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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 3, 2016.
DEEMTER
JAN DEEMTER went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on February 1, 2016, at the age of 70 years, from complications related to his lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Jan was born on January 16, 1946 in Ulrum, in the Netherlands. He was a younger brother to Trijn and Renny and an older brother to Janneke, Truus, and Harry. Following his military service he immigrated to Canada in July 1969.
Lemina Anje Bulthuis, his lifelong love, followed him shortly thereafter, and on May 13, 1971 they married. They settled first in Edmonton, where Jan completed his Engineering degree at the University of Alberta in 1975. Children soon followed, with Klaas, Marty, and Gerry arriving in quick succession in 1975, 1976, and 1978. Derek was born in 1981, and later that year the family moved to Lethbridge. In 1985 the four brothers welcomed their sister Anya to the family.
An engineer through and through, he was always building or fixing something, be it projects at home or Volvos in the garage. When not busy with this, he volunteered with his church and other community boards. He was a lover of classical music, crossword puzzles, and sailing.
Family was important to Jan, and he planned his summers around family camping trips, or trips to Europe to visit family and friends there. The depth of his relationships showed during his illness, as rarely a day went by when he did not have a visitor at his bedside. It was with family at his bedside that he passed peacefully.
Jan is survived by Lemina, his wife of nearly 45 years, his sons Klaas (Lorraine), Marty (Lisa), Gerry (Jennifer), Derek (Silkie); his daughter Anya (Rich); his grandchildren Alayna, Cameron, Courtney, Jayden, Amber, Mandy, Becky, and Mina; as well as his siblings and extended family in the Netherlands.
Jan touched many people on this side of heaven, and the family wishes to give special thanks to the staff at St. Therese Villa for the loving care they gave him during his stay there.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Family & friends are invited for visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 – Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Thursday, February 4th, 2016, between 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M., and again on Friday, February 5th from 10:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M.
A Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, on Friday morning at 11:00 A.M.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at the TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40th Avenue North, Lethbridge on Friday afternoon at 1:30 P.M., with Pastor Ian Crooks of Westminster Chapel officiating. A reception will follow.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
DEVINE
FRANCIS “HOMER†DEVINE, loving grandfather, passed away suddenly at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, January 31st, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the age of 62 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
_____________________________________________________________________________
FRIESZ IRWIN, LEONA
With sadness we announce the passing on January 27, 2016 of a beautiful lady, our mother and grandmother, Leona Friesz Irwin. Born on June 4, 1923 in Rockyford, AB, she moved to Caroline as a teen. Working for the Slacks, she met and married Alfred Friesz in 1941 and had 4 children. After 40 years together, Alfred passed. She then met and married Ellwood Irwin in 1986, moved to Barons, AB and they had a wonderful 13 years together. She loved and was a member of the Eastern Star for over 65 years. She is survived by her daughter Sharlene (Bill), daughter-in law Carolyn, sons: Gary and Leslie, sister Edna Mae Hahle and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is predeceased by husband Alfred, husband Ellwood and son Marvin. Funeral Services to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2016 in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, 1605 100 Street SE, Calgary, AB. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Children’s Cottage Society, 845 McDougall Road NE, T2E 5A5. To express condolences, please visit: http://www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.
1927 – 2016
Esther Patricia Johnson, beloved wife of the late Gordon Johnson, passed away in Taber on Friday, January 29, 2016 at the age of 88 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 – 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. Burial to follow at the Vauxhall Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Esther is survived by her three sons Clarence (Peggy) Johnson of Medicine Hat and their children Laurel (Gary) Porochnavy and Kirk (Barb) Johnson and their families; Arnold (Robyn) Johnson of High River and their children Sharla (Rick) Johnson, Nadine (Jim) Tharle and Kara (Mike) Johnson and their families; Les (Sherry) Johnson of Vauxhall and their children Cody (Megan) Johnson and Lindsay (Johnathan) Stober and their families. Her family was her pride, this included seventeen great grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Ida Kimber of Vauxhall, Lorene (Jim) Winter of Moose Jaw and Edna (Russell) Todd of Calgary; brother-in-law Lloyd (Shirley) Schmidt of Weyburn, Saskatchewan as well as many nieces and nephews.
