Saturday, August 3, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 3, 2024.

HART, Hazel HART Hazel Rebecca Hart, formerly of Hinton, AB, passed away with her son and daughter by her side at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at the age of 92 years. A sincere thank you to the compassionate staff, who cared for her during her three-month stay.
Hazel will be deeply missed and eternally loved by her surviving children, son Lowell Hart (Elizabeth de Munck) of Campbell River, BC, and daughter Loya (Kevin) De Clercq of Barrhead, AB. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Haylene, Rebecca, and John. She was predeceased by her husband, Adrian in 2008; sons Randall in 1969 and Robert in 2023; her parents, Gottlieb and Rebecca Wiess; 11 sisters (5 of whom died in childhood); 7 brothers (2 of whom died in childhood), and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Hazel was born in Medicine Hat, AB on July 5, 1932. The youngest of 19 children, she grew up with the support of her older siblings and was only the second person in her family to finish high school. After graduating from John Oliver High School in Vancouver in 1949, she completed Normal School in Vancouver in 1951 and earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta in 1966. Most of her teaching career took place in Hinton, where she met and married Adrian Hart.
Hazel also enjoyed curling, and, in her early days in Hinton, playing backcatcher in softball. Hazel was a dedicated member of The Order of The Eastern Star as well as Daughters of the Nile – Al Amira and Sakkara Temples.
She was a strong, determined lady who never balked at any challenge. A teacher-librarian for 37 years, she helped numerous communities develop public libraries. Hazel served her communities as a town councillor, justice of the peace, and Grande Yellowhead School board chair. She also served on numerous other provincial boards and committees. An avid artist and voracious reader, she authored the History of Hinton and travelled the world well into her late 80s. She led hundreds of students on several different tours: Expo ’67 (Montreal), Greece, 7 Countries of Europe, Spain and Portugal, Ireland, China, and Expo ’86 (Vancouver). She also travelled with friends or her sisters to Eastern Canada, China, Dubai, Myanmar, India, Moldova, and Vietnam, just to name a few. She followed her heritage in Ukraine and loved to gamble the nights away in Laughlin, Reno, and Las Vegas.
Hazel had a magnetic energy that drew people to her, and everyone who knew her loved her. She will be missed by so many whose hearts she has touched.
We invite family and friends to a Celebration of Life in Hinton, AB on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the United Church, 101 Maskuta Drive, inurnment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 181 Robb Road. Lunch will be at the Royal Canadian Legion, 250 Pembina Avenue.
Donations in memory of Hazel may be made to Dogs with Wings, 11343-174 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 0B7.

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SMITH, Janice SMITH Janice Hedenstrom Smith passed away on July 29, 2024. She was born August 3, 1935 in Magrath, Alberta. We are so grateful she’s back home with family. Janice spent her life loving her family and her friends. She was the secretary at Raymond Elementary school for over 25 years, a job she truly loved. She found immense joy mothering all the students. She cared for and enjoyed working with all the staff over the years.
Janice was pre-deceased by her mother Vonna Hedenstrom, father Kenneth Hedenstrom, sister Alice Anderson, brother Kenneth Hedenstrom and brother-in-law Robert Anderson.
She is survived by her oldest son Bryan, his wife Dané and their children: Carter Smith (Jacquie Cameron), Colton Smith (Alyssa), Amie Mendenhall (Michael), Becky Parker, Cassandra Zobell (Glenn), Breanne Czech (Chase) and Bradley Parker. She is also survived by her youngest son Jeff, his wife Sam (Sandra) and their children: Shayna, Jaryn, Sara, Janisa, Sadi, Jaxon, Spencer, and Jace. She also is survived by 13 great grandchildren and her sister-in-law Elaine Hedenstrom.
Mother was a long-term resident of Good Sam Prairie Ridge Lodge. We can not thank the staff enough for the love, friendship and care they gave to our mother. We would also like to thank Dr. Wally Tollestrup for his years of care. We would also like to thank the many visitors and good friends that came to spend time with our mother.
Janice’s Funeral will start at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, KNIGHT STREET CHAPEL (260 E 200 N, Raymond, AB).
The Viewing will be held at the church, prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45am.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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BURR, Allan ALLAN BURR 1944 – 2024 Allan passed away suddenly, doing what he loved, on July 28, 2024. He went on one last fishing trip on his boat with his beloved dog Sadie. Allan was predeceased by his first wife Dorothy Burr and just recently endured the loss of his beloved Tricia Burr.
Left behind to mourn are his step children; Cathy and Richard, brother Richard and Janet Burr and his sister Madeline Harker. Allan will also be soulfully missed by all of his nieces and nephews and especially his neighbors. Allan was a genuine nice guy. Always willing to help anyone in need and he loved to spend time with his friends and family. He spent many years as a long-haul truck driver and had many interesting stories to tell. Allan was blessed with a great sense of humor and quick wit, that always brought a smile or laughter to everyone he met.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Thank you to the Raymond Emergency Services and the staff at Ridge Park for their compassionate care given to Allan.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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LITTLE BEAR, Christina LITTLE BEAR Christina Bertha Little Bear passed away on July 23, 2024 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 79 years.
A Wake service will be held at Tanner Senior Centre, 260 1 St W, Cardston on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 5:00 to 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at Tanner Senior Centre on Thursday, August 8 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the Little Bear Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.

