By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 16, 2014.
ALDO BIANCHINI
1934 ~ 2014
Mr. Aldo Bianchini, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Irene Bianchini, passed away following a brief illness on October 10, 2014 at the age of 80 years. A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 410-6 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 17, 2014 at ST. BASIL¹S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604-13 St. N., Lethbridge, AB with Father Nathan Siray, officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 410 Stafford Dr. S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 2C9, or the Alzheimer Society Lethbridge Chapter, #402 740 4 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.
CLUFF
With sadness we announce the peaceful passing of CLARENCE REGINALD CLUFF, Sgt. (Rtd.) of Coaldale, at the Coaldale Health Centre on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at the age of 99 years. A Prayer Service will be held at the Anglican Church of the Ascension – 2115 17 St. S., Coaldale, A.B. on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. A Funeral Service with Military honours will be held at the Anglican Church of the Ascension on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Canon Erin Phillips officiating. Cremation To Follow
Inurnment at a later date.
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
HELEN BLAIR
1926 ~ 2014
Mrs. Helen Blair of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Duncan Blair, passed away on October 10, 2014 at the age of 88 years. A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 Â 4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB, with Reverend Terry Shillington, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.
HERMAN KASTNER
1945 ~ 2014
Mr. Herman Kastner of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Marlene Kastner, passed away on October 13, 2014 at the age of 69 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 20, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB with Pastor Harold Cooper, officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 1A 129, 960 Â 19th St. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.
JOSEPH MEHALKO
1928 ~ 2014
Joseph (Joe) Mehalko of Lethbridge, formerly of Turin, AB passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2014 in the Chinook Regional Hospital. Husband to Maxine and father to three daughters, Cindy Rasmussen, Colleen (Mike), Ciarla and Jo Anne Henderson. Joe was grandfather to Glen (Sarah) Rasmussen, Ashley Rasmussen, Mitchell (Lani) Carpenter, Caylee (Obed) Maurice and Lucas Stauffer. He was also a great grandfather to Khloe and Jack Rasmussen and Cruise Carpenter. Joe is survived by his brother John (Helen) Mehalko.
Joe was born in Retlaw, AB, the youngest son of the late George Sr. and Julia Mehalko on February 14, 1928, and resided in the Sundial area. He attended schools in Sundial, Lethbridge and Turin. In 1952, Joe married Maxine Dunn and began a life of farming, remaining in the community until 2012. Joe loved his motorcycle and new vehicles. He played baseball with the Sundial team, curled and enjoyed boating, fishing, golf and hunting. Joe was predeceased by his oldest brother George (Pat) Mehalko, sister Margaret (Ralph) Bilton and niece Sherry Bilton. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7pm and 8pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. The Funeral Service will be held at 10am on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., with Pastor Jeffery Frostad, officiating. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Alberta Children¹s Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8 or the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960-19th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.
KLAAS GIESBRECHT
April 17, 1939 to October 13, 2014
Klaas Giesbrecht, age 75 years passed away after a lengthy illness, Thanksgiving Day, October 13, 2014 with his loving wife Karon at his side. (Having just celebrated 51 years of marriage.) Klaas was born on a rural homestead near Mildred, Saskatchewan to Abram and Justina Giesbrecht. He was the oldest of 8 children living in a devout Mennonite community. He left home at age 16 to make his way in the world. Although his formal education was limited, he spent his life time learning and was self- educated. He was always proud to see his children and grandchildren complete school and advance their education. He started his work life while a child as a farm labourer and running a trap line, later he went to work in the oil fields, and operated heavy equipment his entire life. One of his favourite jobs was a crane operator. He spent many years working in the logging industry around Port Alberni, BC; building and deactivating roads, operating a saw mill, a chip mill, doing log salvage and even spent a few years long haul trucking. He met the love of his life and mother of his children in 1961 and finally convinced her to marry him in 1963. His pleasures in life included: hunting, fishing, boating, camping, riding motorcycles, playing and building guitars, having a hobby farm, bee keeping, genealogy, food storage and in later life he became an avid technology junkie. His entire life he found ways to serve his community. He was also family oriented and especially loved becoming a grandfather. Although well-loved and greatly missed his family is grateful his suffering has ended. He is now at peace and is survived by: his wife Karon (Logan) Giesbrecht, his children  Owen (Susan) Giesbrecht, Sarah (Len) Sherman, Chad (Jill) Giesbrecht, Christina Giesbrecht (Evan), Margaret Giesbrecht (Mike). His grandchildren, Althea Giesbrecht, Jesse Giesbrecht, Gerhardt Giesbrecht, Rachel Bethell, Jessica Bethell, Ashley Giesbrecht, Makayla Clark, Kayden Giesbrecht, Paige Miller, Koel Giesbrecht, his siblings  Agnes Schmidt, Abe Giesbrecht, Eva Van Hill, Peter Giesbrecht; as well as great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Abram and Justina, his siblings Annie Striemer, Bill Giesbrecht and Dave Giesbrecht.