Esther was predeceased by her husband Gordon (1998), her parents Peter and Maria Bergen, sisters Louise Schmidt and Verna Neufeldt and brother Melvin Bergen. She was also predeceased by her brothers-in-law John Neufeldt and Harry Kimber as well as all of Gordon’s siblings.
Esther was born to Peter and Maria Bergen on May 19, 1927 at Beechy, Saskatchewan. In 1932 the family moved to Vauxhall, settling in the New West district. She attended school at the New West Country School and continued through to the Vauxhall High School.
Esther married Gordon Johnson on October 19,1947. Together they farmed in the district for thirty three years raising three sons, Clarence, Arnold and Leslie. As she raised her family, she worked hard on the farm but also drove School Bus and worked the beet harvest yearly. In 1980 they semi-retired to an acreage south of Vauxhall. In 1984 they moved into their new home in Vauxhall which Esther designed and was her dream. This was also the year Esther began her long battle with cancer. She faced this challenge with faith and attitude. Her trust in the Lord, and many prayers of family and friends, helped her to win that first fight.
Family and friends were very important to Esther. Many winter evenings Gordon and Esther spent playing cards or socializing with friends. Summers were spent camping, many times taking grandkids along for the fun.
Esther was very active in her community, donating time wherever she was needed. Her free time was spent doing ceramics, counted cross stitch, Japanese Bunga, quilting, crocheting or sitting reading her Bible. She also was active in shuffleboard, floor curling and for years they bowled in the senior league in Taber. One highlight was the year her bowling team won the local, district and provincial championship and went on to the finals in Welland, Ontario where they brought home the bronze medal. She also loved her politics and loved a good discussion (or argument) with her Liberal friends.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Esther’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
Marge Dick
1943 – 2016
On the morning of Sunday, January 31, 2016, Margery Joyce Dick passed away peacefully at the Linden View Care Centre in Taber at the age of 72 years, while being attended to by her husband Robert (Bob) and familiar staff members.
The Funeral Service will be held at Parkview United Church, 712 – 3 Avenue North, Vauxhall on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial will take place at the Vauxhall Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Left to Mourn are her beloved husband of forty seven years Robert (Bob) Dick; children Julie (Sheldon) Harrish and Jeff Dick; sister Shirley (John) Arbithnott; sister-in-law Barbra Dick; brother-in-law Bob Frederick; nieces Melissa (Ken) Taylor, Christine Frederick (Paul Faires), Laura Frederick-Knowlton (Jeff Knowlton) and Cheryl (Scott) Dakiniewich; nephews David (Lara) Dick, Brian (Nicole) Dick and Jaime (Erin) Frederick.
Marge was predeceased by her son Anthony (Tony); parents Helen and Bruce Rowbotham; sister Joan Frederick; in-laws Helen and Bill Dick, brother-in-law Alan Dick and sister-in-law Margret Peters.
Born in New Westminister, British Columbia on May 14, 1943, Marge Rowbotham moved to Calgary with her family in 1949. The middle of three girls, she was very close with her two sisters Joan and Shirley. The three of them had many great childhood adventures in the Calgary community of Hillhurst where they grew up. After graduating from Queen Elizabeth High School, she continued her education at the University of Calgary to go onto become a teacher. Marge taught at Sunnyside School for five years in Calgary while living with her younger sister Shirley in their infamous memorial drive apartment.
Marge married Bob in 1968 and moved to Taber where they both taught at WR Meyers before moving to Vauxhall in 1971 to start a family. Marge was soft spoken, kind and compassionate, she was very devoted to her children and spent the majority of her life in Vauxhall raising her family. She loved animals dearly (especially cats) and often let her children adopt a few too many strays! Marge loved spending time in her garden, tending to her flowers and had a rose garden second to none. She would spend hours pruning and trimming the rose bushes to make sure they were always perfect. Marge was known around the neighborhood for her delicious baking and culinary skills, often having a few extra children at the dinner table. She made sure everyone felt welcome and that everyone was well fed. Marge was deeply loved by her family, her friends and all who knew her.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Marge’s name may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society, #402, 740 – 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0N9.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
John Walter Griffiths
1924 – 2016
John Walter Griffiths of Milk River, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 1, 2016 at the age of 91 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Butch Geremia
1952 – 2016
Gerald Peter Geremia, beloved husband of Diana Geremia, passed away at his home near Vauxhall on Monday, February 1, 2016 at the age of 63 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, February 5, 2016 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 – 9 Street North, Vauxhall, on Saturday, February 6, 2016 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.