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FELDMAN, Irmgard IRMGARD FELDMAN 1934 – 2024 It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of our beloved, Irmgard Jean Feldman, on July 27, 2024, at the age of 90, with me, her daughter Kim, by her side.
Mom was born in Warburg, Alberta, on April 5, 1934, with the help of a midwife and my grandfather, as there was no doctor available. She was the firstborn of seven, earning the nickname “Honey” because of her small size and sweet nature. From a young age, she helped in the kitchen and out in the field.
Mom met my father, Ray, who lived on the next farm, and they were married in 1953, spending 61 years together. They had 3 children, Debi (passed in 2008), Barry, and Kim. They bought and sold hotels, working as great partners who were like peanut butter and jam -never arguing. They moved to BC once but spent most of their lives in Alberta, retiring in Leduc before moving to Coaldale. After Ray passed away in 2014, Mom lived alone for two years before moving in with Hailey, Sara, and I. It was a natural fit and truly wonderful for all of us.
Mom loved sewing, cooking, crocheting – often donating handmade bibs and toques wherever needed. Traveling with her sisters brought her immense joy. She had one brother, Gordon, known for his jokes and frugality (now passed), and four sisters: Freda, a nature lover who never complained; Elsie, who could do anything she set her mind to; Helen, the avid crier; and Betty, the strong-willed youngest sister. Their trips to Bonners Ferry held their fondest memories, filled with casino visits, snacks, and reminiscing about the old days.
As she aged, Mom kept busy folding clothes, taking naps, watering plants, and watching life go by from her chair by the window. She always had positive stories about our neighbors, as if she knew them. When I worked, she would eagerly wait for me to get home and ask, “How was your day?” Her supper was never complete until her last bite went to our dog, Charlie, her biggest supporter. Mom lived vicariously through our travels, always marking off where we travelled in her atlas. We even converted her into a Swifty and she willingly watched the Super Bowl. My brother Barry would visit, and they would talk for hours about their past work together; she often remembered events better than he did. Recently, she advised him to buy a trike for safety, showing her constant care and concern.
Words cannot fully express how much we will miss her. She taught us so much in the 10 years she lived with us. Our family chain is broken, and nothing feels the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
We will honor her with a small, intimate, family gathering at 11:00 am, on August 28, 2024 at Leduc, followed by an interment in Warburg, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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WACKER, Edward EDWARD WACKER 1926 – 2024 On the evening of July 27, 2024, Edward “Ted” Wacker, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 years.
Ted was born in Magrath, Alberta. His father was a grain elevator agent which moved the family around Alberta during Ted’s adolescent years. The last grain elevator location that his father worked at was Swalwell, Alberta. They lived in the Hamlet for a while and then moved to their farm 1.5 miles west of Swalwell where he stayed for the rest of his farming life. In the spring of his grade 12 year, he said “I’m going to quit school and go farming” because he wanted to farm instead. Ted took great pride in his farm work, farm machinery, trucks and projects that he built.
In addition to grain farming, he delivered milk to people and owned 2400 chickens. He took the eggs to the local egg grading station where he met his future wife, Lillian Jantz. They were married on May 1, 1965. They farmed together until Lil’s passing in 1999. Ted continued a little bit after that, but then rented the land out. He moved to an acreage in Lethbridge County in 2008 to live in a duplex house with his daughter and family. In Lethbridge, he loved building decks and stairs onto the house, building a shop workbench, and working in the shop. In later years, Ted moved to a Retirement Lodge and resided there until his passing.
Farm life was hard work, but for the most part Saturday evenings and Sundays meant time off work for Ted. Frequent activities were meals and barbecues with the Penners, and brunches at Three Hills Coffee Break, or somewhere in Calgary. There were also many weekends and holidays that were spent at his farm in Swalwell with his daughter Barb (Martin), and grandchildren Cody and Mandy; a favorite activity was riding the quad.
