Wednesday, January 29, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 29, 2025.

Henry Friesen

1940 – 2025

Henry Victor Friesen, beloved husband of Darla Friesen, passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the age of 84 years.

The Funeral Service will be held at University Drive Alliance Church, 55 Columbia Boulevard West, Lethbridge on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.

Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

GRUNINGER, Michael “Mike”

GRUNINGER It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Francis Gruninger (Mike) at the Chinook Regional Hospital on January 24, 2025, at the age of 91 years.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, he will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years, Faye, and his children, Rick (Danielle), Cheryl (Dean), Alice (Brandt), his grandchildren, Jillian (David), Jacey (Mitchell), Veronica (Troy), Emily (Bob), Angela, Jaylene, Claire, Andrea (Joel), Duane (Danielle) and his great grandchildren, Seth, Senna, and Oliver. He is also survived by his loving brothers, Joe (Diane) Gruninger, and Albert Gruninger. He will also be missed by his cat, Wally, whom only Dad could love.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, seven brothers and three sisters. Mike was also predeceased by some of his furry companions, Sam, Pepper, Salty and Jessie.
Born Mihaly Gyorgy, August 17, 1933, in Magyarpolany, Veszprem, Hungary, Mike came to Canada with his family in 1938 and adopted his stepfather’s name – Gruninger as his legal name. He married Faye Hodgdon on October 17, 1959. They moved to their farm at Whisky Gap in 1965 where they raised their family, farmed and ranched until retirement. In 2017 they moved to Lethbridge where he lived at home until his passing.
At Mike’s request, a private family service will be held on a “blue sky, sunny day with green grass and leaves and dandelions blooming”.
If desired, donations may be made to the Humane Society or Charity of choice.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

LORD, Peter

LORD Peter James Lord, beloved partner of the late Darlene Brassard, passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, January 20, 2025 at the age of 72 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. A Private Family Inurnment will take place in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

QUON, Vivian

VIVIAN QUON 1959 ~ 2025 Vivian Quon of Lethbridge passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the age of 66 years.
Vivian was born on January 1, 1959, little sister to brothers Phil and Richard and cherished daughter of Frank and Marjory Quon. After graduating high school, Vivian studied business at the Lethbridge College, first working Datatron, then working several years at Smith’s Custom Audio Video. She finished her career working 35 years for the Palliser school division.
In her spare time, Vivian played soft ball and was an exceptional bowler, playing mixed league at Galaxy for several years. She was a devoted daughter, loving sister and doting aunt. Her love language was gifting gifts and her generosity was boundless.
Vivian is survived by her mother Marjory Quon; brothers Phil Quon and Richard (Alva) Quon; sister-in-law Sonia Quon; niece Paris Quon; nephew Xavier Quon and cousin Henry Mak. She is predeceased by her father Frank Quon.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Bruce Martin, officiating. To watch the service via livestream please go to, https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Vivian-Quon. A private family Interment will take place.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

COLLINS, Loren

LOREN COLLINS 1948 – 2025 Mr. Loren Collins of Skiff, beloved husband of Mrs. Diane Collins, passed away at Taber Hospital on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 76 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, February 3, 2025 at FOREMOST COMMUNITY HALL, Foremost, Alberta. A private family interment will follow in the Foremost Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

HOUTEKAMER, Shirley

SHIRLEY HOUTEKAMER 1935 ~ 2025 Shirley Margaret Houtekamer (nee Ellis), beloved wife of the late Adrian Houtekamer, of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Edith Cavell Care Centre Saturday January 25, 2025, at the age of 89 years.
Shirley is survived by her two sons: Terry (Pat) of Lethbridge and Blaine (Michelle) of Nova Scotia; two grandchildren: Ryan (Melissa) and Jessica (Josh) Bourque; and great-granddaughter Hazel all also of Nova Scotia
She was predeceased by her husband, Adrian & her parents Harold & Minie.
Shirley was born in Claresholm, Alta. on July 28, 1935. The family lived in Fort Macleod for several years and then moved to Lethbridge where she spent the majority of her school years & graduated from high school. She met Adrian & they were married in Lethbridge June 19, 1954.
Shirley succeeded at everything she put her mind to, like learning to swim when the boys were young so she could swim with them. She excelled at needlework (needlepoint & cross-stitch), enjoyed playing bridge with friends at Bridge Club, was an avid reader and later in life took up lapidary & enjoyed creating jewellery & other items from the precious & semi-precious stones that she cut & polished. She loved travelling & seeing new places & making new friends. She enjoyed spending time with her family & outings & coffee with her friends. Her attitude in life was ‘keep calm & carry on’. She approached everything in life, whether good or bad with calm determination.
Our family would like to thank those who supported Shirley during the last big challenge of her life: living with Alzheimer’s. A huge thanks to all the nursing, recreation & support staff of Edith Cavell Care Centre (Maple Court). You gave the best care to our mom & we knew she was always in safe hands with you. We owe you all an enormous debt of gratitude. Thanks also to Dr. Irwin Li & Dr. Jeffrey Jamieson at Acute Geriatric Services/Alzheimer’s Assessment Unit in the Chinook Regional Hospital for their help & support during the early years following her diagnosis. We greatly appreciated all you did for her & us.
At Shirley’s request, no memorial service will be held. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta & N.W.T
website: http://www.alzheimer.ca/ab
#40, 1202 – 2nd Ave. So. Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3
Phone: 1-866-950-5465 (toll-free)
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