KESLER
GREG KESLER, of Magrath, beloved husband of Judy Kesler, passed away suddenly at home, on Monday, February 1st, 2016 at the age of 70 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KESLER
BETH KESLER passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on January 29, 2016 in Raymond, Alberta. Beth was born at Glenwood, Alberta on October 22, 1919 and grew up there. She moved to Raymond with her family and attended her senior year of high school there, before receiving a secretarial certificate from Garbutt Business College in Lethbridge. While living in Raymond she met and married Reg Kesler September 17, 1941. Together they moved to Rosemary, Alberta in 1944 where she worked hard to make the farm and the rodeo business prosper. She became known throughout the community for her caring and giving nature; whenever there was a community or church function she was there, helping out. She held and magnified many callings in the LDS Church there. Beth moved back to Raymond in 1970 where she was again active in church and community. She worked at Southern Breeders in Lethbridge and then in the accounting department for the Town of Raymond for 11 years before retiring. She was an executive officer in the Raymond Hospital Auxiliary and was proud to be a member of the Daughters of Utah pioneers. Beth was predeceased by her parents, Sylvester and Myrtle Williams; Sisters: Hortense Roberts, Mary Maud Williams, Loyia Heggie, Vesta Anderson; Son, Mark Kesler; Daughter, Janet Clifton, and Grandson Jamie Clifton. She will be honoured and sadly missed by her surviving family; Children: Patricia (Gary) Norton, Greg (Judy) Kesler, LeAnne (Keith) Lane, Jeanne (Lee) Cesar, Son-in-law Dale Clifton; 17 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 16 great great grandchildren. Friends may meet the family at The Raymond Stake Centre, on Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, RAYMOND STAKE CENTRE, 2 North, 200 West, Raymond, on Friday, February 5, 2015 at 11:00 am, with Bishop Craig Palmer officiating. Interment to follow in Temple Hill Cemetery.
LITCHFIELD
WILLIAM ELDEN LITCHFIELD beloved husband of the late Marie (Walker) Litchfield passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the age of 96 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FAIRMONT CHAPEL, LETHBRIDGE on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 1:00 P.M.
Friends may meet the family from 12:00 noon to 12:40 p.m. in the Relief Society room.
Interment to follow at Archmount Memorial Gardens.
Edna Milroy
1918 – 2016
Mrs. Edna Milroy of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. John “Jock†Milroy, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016 at the age of 97 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Stojana Petrovic
1919 – 2016
Mrs. Stojana Petrovic of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Dragoljub “Dan†Petrovic, passed away at Adaptacare Personal Care Homes on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at the age of 96 years.
Born September 5, 1919 in a small village, Bregovina, Serbia. She lived there and farmed until 1955 when she was brought to Canada with her two children, son (Steve) and daughter (Marion) by her husband. Stojana worked at Catteli for a few years and she loved to knit and crochet.
Stojana is survived by her daughter Marion Petrovich; son Steve Petrovich; grandchildren Joanne, Brian, Valerie, Bogdan, and Monica; great grandchildren Natasha, Kaitlyn, Mila, Lana and Aleksander; great great grandchild Aleaha, as well as their families.
Besides her loving husband, she was also predeceased by her one infant grandson Michael Petrovich.
The family would like to thank the staff at Cider Creek for looking after their mother.
Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th Street South, Lethbridge.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX CHURCH, 643 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, with The Very Reverend Father Taras Krochak officiating. Interment to follow in Archmount Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
RITA FIELD
July 29, 1925 – January 26, 2016
To everything there is a season……
Our Mom, Rita Field passed on with the same grace and humility with which she lived, never wanting to be a bother to anyone but grateful for everything done for her. Mom was an amazing woman, who along with our Father, Skip Field instilled in all of us a great sense of family, the importance of love and commitment, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for all that is good in the world. Mom was the unwavering constant in our lives.
