FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 5, 2013.

“AAHSIIKAMOOSA’AKI” (SHE’S GOOD AT STEALING)
Wilma Stillsmoking LITTLE MUSTACHE passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013. She is survived by her loving husband, Alphonse, Daughters: Mary Ellen, Debbie, Helen (Sharon), Son: Mike (Carol), Son-in-Law, Eric North Peigan, Daughter-In-Law, Bonnie Little Mustache and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and 2 great, GREAT grandchildren. Her sister, Margaret Bell and brother, Benjamin from Browning and 3 brothers: Stanley (Susan), Walla Walla, WA, Micheal (Kristina), Rockport, TX, and Wesley (Esther), in McCloud, OKLA.
Wilma moved to Canada in 1962. She had been born in Durham, MT, just 7m. West of Browning. She met and married Alphonse, in 1951. They had 6 children, who survived to adulthood. Wilma led a very interesting life. She treasured the life-long education, which enabled her to train in Business Mgt., Music and the `Humanities“. In 1951, she graduated from the Browning High School, with Earl Old Person, as one of her fellow alumni. She and Alphonse faced many obstacles, as a young couple. But, they managed to travel in U.S. and Canada, to work and support their growing family. In 1962, they moved to the Piikani Nation and lived with relatives. Later establishing 3 consecutive home sites, including their present ranch home, in the Porcupine Hills.
Piikani-Blackfoot tradition, the Cowboy Way of Life, and the Catholic Church guided Wilma, as she became a staunch member of the community. The Piikani names given to her and her female cousins, all included the base word `steal`, in various forms. This spoke of an ancient past, when our Grandpas were proud of their horse stealing, in feats of battle. Wilma was “Honest – as the day is long“ and “Generous – to a fault“!! She displayed true love and compassion, for her people, that extended way beyond her immediate family. She busted trails as a Guide to Modern Business practices, way back in the 50`s, 60`s, 70`s….Days before the computer. She was adept at Accounting, Shorthand, and working with people. Some of the positions she worked as included: Secretary for the Blackfeet Tribe and Town of Pincher Creek, Housekeeping at Camsel Hospital, Piikani Band Secretary, Office Mgr., Band Councillor (2 terms), Social Worker, Board Member: Napi Friendship Ctr, Piikani School, PeKunNee Crafts Ltd., Treaty 7, Alberta Native Women`s Assoc., Rodeo Secretary, Home Maker, Traditional Cook, Teepee owner and maker, PowWow Dancer, Church Organist, Think Trades, Supporting her husband and two sons and grandsons. To herself, she was a perfectionist…..To her family, she was a Rock….She helped to organize international family reunions, served on the Brocket Parish Council and was an avid Rodeo and Hockey fan. She loved to play Bingo, but was leery of the loud and garish Slot Machines!!
She was predeceased by 2 children in infancy, her parents, Bill and Mable Stillsmoking, grandson, Noel, and brothers, Dean, Robert, Wilford and Billy.
A Funeral Mass was held at 2:00 P.M., on Thursday June 27, 2013 at ST. PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Brocket, AB, with Father Freddy Valdivia, Officiating. A Wake Service to follow at Wilma’s Residence.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., on Saturday June 29, 2013 at the BROCKET COMMUNITY HALL, Brocket, AB, with Father Freddy Valdivia, Officiating. Interment to follow at Brocket Cemetery.

DE HEER
MR. JEFF DE HEER of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Cecilia de Heer passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at the age of 78 years.
A Visitation will be held between 7:00-9:00pm on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4th Street South, Lethbridge.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, June 28, 2013 at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 40th Avenue, Lethbridge, Reverend Wybren Oord officiating.
Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Reverend Hank Vanderwoerd officiating.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623 Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

MARGUERITE “MIKI” BRYANT
1926 ~ 2013
Mrs. Marguerite “Miki” Bryant, beloved wife of the late Mr. Charles Bryant, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at the age of 86 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623 Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

