Saturday, December 14, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 14, 2024.

DALTON, Don Don Dalton (Vrecko) January 2, 1949 – December 5, 2024 Don went to be with his Lord Jesus on December 5, 2024. He passed peacefully in his sleep. He leaves behind his wife Suzie in Salmon Arm, his sister Emily Lenz in Lethbridge, and his two daughters Amy Dalton and Holly Dalton.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit http://www.bowersfuneralservice.com

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VANDERWAL, Bill Bill Vanderwal
1936 – 2024
William Vanderwal, beloved husband of Leni Vanderwal, passed away in Taber on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the age of 88 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, December 16, 2024 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00 A.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 William’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (www.tdhf.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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HIRNEY, Shonna SHONNA HIRNEY 1972 – 2024 Mrs. Shonna Renee Hirney of Taber, beloved wife of the late Mr. Michael Hirney, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on December 9, 2024, at the age of 51. Over the past year, she courageously battled cancer alongside her late husband Michael (Mike).
Shonna is survived by her daughters Brooklyn, Alexis, Taylee, and Jaysa Hirney; her mother Lorraine Kuehn; sisters Paula (Stewart) Whillans, and Karie Kuehn; her mother & father in-law Sharon & Gord Hirney; sister-in-law Kim (James) Kerr; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by her father Harold, and husband Michael.
Shonna was born in Lethbridge on December 14, 1972, and grew up on the family farm in the Warner area. In her youth, she figure skated, played the piano, water skied, snow skied, and enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Hawaii, and going on camping adventures with her family. As a young adult she attended college to become a pharmacy technologist. She also attended Bible School in Texas and visited Thailand on a short-term mission outreach experience.
She met and later married Michael (Mike) in 2002, and they started their family a few years later. She loved being a mother and was most proud of that role in her life. She cherished her daughters, and the time spent together building memories. She taught them many things including how to French braid their hair, often letting them practice on herself. She was intentional when it came to celebrating events such as birthdays, holidays, and Christmas. No matter what, she took the time to plan out the details and surprises to make them extra special for her family. Shonna was a stay-at-home working mom who established herself in various part time business roles. She worked hard to support her family from her home office. Along with Mike, Shonna enjoyed the summer growing season, finding joy in nurturing a fruitful backyard garden. They were known to share their produce with neighbors, friends, and family. Even this past year, while undergoing treatments, she seeded and established a tomato plant for the garden. Along with the garden, Shonna especially loved planting and caring for her outdoor flowers. Her favorites were purple petunias. Her caring and loving spirit and ability to make each day brighter for her family will be forever missed and remembered.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday December 18, 2024, at the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 24 Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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HUNT, Marguerite MARGUERITE HUNT 1928 – 2024 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Marguerite Hunt, on November 28, 2024, at the age of 96. She is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that brings us all a sense of peace.
Mom was born on August 17, 1928, to James Gordon and Lottie Amanda (Dot) Miers (nee Dafoe) at the Van Haarlem Hospital in Lethbridge. She attended Fleetwood Elementary and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (where she loved to play Tennis and Basketball) and was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, being baptized in April 1940.
In 1947, Mom went to the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of Nursing in Edmonton for 3 years of training and then returned to Lethbridge to marry her “Ardent Admirer”, Norman Hunt, in 1951. Shortly after returning to Lethbridge, she began working for Dr. Campbell at the first Campbell Clinic downtown.
In 1953, Mom left work to raise her children and instill in us good family values and a strong sense of Faith. Throughout her life she was devoted to and involved with First Baptist Church in many ways… greeting newcomers, singing in the choir, leading CGIT, teaching Sunday School, doing Meals on Wheels (and occasionally with Joanne), praying on the Prayer Chain, and working in the Soup Kitchen to name a few. In 1972, she returned to work as the Head Receptionist at the “second” Campbell Clinic on Mayor Magrath Drive and walked to work every day until 1986. Mom always made everyone she knew and met feel special with her quizzical nature and genuine keen interest in their answers. She was the light of our family, and her smile made everyone feel welcomed and loved. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Left behind to miss her smile are her daughter, Joanne (Jim) Sherwin of Seattle; 3 sons, Gordon (Julie) of Lethbridge, Ross (Lynda) of Calgary, Lorne (Tracey) of Lethbridge; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Jean Millman of Kelowna, and numerous nephews and nieces.
She is now reunited with her husband of 70 years; her parents; her sister, Betty Ann Webster, and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
Mom, and all of her family, are very grateful for the dedicated and respectful care she received from the staff at St. Therese Villa and the Chinook Regional Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 5 AVE S, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Rev. Mark Archibald officiating.
The Service will be live streamed by clicking on LIVE at http://www.youtube.com/@firstblethbridge4391
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada mscanada.ca or Canadian Baptist Ministries cbmin.org.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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TOTH, Branden TOTH BRANDEN LEE TOTH, beloved husband of Vera Toth (nee Wall) passed away suddenly due to heart issues at the age of 37 on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Branden was born in Lethbridge on May 22, 1987. He fell in love and married Vera in July of 2018. They were best friends who shared a love for life’s simple pleasures. They spent a lot of time with their dog Monza – throwing the ball and exploring “Jack’s place” and the river bottom. Family and friend gatherings were important to Branden, and he loved to cook elaborate meals for everyone, experimenting with all types of cuisine. A recent trip to Scotland inspired a desire to travel and he was looking forward to another adventure overseas.
Branden had an innate passion for mechanics. He was employed at Minute Muffler and Brake from the age of 13 where he learned about motors and all things automotive. His restored 1972 Chev C10 affectionately known as ‘Rust Bucket,’ was one of his prized possessions. Following Formula 1 Racing was a weekly commitment – attending a race in person was at the top of his bucket list.
Branden loved sports, both as a spectator and as a participant. Playing hockey from a young age, often as a goalie, took up much of his childhood and teenage years. Branden had a golf club in his hand for most of his life playing league, in tournaments, and on weekends away to his favorite spots in Canmore. He also was part of a weekly bowling team, an activity that kept him in regular contact with his best friends.
Branden will be deeply missed by his best friend and partner in life, Vera, his parents Darren and Elaine, his sister Jen and brother-in-law Jason, his favorite Auntie Jenny and Uncle Steve Oseen (Taryn and Jordan), Uncle Randy and Auntie Camille Vanee (Sheldon, Dani), Grandma Irene Vanee, his faithful co-workers, and a cherished group of close ‘couple’ friends. The Andrew family, long-time friends who Branden kept regular contact with, will dearly miss his presence in their lives. Branden is also survived by Vera’s father Cornelius Wall (Anna), and Vera’s siblings which include sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, all of whom will hold onto special memories with Uncle Branden.
Branden was predeceased by his sister Lauren in 2021, his mother-in-law Margaret Wall in 2023 and his grandfather George Vanee in 2013.
A come-and-go Memorial Reception will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. till 7:00 P.M.
The family gratefully declines flowers and extends their heartfelt thanks for your support and kindness during this time.

