Thursday, January 30, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 30, 2025.

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

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FOMRADAS, Valerie VALERIE FOMRADAS Dec 6, 1942 – Jan 23, 2025 Valerie Fomradas passed away unexpectedly at home in Lethbridge, Alberta, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82 years.
As per Valerie’s wishes, no formal service will be held.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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FRIESEN, Henry Henry Friesen
1940 – 2025
Henry Victor Friesen, beloved husband of Darla Friesen, passed away in Lethbridge, surrounded by his family, 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.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Henry’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 1:45 P.M. on Friday, January 31, 2025. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 2:00 P.M.
Besides Darla, his loving wife of sixty one years, Henry is survived by their three sons Duane Friesen (Raine), Randy Friesen and Korry (Dorita) Friesen, all of Lethbridge; two grandchildren Alyssa (Desmond) Doherty and Damien Friesen. He is also survived by his sister Jessie and brother Neil in Ontario, by his sisters-in-law Willa Hage of Picture Butte, Raylene (Andy) van Rijn of Coaldale and by numerous members of his extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Matilda Friesen, five brothers and four sisters.
Henry was born in a log cabin at Hearst, Ontario on July 20, 1940. He was the second youngest of the twelve children born to Jacob and Matilda (née Rempel) Friesen. Shortly after he was born, his family moved to a tobacco farm south of Tillsonburg, Ontario.
Henry became a salesman at a young age, selling garden seeds and greeting cards when he was twelve. When he was twenty, he left home and hitch hiked across Canada, working his way, he hoped, to Australia. He got as far as Broxburn road where he met his future wife Darla Vaselenak. They were married one year later and Henry never did make it to Australia. Instead, he sold cars before going to work for Sears Automotive, selling tires. He then went on to sell insurance for Allstate Insurance Company. When he became ill with a painful autoimmune disease, he went to work at University Drive Alliance Church as Caretaker. The Lord healed him of this disease but several years later he had another painful autoimmune disease which made it very difficult to do anything, but he never complained and kept working at the church. In 1999, Henry went to work for the Lethbridge City Police as a Caretaker. He loved this job and was happy to work there until his retirement in 2005. Shortly after retirement, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. He never really complained about it even though it left him with only one functioning lung.
Henry loved his vacations with his family, camping and fishing at Flathead Lake in Montana. He loved fishing Alberta lakes and enjoyed golfing at Magrath Golf course where he was a member for many years. After all his golfing buddies died, he sold his golf cart and clubs and quit golfing.
Henry has gone to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is now healed of all pain. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Henry’s name may be made directly to the ‘Food for Learning’ program in care of University Drive Alliance Church, 55 Columbia Boulevard West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 4B7.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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.
Interment will follow at Archmount Cemetery.
For those who wish, donations may be made to Girl Guides of Canada.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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LEES, Letitia “Tish” LEES LETITIA “TISH” ELLEN LEES, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the age of 90 years, one day after her 90th birthday, an event she had determined to celebrate with her family.
A private Celebration of Life was previously held in keeping with Tish’s desire.

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

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SIMANTON, Raymond “Ray” RAYMOND “RAY” SIMANTON 1943 – 2025 Mr. Raymond “Ray” Simanton of Lethbridge, formerly of Foremost and beloved husband to Mrs. Ann Simanton, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the age of 81 years.
A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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TAYLOR, Thomas “Tom” THOMAS “TOM” TAYLOR 1941 – 2025 Mr. Thomas “Tom” Taylor of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Verna Taylor, passed away at Good Samaritans Park Meadows, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the age of 83 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MAYNES, Doreen DOREEN MAYNES 1942 – 2025 Mrs. Doreen Maynes of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Patrick Maynes, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the age of 82 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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CVETKO, Bertha CVETKO BERTHA CVETKO, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of John Cvetko, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at the age of 77 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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