Friday, May 16, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 16, 2025.
MYERS, Eldon ELDON JON MYERS April 10, 1972 – May 7, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Eldon Jon Myers, who embarked on his greatest fishing trip on May 7th, 2025 with his grandmother Minnie Terry. A loving and caring man, he was also a force to be reckoned with, never one to back down from a challenge.
He is survived by his mother, Ann, and his daughters, Daniell and Brittny, who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Eldon was passionate about fishing and found immense joy in the art of glass blowing. His creations were a testament to his creativity and skill. More than anything, he cherished his family and his friends. Eldon’s memory will be cherished and kept alive through the memories, stories and love he shared with all those around him.
A gathering for the Celebration of Eldon’s Life will be held at a later date. The date will be posted on Man Aconda’s Facebook once decided.
Cremation entrusted to Salmon and Son’s.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.salmonandsons.ca
RUSSELL, Duke Duke Russell 1930 – 2025 With all of the feels we said goodbye to our father, “Super Duke” on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the age of 95 years.
Duncan Aaron Russell was born on February 11, 1930 in Elma, Manitoba to Jack and Evelyn Russell. Duke grew up in Flin Flon, Manitoba where he met and married the love of his life Phyllis Ann Simpson. They were blessed with four children, two sons David and Douglas, and two daughters Andrea and Jennifer. Duke, with his family in tow, travelled across Canada managing several Woolworth stores. In 1975 Duke decided to be his own boss, purchasing the Stedmans franchise in Taber. Duke’s retail philosophy was, “You can’t sell it if you don’t have it!” so Stedmans sold absolutely everything! Duke was an incredibly hard working man and when his store closed, he did not retire but went on to be employed by the Taber Sugar Factory. In times of leisure, you could find him outside enjoying nature and life’s simple pleasures like feeding the birds, admiring the sunrise, sunset or a good storm roll in. Duke was passionate about fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors with his family and many close friends including Barry and Rob. Some of his favourite locations were the family cabin in Flin Flon, the CWR Boat Club, Chin Lake and his own backyard. His quick pace, walking his fluffy dog Taylor, his active lifestyle and his knee replacement at ninety kept him
happy and healthy. Viral encephalitis changed Duke’s independence but not his zest for life. He liked caramel sundaes, watching the river, listening to birds and spotting deer at the Taber Provincial Park. Duke loved drives around the community while reminiscing.
Linden View became Duke’s home where he enjoyed sunshine on the patio deck, strolling the halls, walking the loop of the surrounding park, bingo, armchair travels, get fit, crafts, monthly birthday parties, door decorating contests and listening to piano music. Duke always prided himself in being well dressed, clean shaven and smelling great, but the best thing that Duke ever wore was his brilliant smile. That ear to ear grin, along with his warm, gentle spirit is sure to be missed. The welcoming staff and other residents that quickly became his friends, filled his last year with wonderful memories, only enhancing a life well lived.
Duke is survived by his children Dave (Charlyne) Russell of Lethbridge, Doug (Ethel) Russell of Lethbridge, Andrea Hertz (Alex Thomson) of Coaldale and Jennifer (Rick) Latham of Lethbridge; grandchildren Chanell (Tanner), David (Melissa), Michael, Mandy (Matt), Karly (Wyat), Ryan (Kayla), Kenzie (Jesse), Raegan and Kinley and many great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Phyllis, grandson Darrell, great grandson Aiden, brother Dave and sister Betty Ann.
In respecting our father’s final wishes, we will be taking Dad’s ashes to Flin Flon, where he will be buried on the island right alongside our Mother’s. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at
http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Our family is immensely thankful to the Linden View staff, as well as the doctors and nurses at the Taber Hospital.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
CAMPBELL, Brad BRAD CAMPBELL Passed away May 7th, 2025 in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C. Brad passed peacefully in his sleep.
Brad was born in Lethbridge, Alberta July 5, 1970.
Brad was loved by many, family, friends, and co-workers. He is survived by his father Bruce (Bev) Campbell, his step-sister Julie, and nephew Kaydince and mother Betty Green of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
As per Brads wishes, he will be remembered privately.
Loved dearly forever. Rest easy Brad.
ROBERTS, Lisa LISA ROBERTS 1971 – 2025 Mrs. Lisa Roberts, beloved wife of the late Mr. Howard Roberts passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the age of 53 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel.
Visit
http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
KOBE, Wilfred WILFRED KOBE 1938 – 2025 Mr. Wilfred Kobe of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband of Mrs. Deborah Kobe, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the age of 86 years.
A service will be held at a later date.
Visit
http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
GFRERER, Sophie Sophie Gfrerer (née Radic) January 27, 1939 – April 24, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Sophie Gfrerer, who left us peacefully, surrounded by love. She was 86 years old.