A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Sat, Oct 18, 2014 (doors open at noon) at the LDS Chapel  2410 28 St S, Lethbridge, Alberta  no viewing, no internment. A reception to follow the service.
KNOCH
HENRY KNOCH, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at the age of 96 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
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
LEPKO
LOIS ELAYNE LEPKO, beloved wife of Henry Lepko of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at the age of 64 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
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
MULHOLLAND
MARJORIE ELAINE LITCHFIELD, beloved wife of the late Melvin Mulholland, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Claresholm, Alberta in her 95th year. She is survived by daughter Kathy (Dr. Ralph Oler), sons Brian (LeeAnn), David (Elaine) and daughter-in-law Betty-Jean. Grandchildren: Robert, Karen, Kandi, Kristen, Jamie, Michael, Ryan, Siobhan, Kellee, Erin, Dave, Ramona, Jordan, Janna, Laurel, Cindy, Sylvia, Barbara; 62 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren (with 2 more on the way). A sister Lorraine Raisor and brother-in-law Clarence Hunter survive her. She was predeceased by her husband Melvin, son Larry, and her parents Floyd and Ethel Litchfield. Marjorie was born in Raymond, Alberta January 18, 1920. After High School, she attended Business college in Calgary and married Melvin Mulholland from Claresholm June 5, 1940 in the Cardston Alberta Temple. They farmed east of Claresholm, living most of their married life on the “Starline”. Marjorie worked hard on the farm; driving the combine for harvest was one of her favourite things to do. After retiring to Claresholm, she kept busy volunteering at the Museum, Hospital Auxiliary and spending countless hours helping others, especially the love of her life  her grandchildren. Marjorie was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving unselfishly wherever she could. Melvin passed away in April 2002, and later she moved to the Porcupine Hills Lodge where she made many friends and loved her association there. In 2009 she moved to the Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre, where kindness and gentle care was extended to her. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, CLARESHOLM CHAPEL, 4924-3 Street East, with Bishop Joe Toone officiating. Friends may meet the family prior to the service at the church from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m.
SHEER
May 26, 1952 – October 6, 2014
GREGORY PHILIP SHEER, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2014, was predeceased by his parents Philip and Gladys Sheer, his brother John and nephew Bradley. He is survived by his faithful companion Spooky. Sister-in-law, Liz. Brother, Bryan (Judy). Nephews, Andrew (Chelsea & children), Jason and Wesley. Nieces, Kathy and Lea (Kade) and many cousins and friends. Greg was born in Magrath, raised and lived on the family farm until his passing. He enjoyed motors, farming, vehicles, fixing anything, friends and family. Along with partners, Greg ran the local Cascade Fertilizer dealership for several years. He volunteered his time to both the hospital and Magrath museum boards. A Graveside service and internment will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Magrath Cemetery, Magrath, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to the Raymond Ladies Auxiliary, Box 599, Raymond, AB T0K 2S0. Email your condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com
STOUT
CLAUDINE STOUT passed away at the Raymond Health Centre on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at the age of 69 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
TERASHIMA
YASUKO TERASHIMA, beloved wife of Akira Terashima, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2014 at home in Lethbridge at the age of 81 years. Born in 1933 in Nagano-Ken, Japan to Sadaji and Aiko Furusawa, Yasuko was a grade school teacher and taught for 11 years in Nagano-Ken. She immigrated to Canada in 1965 for her marriage to Akira Terashima. Yasuko took pride in teaching Japanese Ikebana flower arrangement (Shinpa Seizan School) to many students over the years. She was also actively involved with the Lethbridge Northside Buddhist Temple Fujinkai and Satsukikai Ladies Group. Her other interests included: Japanese Sumie calligraphy, Haiku poetry writing, Japanese Shigin singing and singing with the Buddhist Choir. Predeceased by her parents Sadaji and Aiko Furusawa, Yasuko is survived by her husband of 49 years, Akira “Fred” Terashima, son Thomas Masaaki Terashima and daughter Irene Aya Terashima. She is also survived by her brother Hidenobu Furusawa and sister Chiyo Terashima and their families. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA, 470-40 Street South, Lethbridge, with Rev. Y. Izumi officiating. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of koden and flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to The Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta, or to the charity of your choice.