MIKLA
STEPHEN MATTHEW (Steve) MIKLA, beloved husband to Dolores for 60 years passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 just two weeks short of his 81st birthday. Besides his loving wife he is survived by his five children and 15 grandchildren – Randy Mikla (Donna Acton) and children: Jennifer (Nolan), Stephen (Kaloni) Tyler and Edward; Marsha (Doug) Graveland and children: Trish (An’Twan), Sherri (Mark) and Erin (Ruben); Laurie Hirsch and children: Jodie (Kelly Bezruchak) and Jesse (Toni); Jerry (Gail) Mikla and children: Amy (Karl Borho), Michael and Mary Rose; Brenda Dillabough (Dave Kerr) and children: Rob (Terri), Chris, and Shawn (Mindy Radisic); and Donna Mikla, 18 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Ann Mikla and Evelyn Murphy, and special nieces: Marina Smetany, Cheryl DeBona and Delores Lilja of Minneapolis.
Steve was born July 4, 1932 in Lethbridge, AB to John and Mary Mikla. Besides his parents Steve is predeceased by his siblings – John Mikla, Helen Smetany, Julius Mikla, Joe Mikla, Margaret Park, Lizzie Robinson, and by his granddaughter Dawn Mikla.
Steve was employed by Molson Breweries for 42 years before he retired to devote his time to things that put joy in his heart.
Steve was a hard working family man who was always willing to help anyone in need. He loved gardening and doing woodwork, including home carpentry and designing Christmas villages for his children, grandchildren and friends. His happiest times were spent with family on birthdays and holidays, and he loved picking raspberries and strawberries for when they stopped by for a visit. He always had special treats for when the little ones came by and some of his great grandchildren nicknamed him “Grampa Candy”.
Steve’s family is grateful for the loving care given by Dr. Zielke, Dr. Wilde, Dr. Coma, the amazing nursing staff on ICU and Unit 4B at Chinook Regional Hospital, Pastor Daniel Zopoula who loved him and called him “Grampa” and Pastor Allyn Mills.
Steve will be deeply missed by his loving family and the close friends that he leaves behind. A private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home Ltd.
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB   T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email:  condolences@generationsfh.ca
Sign guest book:  http://www.generationsfh.ca

NEKICH
GIUSEPPE ANTONIO NEKICH, beloved husband of Helga Nekich of Lethbridge, AB., passed away at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on June 24, 2013 at the age of 81 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, June 28, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Deacon Cliff Bogdan officiating.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
care@cornerstonefh.ca

OLSEN
VERLIN REED OLSEN passed away suddenly at the Raymond Hospital the morning of June 25th, 2013 at the age of 86. He is survived by Gwen, his wife of 61 years.
Vern was a loving generous father, grandfather and great grandfather who gave everything for his family. A Master Chef, Master Baker, and Journeyman Butcher, his passion for life did not just include the culinary arts but also his “green thumb” kept his gardens full and everyone fed. He also enjoyed being a rancher prior to and after his retirement from the Lethbridge Community College as the Director of Food Services. He was cherished by all who knew him.
Vern was predeceased by an infant son Mark, his parents Reed and Nora Olsen, and an infant great grandson Wyatt Walburger. He leaves to cherish his memory: April (Fred) Uwazny, Wes (Dian) Olsen, Bruce (Anne Marie) Olsen, Deb (Brent) Robertson, James Olsen; 22 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.
Also mourning his loss are brothers and sisters Loye (Anna Louise) Olsen; Ben (Geo) Olsen; Nedra (Morgan) Beazer; Dee (Diane) Olsen; and Pat (Ken) Vadnais; also in-laws Clayton Hunter and Isabel Trew.
Friends may meet the family on Friday, June 28 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703-13 St. N, Lethbridge, and prior to the funeral service on Saturday at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LETHBRIDGE EAST STAKE CENTRE, 4105 Forestry Avenue South, Lethbridge with Bishop David Stewart Officiating.
Interment to follow in the Leavitt Cemetery, Leavitt, Alberta at 2:00 p.m.
Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home Ltd.
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB   T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email:  condolences@generationsfh.ca
Sign guest book:  http://www.generationsfh.ca