SCHMIDT, Ezrah

EZRAH SCHMIDT 1999 – 2025 Our sorrow is great with the sudden yet peaceful passing of Ezrah Slayer Christensen Schmidt on January 20th at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary at the age of 25 years.
Ezrah had many friends from all periods of his life, from childhood to high school and beyond. We hope to have you all join us to celebrate his life together on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 12:00 pm -2:00 pm at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. Location and time will be updated for the Lethbridge Reception in the coming days.
Interment to be held in Tessier, Saskatchewan on February 1st followed by a reception for close family and friends.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

KOPP, Judith “Judy”

JUDITH “JUDY” KOPP 1946 ~ 2025 Mrs. Judith “Judy” Evelyn Kopp of Lethbridge passed away at Buffalo Grace Manor, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 78 years.
Judy was born in Brooks, Alberta on October 6, 1946, to parents William and Gladys Hart.
Judy leaves behind a remarkable legacy of dedication to Girl Guides of Canada. With over 30 years of service, she made a profound impact on her community, guiding and inspiring countless young girls and women.
Her journey began as a Brownie at the age of 9, and in 1979, after moving to Milk River, she revitalized the local Girl Guide group, which had been inactive for 15 years. She worked hard to raise funds, recruit leaders, and organize events. She became a Guide leader in 1981 and later a Pathfinder leader, creating lasting memories through camping trips, field trips, and fundraisers.
Judy went on to serve in several leadership roles, including Area Camp Adviser, Morning Star District Commissioner, and Chinook Area Commissioner. She received numerous awards for her commitment, including the Medal of Merit, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and Honorary Life Membership. In addition to these roles, she also served as Provincial Awards Advisor and Training Advisor, helping to shape the future of Guiding in her area. Her passion for Guiding was evident in her involvement with many camps and events, and she inspired generations of girls and women to grow through leadership and adventure.
Judy held many volunteer and part time positions during her lifetime, but her most fulfilling role was that of “Nana ”
Judy is survived by her daughter Peggy (Randall) Reimer; son Edward “Ted” (Kim) Kopp; grandchildren Peyton & Ava Reimer, Owen and Evan Kopp; sister Sharon Hart and brother Jack (Linda) Hart.
She was predeceased by her parents William and Gladys Hart, brother Randall Hart, and sisters Barbara Price and Geraldine Buchanan.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Lunch to follow.
For those who wish, donations may be made to Girl Guides of Canada.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

TANIS, Eeuwit “Everett”

TANIS December 25, 1939 – January 20, 2025 EEUWIT “EVERETT” TANIS woke up in the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 20, 2025 at the age of 85 years.
Everett was born on December 25, 1939 in Holland to George and Elizabeth (nee Verhage) Tanis.
Dad was the loving father of George (Jessica), Bert, Liz, and Gwen (Nicholas) with blended family Douglas (Karry), Marilyn, Rachel, Jodee (Alan) and grandchildren.
He is survived by his siblings Aad (Eeuwit), Kees (Nellie), Gerard (Corrie), Krijn (Clarie) and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his Parents, infant son Bert (1982), his wife Maasje (1996), his sister Durvina (2009) and wife Annetje (2020).
Everett volunteered many hours for various organizations and associations, living out his passion for helping others. He cared, for his family, the community, and the country as a whole.
His passions included farming, hiking, gardening, camping and traveling. He loved birds, wild flowers and puzzles. His faith was reflected through every aspect of his life.
We would like to thank the Nurses and Staff on 4B of the Chinook Regional Hospital for the outstanding dedication and support they gave our Father during his brief stay.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Huntsville Cemetery, with Funeral Service to follow at 11:00, at the IRON SPRINGS CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 220 Centre Street, Iron Springs, AB with Pastor Paul Droogers officiating.
The Service may be viewed by livestream under Everett’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
As Everett supported a variety of charities, the family would like to suggest in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Everett’s name to the Picture Butte Ambulance.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com