THOMPSON
DONNA THOMSON THOMPSON, 59, of Magrath, AB passed away Saturday morning, Oct. 11, 2014, at the Raymond Hospital. With her at her passing was her loving husband of 21 years, Alan Robert Thompson, and siblings, Monte (Rissa) Thomson, Kay (Larry) Christensen, Barbara (Robert) Shearer, and Duane (Carma) Thomson. In addition, she is survived by an adopted daughter, Alita (Steven) Loewer and her children, Samuel, Eve and Koblenz, and 21 nephews and nieces to whom she was their favorite aunt, 64 grandnieces and grandnephews, and 1 great- grandnephew. She was predeceased by her parents, Rulon and Marguerite Thomson, 1 nephew and 1 grandnephew, and her and Alan¹s beloved Samoyed dog, Tundra. Donna was born Feb. 9, 1955 in Magrath, graduated from Magrath High School, and earned an Associate Degree from Ricks College and a Bachelor¹s Degree from BYU. She enjoyed service in the LDS church including serving a mission in Georgia and Alabama, working with youth and Relief Society, and was a Temple Worker in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. She married Alan Robert Thompson Oct. 9, 1993. She worked at Woolco and Walmart in Lethbridge then substitute-taught in public and Hutterite schools in southwestern Alberta. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Donna always wore a smile and was always positive, even throughout her ordeal with pancreatic cancer. She was a people-person who helped many people and never was heard to say a negative word about anyone. She loved gardening, hiking and camping., and riding the motorcycle behind her husband. She enjoyed woodworking and exhibited her work in several craft shows. She was a good seamstress, making clothing and quilts, and started two active quilt groups in Magrath. Although she didn¹t have children of her own, she was a ³mother² to many others. Everyone loved Donna. Donna wished to express her thanks to the staffs of Palliative Care at the Jack Ady Cancer Center, Home Care in Magrath, and Raymond Hospital, as well as all her quilting friends and the Sixth Ward Relief Society. Friends may meet the family at the Magrath Stake Center Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. and Saturday between 12:45 and 1:45 p.m. prior to the Service. The Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, MAGRATH STAKE CENTER at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, with Bishop Larry Schneyder officiating. Interment will follow at the Magrath Cemetery. E-mail your condolences to: legacyfh@gmail.com
Malwina Kurek
1924 – 2014
Malwina Kurek, beloved wife of the late Jan Kurek, passed away peacefully in Taber on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at the age of 90 years. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Vincent TuanHa, Celebrant. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. Malwina is survived by her sons Joe (Cindy) Kurek of Vauxhall and Stan (Debbie) Kurek of Hays; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren Lisa Florendine of Lethbridge and her children Brooke and Chase, Stan Kurek of Grande Prairie and his children Bailey and Chevy, Carrie Kurek of Grande Prairie, Jamie (Chad) Gow of Medicine Hat and their children Layne and Trae, Kim (Steve) Dunsmore of Enchant and their children Pierce, Tyra and Jadyn.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Jan, in 1995. Malwina was born in the Ukraine on June 29, 1924. Her life changed drastically when the Second World War erupted. Although this was a challenging time, Malwina was fortunate to meet the love of her life, Jan. It was love at first sight! They were blessed with two sons and together they bravely made the daunting journey to Canada. They eventually settled in Taber where they worked hard and raised their family. Shortly after Jan’s passing, she took on the lofty challenge of writing her memoirs. This process reminded her of their lives together and provided her a sense of healing. She was able to remain in the family home until she was eighty. Malwina took pride in being able to provide for her family and friends by cooking, sewing, crocheting and gardening, just to name a few of her many talents. Her flower and vegetable gardens were also a source of pride and provided many meals made from her efforts. Malwina enjoyed the simple things life had to offer including cooking and sharing a meal with family and friends, sitting by the lake watching Jan fish and occasionally getting dressed up to go dancing. She never passed up an opportunity to educate us on the importance of embracing family and having a strong work ethic. We will always remember and cherish the sense of home she provided with the smell of homemade bread in the oven, the crispness of freshly starched sheets, and a warm greeting offering to feed you whether you were hungry or not. The last few years of Malwina’s life were enhanced by the numerous health care professionals and “sweethearts” who provided support and care that was beyond compare. The family would like to send a special thank you to the employees of Linden View who cared for Malwina with patience and compassion. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Malwina¹s name may be made directly to a charity of one¹s choice. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.