Besides farming and working in the shop, Ted liked to go for coffee in the mornings and afternoons to socialize with his friends. Ted also enjoyed going to Pioneer Acres yearly show in Irricana, Alberta in August. He would explain all the details of the old machinery to whoever was with him, and he even brought his fifth wheel holiday trailer one year to have a place to rest and eat with Ed and Doreen in tow.
Ted was predeceased by his wife Lillian, and nephew Dale Penner.
Ted leaves behind his daughter Barb (Martin) Gergely; grandson Cody; granddaughter Mandy (Nick); brother-in-law Jerry Penner; and sister-in-law Mildred Penner; nephew James Penner and family (Nicholas, Calei, Jesse, Declan); great niece Justine (John) Capatos and family (Ben, Ruth, Andrew, Evelyn); and long-time friends Ed and Doreen Knopp of Calgary.
Ted will be most remembered by his daily coffee trips, his hard work during farming season, and taking his grandkids farming.
A private ceremony has been held.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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CAIN, Carol CAROL FAYE CAIN 1940 – 2024 Mrs. Carol Faye Cain of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Patrick Cain, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the age of 84 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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IWAASA, Rod IWAASA ROD IWAASA, beloved husband of Debbie Iwaasa, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on August 1, 2024 at the age of 71.
A Private Service will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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MCKENNA, Irene IRENE MCKENNA 1938 – 2024 Mrs. Irene McKenna of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Thomas “Myles” McKenna, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the age of 86 years.
Irene was born on March 15, 1938, in Belfast, Ireland. She was the sixth of seven children born to Jean and Bernard Madden. Irene attended an all-girls school, and she often told us stories about making deliveries on her bicycle for her uncle Paddy’s butcher shop after school. After finishing school, Irene worked as a seamstress.
She met Myles on her lunch break one day as he was peeking over the school yard wall, thus beginning a loving relationship lasting more than 56 years. Irene and Myles immigrated with their sons in 1974 to Lethbridge. Irene found employment at St. Michael’s Hospital where she eventually retired. In retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family and working in her garden. She was always happy to go on a day trip to Waterton and loved travelling back to Belfast to see her family.
Irene is survived by her 3 sons Myles (Annette) and their children Aaron & Briana (Andrew); Michael (Angie) and their children Sean, Kyle (Madie); and Mario (Yuki); 1 sister Clare Murphy of Belfast, Ireland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Besides her husband Myles, Irene was predeceased by her parents Jean and Bernard Madden; five brothers John, Oliver, Desmond, Pat and Brian, all from Belfast Ireland.
Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta,
A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVEIW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 am, on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604-13 STREET NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, 10430-61 Avenue NW, #306, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 2J3.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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PALMER, William “Bill” WILLIAM “BILL” MERLE PALMER 1948 – 2024 Mr. William “Bill” Merle Palmer of Lethbridge, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday August 1, 2024, at the age of 75 years.
Bill will be privately remembered by his family.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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WALL, Clarence WALL CLARENCE HAROLD WALL, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Martha “Myrt” Wall, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the age of 77 years.
A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 6:30 P.M, to 7:30 P.M.
A Graveside Service will be held at ROYAL VIEW CEMETERY, 5920 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
A Celebration of Life will be held at EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 – 24 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Clarence’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