Sophie was born on January 27, 1939, in Maglajani, in the former Yugoslavia, to Branko and Maria Radic. The youngest of six children, she was predeceased by her siblings Lazo, Stoja, George, Nada, and Stevo. She grew up during the Second World War, a time of fear, violence, and great uncertainty. Despite the hardships and being near death more than once, Sophie carried within her a deep resilience, quiet strength, and an enduring hope that shaped the rest of her life.
At just 14, she left home to work as a nanny in BaÄka, Serbia. It was there she met the love of her life, Peter Gfrerer. He was 17, and from the moment he saw her, he knew he had met someone extraordinary. Their love blossomed during a night of traditional Hungarian dancing called a Czárdás, where Sophie twirled into Peter’s heart forever. She tried her first beer that night and didn’t like it, so Peter bought her a pop instead. They danced the night away, beginning a lifelong love story.
In 1955, Peter’s family moved first to Germany and then to Canada. Sophie and Peter were separated, but they stayed deeply connected through nine years of handwritten letters and small care packages. Sophie worked tirelessly during those years as a nanny, in a plum factory, and wherever she was needed, all while never giving up on their shared dream of building a life together. Finally, on February 22, 1962, Sophie made the brave journey to Canada. Peter’s family met her in Calgary, and just weeks later, on March 17, she and Peter were married in Coaldale.
Together they created a home grounded in love, commitment, and hard work. They farmed sugar beets, moved through small towns in southern Alberta while Peter worked for CP Rail, and raised four children: Victoria (predeceased), Maria (Mike), Charlotte (Brian, predeceased), and Mark (predeceased). Sophie was a loving and tireless mother who poured her heart into every meal she cooked, every dress she sewed, and every jar she canned. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Alicia and Nicole.
Sophie worked in nursing homes, factories, and again as a nanny. In every role, she offered quiet compassion, strength, and an incredible work ethic. She also played a significant role in helping others immigrate to Canada, generously offering guidance and support to those beginning new lives, just as she once had.
She and Peter loved to dance, host gatherings, and create a warm home filled with laughter, music, and delicious food. They found joy in vacationing in British Columbia and returning to visit family in the former Yugoslavia. After Peter’s passing, Sophie remained a source of strength and care for her family, facing each day with the same determination and love that defined her life.
Though she experienced profound loss, including the deaths of her husband, siblings, two of her children, and her son-in-law, Sophie never lost her grace. She showed her family how to endure heartbreak with dignity and how to keep moving forward with love.
Sophie was a gifted cook, gardener, seamstress, and homemaker, but more than anything, she will be remembered for the depth of her love and the unwavering support she gave to everyone around her.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honour Sophie’s memory by sharing a home-cooked meal with those you love or offering a helping hand to someone in need, just as she did so often.
Funeral services will be held at our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church at 10 AM May 24, 2025. Following the service, interment will take place came at Mountain View Cemetery. Family and friends are warmly invited to visit afterward at Sophie’s house.
YPMA, Sheila Sheila Ypma 1945 – 2025 Sheila Rose Ypma, beloved wife of Louis Ypma, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the age of 79 years.
A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service on Monday, May 19, 2025.
The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:00 A.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.
DAY CHIEF, Tyson DAY CHIEF TYSON LESLIE CASH DAY CHIEF, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at the age of 35 years.
A Wake will be held at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve, AB, on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. W, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Tyson will be laid to rest in One Spot Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KLACK, Ethel KLACK ETHEL ARDELLA KLACK, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved wife of the late Steve Klack, passed away peacefully at the Extendicare Fairmont Park, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the age of 97 years.
As per Ethel’s wishes, a private family graveside will be held.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MOLENAAR, Helene MOLENAAR HELENE FAYE MOLENAAR, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved wife of Hank Molenaar, passed away peacefully at home, with Hank by her side, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at the age of 79 years.
A Celebration of Helene’s life will be held at NOBLEFORD CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 522 Highway Ave, Nobleford, AB, on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM with Reverend Gary Van Leeuwen officiating. The Celebration of life will be livestreamed and may be viewed through Helene’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nobleford GEMS Club.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
POELMAN, Ralph RALPH JOHN POELMAN April 17, 1925 ~ May 13, 2025 Ralph John Poelman went home to be with his Savior and Lord peacefully on May 13, 2025, at the age of 100 with his family present. On April 17th of this year, he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at the Fort Macleod Extendicare.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the GRANUM CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, AB-519 & Range Rd 260, Granum, AB.
Please consider making a memorial donation to a charity of choice or to Kyndra’s Foundation of Love, c/o Christian Stewardship Services, 214A-500 Alden Road, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.edensfuneralhome.com
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