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

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WENDELBOE, Frieda WENDELBOE FRIEDA WENDELBOE, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Maurice Wendelboe, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2024 at the age of 91 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Barb Roycroft officiating.

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

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KIRK, Yvonne “Bonnie” KIRK June 25, 1934 – December 10, 2024 YVONNE “BONNIE” KIRK, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the age of 90 years.
Bonnie is survived by her daughters: Deborah Penner and Kate Penner (Rinchen) of Victoria; her son, Gary Penner in the Philippines; her granddaughter, Amy Penner; her grandson, Tyler Penner; over a dozen additional grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as her very best friend of 40 years, Lesley Shardow.
She was predeceased by her son, Kirk Penner; brother, Gary Kirk; and sister, Barb Bosnak.
Bonnie’s generous heart was the cornerstone of her being. She supported and sacrificed so that her family could explore their dreams. Bonnie gave everything she could, shared her culture through food, and taught her loved ones how to swim not only in the pool but also in life. Happy journeys Bonnie – hugs and kisses from your family.
Special thanks to the great staff and good friends she made at Blackrock Terrace and to the caring staff at CRH.
The family will be having a private graveside service.
In memory of Bonnie and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (kidney.ca)

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

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NELSON, Marion Marion C. Nelson September 6, 1918 – December 10, 2024 Beloved wife of Fred G. Nelson. Marion is survived by one daughter Beverly (Bill) Kucheran of West St. Paul, MB.
Four grand-children: Melissa (Jeff) Kucheran/Wolke, Sarah Kucheran, Jennifer (Myles) Winter and four great- grandchildren: Eoghan Wolke, Kuma Kucheran, Grace and Anna Winter, all of Manitoba. One sister: Irene Kellough of Toronto, ON and one brother: Frank Glavin of Cranbrook, BC. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Respecting Mom’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca.

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NELSON, Marion Emma ‘Gisela’ Wise 1936 – 2024 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mum, Mrs. Emma ‘Gisela’ Wise, on December 11, 2024, at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, AB. at the age of 88 years.
Gisela is predeceased by her husband Michael, and survived by her 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca.