Mom and Dad were the perfect “tag team†which was evident in their 65 years of marriage. They were always there for each other, and for us…at hockey and baseball games, figure skating, and water skiing at Park Lake. They enjoyed Sunday night card games with the Pinders and Lemires, summer holidays in Vernon at Auntie May’s, trips to Reno and traveling the world. Life was good.
Mom worked many years at Robinson’s Store for Hugh Craig. He valued her loyalty and the customers valued her friendship. She volunteered with the Hospital Auxiliary and her hand-knit sweaters were famous. She was a member of the Royal Purple and played cards regularly at the Legion and the Welcome Mat.
Our family will cherish the memories of a life well lived: Don (Sonia) Field, Cindy Seerup (Mike MacNeill) and Coreen (Terry) Herring. Mom dearly loved her grandchildren and had a special connection with each one: Holly (Brad) Srayko, Jody Seerup, Chad (Angie) Seerup, Lindsay Field, Courtney (Jake) Webb and Tyler Herring. Her great grandsons Fynn, Rowan and Brody brought her great joy and could always make her smile.
A Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date. If so desired, memorial tributes can be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 300-1324 17 Ave. SW. Calgary, AB.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together,
keep me in your heart….I’ll stay there forever.â€
…AA. Milne from Winnie the Pooh
Nicolai “Nick†Reimer
1926 – 2016
Mr. Nicolai “Nick†Reimer of Coaldale, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Annie Reimer, passed away at the Coaldale Health Center on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the age of 89 years.
He leaves to cherish his memory; his daughters Margaret (Donn) Sherman, Doris (John) Maxwell and Ruth (Glenn) Clark; son-in-law Tim (Gertrud) Geddert; sons Harold (Bernice) Reimer, Wes (Sherril) Reimer, Art (Paige) Reimer and all their families. As well, Nick’s sister Anne (Jake) Dick, brothers Henry (Marion) Reimer and John (Elsie) Reimer and sister-in-law Mary Petker.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00pm, on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the COALDALE MENNONITE CEMETERY.
A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00pm at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street, Coaldale, with Pastor Gary Burke officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideon’s Lethbridge Camp (Gideon Bible Memorial Rep) c/o John Regier, 2225 – 27 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 6K5
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
SILLITO
CAROLINE “CARRIE†SILLITO passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, February 1, 2016 at the age of 85 years. Carrie is survived by her three children: Randy (Lorraine), Morgan and Rhonda (Lisa). She is also survived by two granddaughters Danielle and Kimberly and one great granddaughter Myra. Carrie was the oldest of 4 children. She was born in Empress Alberta. Throughout her early life the family lived in BC and Alberta. She met the love of her life Arvil on New Years Eve and were married 5 years later in 1950. Carrie worked as a cook at the Galt Hospital for several years. She was part of the union startup and was president of the same. She worked there until after the birth of her second son. Then she took on her most important job as mother and wife. Through out her life she helped her father out at Sandy’s Jewellery. A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, NORTHSIDE CHAPEL, 2223-6 A. Avenue North,Lethbridge on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. Friends may meet the family prior to the service from 1:00 – 1:45 P.M. Interment to be held in the Orton Cemetery.
YOUNG PINE
COBIN YOUNG PINE, husband of Tarasina and father of Cobin Jr. & Kateri Elois Christine, passed away in Calgary on January 31, 2016 at the age of 23 years.
A Candlelight Service will be at Highway #2 & Belly River Station on Thursday, Feb. 4th at 5:00 p.m. The Wake Service will be at the Moses Lake Gym, Blood Reserve on Friday, Feb. 5th from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Saturday, Feb. 6th at 11:00 a.m.
Send condolences to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
ZEHN
Christina Zehn of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the age of 64 years.
A Memorial will be held at Southminster United Church, 1011 4 Ave S, Lethbridge, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 2 p.m.
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