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

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RICE, Robert “Bob” RICE It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of ROBERT “BOB” EDWARD RICE, loving husband of Mrs. Mieke Rice of Lethbridge, suddenly at their home in Waterton on Monday, July 29, 2024 at the age of 74 years. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Bob’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

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

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VOLOVICH, Curtis VOLOVICH CURTIS LEE VOLOVICH, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Kathy Wyrostok Volovich, and cherished father of Ryan (Amy), Jessie (Laura) and Devon, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the age of 56 years.
A Celebration of Curtis’ Life will be held at the GERMAN CANADIAN CLUB – 902 6th Street North, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, August 9th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Curtis’ obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to One Broken Biker (https://www.onebrokenbiker.org/donate-here) or
Woods Homes Lethbridge
(https://www.woodshomes.ca/ways-to-give/?form=donate)

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

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TOLLEY, Arlene TOLLEY ARLENE EDITH TOLLEY, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Bill Tolley, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the age of 88 years.
A Private Family Graveside Service will take place at a later date, where Arlene and Bill will be laid to rest together at Mountain View Cemetery.

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

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STRAIN, Verne VERNE STRAIN 1934 – 2024 Mr. Verne Strain of Warner, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Rose Marie Strain, passed away at Raymond Health Centre on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the age of 90 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GRUNINGER, Randall GRUNINGER We are deeply saddened to announce that as a result of a tragic car accident, Randall Lee Gruninger, a cherished soul and long-time resident of Kaysville, Utah, passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 68 while on a golf trip to Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Alexis; his children, Jinaya Whiting (Eric), Randon (Amber), Nick (Skylar), and Hallie Desforges (Tristan); his eleven adoring grandchildren; as well as his elder brother, Ryan, and his sister, Linda Vieville (Ray). He is preceded in death by his dear parents, John and Clarissa Gruninger.
Born April 11, 1956, in the small town of Magrath, Alberta, Canada, to John and Clarissa, Randy was the youngest of three siblings. He graduated from Cardston High School in 1974, displaying a fervent passion for hockey and aspirations of a professional career. However, he chose to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Upon his return, he spent a year working in the Arctic Circle before pursuing his education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned a degree in finance. At BYU, he not only excelled on the hockey team but also found his soulmate, Alexis Bolotas. They were united in marriage on August 9, 1980, at the Cardston, Alberta LDS Temple. Their family grew with the birth of Jinaya in September 1981, followed by Randon in March 1986, Nick in April 1990, and Hallie in July 1992. Professionally, Randy thrived in the trust and banking industry, nurturing deep and lasting friendships with his colleagues. He always found time to serve others, whether through various church callings or in the community. His ever-present smile, readiness to listen, and willingness to assist endeared him to many, leaving an indelible impact on those fortunate enough to know him.
Randy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved traveling with Alexis whenever possible. He spent countless hours supporting his kids’ passions, pushing them to do their best at whatever they pursued. He shared his love for hockey with his kids (or forced it upon them, some might say). Outside of hockey, Randy had many hobbies. Among them were spending time outdoors and participating in sports, especially golf. His passion for golf cannot be overstated. He delighted in both the challenge it presented and the friendships it created. Randy took great pride in everything he did, evidenced by having perfectly straight mow strips in his lawn. Above all, what he most cherished was his time spent with his grandchildren, to whom he was both a wise mentor and a cherished friend. His unique ability to make others feel truly seen and understood, combined with his kindness, empathy, and sincerity, will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. His absence will be deeply felt by friends, family, and all whose lives he touched.
A viewing will be held at Russon Mortuary & Crematory (1914 N Main St, Farmington, UT 84025) on August 9, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Additional viewing will take place on Saturday, August 10th, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the LDS church building located at 1955 S 350 E, Kaysville, UT 84037. The funeral service will follow at the church at 11:00 am.
The funeral service will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on his obituary page at russonmortuary.com and will start 10-15 minutes prior to the service.
Or you can attend the funeral virtually through the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/AEp9DhyBF_Q?feature=shared

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HORVATH, Jane HORVATH Jane Horvath of Coaldale, AB, passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 85, on July 31, 2024.
Funeral and prayer services to be announced when completed.
“Forever in Our Hearts” To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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