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BOURGOIN, Galen BOURGOIN GALEN BOURGOIN, of Raymond, AB, beloved husband of Joanne Bourgoin, passed away at home on Friday, December 13, 2024 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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WELLS, Sheldon WELLS SHELDON WELLS, of the Blood Reserve, passed away in Lethbridge on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the age of 56 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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LYSEK, Lawrence LYSEK LAWRENCE GEORGE LYSEK, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the age of 89 years.
As per Lawrence’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

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

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GREENE, Clark GREENE On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, CLARK EDWARD GREENE, of Lethbridge, died, with his suffering finally coming to an end, at Edith Cavell Care Centre at the age of 87 years, following a difficult battle with cancer and paralysis.
Left in sadness are his wife of 62 years, Myrna; daughter, Jackie (Bev); and son, Jeff; sisters: Judy MacKenzie and June Pigeon; brother-in-law, Rick (Jean) Barrett; grandchildren: Joey, Ben (Janelle), Jesse, Dani, Emma (Taylor) and Ava; and three great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his brothers, David and Harold Greene.
Clark was born on January 11, 1937 to Mabel (née Banks) and Harold Greene in Middleton, Nova Scotia. After working many jobs to pay for his education, Clark graduated with a B. Comm from Acadia University in 1960. That same year, he crashed a dance for student nurses in Halifax, where he met Myrna, who was the delegate from Manitoba. He was smitten, and a year later, he moved to Manitoba, where they married in 1962. Jackie was born in 1963, and the next year, Clark decided he wanted to teach. With great trepidation, they moved back to Nova Scotia, where he completed a B.Ed. in 1965, They returned to Alberta, where he taught high school history in Caroline. Jeff was born in 1966 and they moved to Lethbridge, when Clark was hired by the Lethbridge College to teach Business Administration.
Clark loved teaching. Within two weeks of classes starting, he knew the names of very one of his 200 students, remembering them for years after. He won the Distinguished Teaching Medal, completed two more Masters degrees, and authored two text books, which were used in colleges throughout Canada. Following his retirement in 1995, he and Myrna travelled extensively, often with friends, on driving trips, bus tours and 20 cruises. He was an excellent curler, a half decent golfer, an avid reader, and an enthusiastic Bridge player, earning his Life Master designation. He loved all sports, but was always loyal to the Maples Leafs and Blue Jays.
Dad’s greatest love was his family. He was a devoted and much-loved husband and father, and he loved each member of his wonderfully diverse family unconditionally. We will always remember his sage advice, his delightful “Clark-isms”, his incredible generosity, his wonderful hugs and so many family trips, whether to Nova Scotia, Manitoba or to Disneyland.
A Celebration of Clark’s life will be held at McKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Clark’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McKillop United Church (mckillopunited.ca/donate), Alberta Cancer Foundation (albertacancer.ca) or a charity of one’s choice.

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

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MARTENS, Ruth RUTH MARTENS 1940 – 2024 Mrs. Ruth Martens of Coaldale, beloved wife of Mr. David Martens, passed away at the Coaldale Health Centre on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the age of 84 years.
Ruth was born in Swan River Manitoba on October 17, 1940, and lived in White Beach Saskatchewan, from there she moved to Coaldale. While in her teenage years Ruth got a job at Economy Corner in Coaldale which led to her working at Safeway. After some time at home with her children she decided she wanted a change of career and pursued health care. Ruth got a job at the Altenheim in Coaldale, from there she went to Southland Nursing Home in Lethbridge, and finally ending up at Coaldale Health Care Center Long Term Care where she retired at the age of 60. Ruth enjoyed her retirement until her health declined in 2018. Ruth has resided in the Coaldale Health Care Center Long Term Care until her passing.
Besides her loving husband Dave, Ruth is survived by her son Russell (Michelle) Martens, and daughter Amanda (Aaron) Wright. She was a very loving grandmother to Richard, Jandy (Kevin) Neufeld Raymond (Bailey Blanchette), Karley Wright and Samantha Wright. Ruth was also very fond of her great granddaughters Presley, Remi Neufelt, and Marley Martens.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents John and Katherine Rempe, daughter Brenda Martens, brother John Rempel and his wife Mathilde, as well as David’s siblings.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17th St, Coaldale, Alberta, with Pastor Lil Thompson, officiating.
A private family Interment will be held.
We would like to thank Coaldale Health Care Center Long Term Care for taking such good care of Ruth.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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