforted by the good memories of her incredible life.
With sincerest condolences,
Doug Whiteside

We remember Wencke with such fondness from our time together on St. Kitts. She was interested in everybody and so cheerful and supportive. The world has lost a lovely spirit. Our hearts go out to Albert, Vincent and Abigail.

Sue and Simon

Wencke always had a smile and a kind word when we would see each other. There were days when I was ready to throw in the towel and she would just drive up to pick up the kids with a big smile and say something that would turn the whole day around. I don't know how she did it (or even if she realized she was doing it), but she would always have some word of encouragement that would motivate me to keep going. I often wished that I had her energy.

On the few occasions that our family was able to spend time with Wencke and Albert, Vincent and Abigail, it was very obvious that her family meant the world to her. She would light up when we talked about the kids and she was so proud of the kind and caring children she and Albert were raising. She was also an amazing artist! I doubt there was ever a time in her life that she didn't give her all to whatever she was working on. I wish there had been more opportunities for us to spend time with this wonderful family.

Albert, Abigail, Vincent, our prayers are with you during this very difficult time. You will forever be in our hearts.

Kim, Matt & Kylie

Wencke joined University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the summer of 2019. I got to know her during the interview process and her move to Calgary. Wencke was highly accomplished individual and we were so delighted that she chose to come to Calgary. Now, she is gone, too soon!

My thoughts, prayers and condolences to Albert, Vincent and Abigail and other members of Wencke's family and her friends.   Baljit Singh

My condolences from my family to yours, Albert..thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time.

There are no words. This site is a beautiful tribute. May your memories give you comfort and may you find peace during this difficult time.

I am sorry for your lost. Thinking of you Albert, Vincent & Abigail. During our years in St kitts, I remember Wencke always smiling and her sporty activity So sad for such an early departure of a wonderful and loving mother and wife

Always smiling, always encouraging, always up for the challenge. Hartbeespoort braais, skilpadjies and wine, Magoebaskloof, Drakensberg under a fly sheet, Otter trail, Maboela game ranch, serendipitous meetings in the Cape, speed boat chases, sitting on the sidewalk talking office politics. You made me dream and enriched my life. Till we meet again. Love to Albert, Albigail, Vincent, Dirk, Tati and family.

Dr. du Plessis was a wonderful woman and doctor/professor that I am thankful, grateful and honored I had a chance to receive an education from on diagnostic imaging, something she was truly passionate about. Always so kind to help us struggling students with a difficult topic. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered by Ross veterinarians/community as well as many other people and veterinary lives she has touched in many other places. May you Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

I met Wencke (Wagner) as she was known then, in 2000 when she joined the Faculty of Vet Science in Pretoria. She had just come from Germany to do a dissertion on ostriches. I will never forget the dedication and unparalleled enthusiasm afforded to these smelly cadavers! But that was who Wencke was, nothing was ever lukewarm, there was always 200% fullout motivation and dedication, even in the most challenging circumstances. Always smiling and positive. My condolences to Albert and the children.
Bis wir uns wieder sehen, Wencke..

The few glimpses I had of Wencke in my life has been memorable, a truly intelligent woman with a lot of guts.
Our sincere condolences.

Charles & Emsie Macdonald

So sorry to hear about this. Thinking of Albert and the kids during this difficult time. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.

Dr. du Plessis truly had a love for teaching. Diagnostic imaging was her passion and she truly wanted you to understand it and if you didn’t she was always eager to help. Ross has truly lost a great one. I’m My God hold her family during this difficult time.

It was a true joy to know Wencke and her family during our years in St. Kitts. She was an amazing mother and wife, a dynamic teacher, and a supportive friend. Sending love and prayers to Albert, Abigail and Vincent.

An amazing human, friend and professor, You will truly be missed. Forever in my heart. Yours truly- Herdest

Dr. du Plessis was my professor for Diagnostic Imaging at Ross University. She was one of the most intelligent and caring professors. I had a particularly hard time with ultrasound imaging. During one of our hands-on labs, she explained concepts I struggled with in multiple ways to ensure understanding all while being incredibly patient. When I thanked her, she responded, “I want all of you to be able to learn and use your knowledge to be the best veterinarians.” It was one of the most genuine experiences I can remember with a professor. I could tell she truly loved sharing her knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Gone too soon….a humble heart...gone to soon...we will miss you...gone too soon. ….Rest in peace Wencke du Plessis.

Now, the angels rejoice as a good soul has made its way home

My sincere sympathy to her husband, Mr. Albert and children. Jah guidance and protect.

Every time we did something with Wencke, we were amazed at her strength and physical ability! She could kick our butts with her natural ability. She was so passionate about teaching students diagnostic imaging and I attended talks she gave on best methods for assessing students and delivering critical thinking skills. She could make a mean soup for dinner and loved to go on adventures. We will terribly miss you and your smile!

John, Linda, Sarah, and Gabe

Dr. du Plessis was one of my diagnostic imaging professors— my heart is heavy to learn this. Her love for, and devotion to, veterinary medicine was very apparent in her energy and teaching style. She will always be remembered and appreciated for her contributions to our education, and eventual careers, in veterinary medicine. ♥️ My sincere condolences...