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THURSDAY, March 16, 2017
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 16, 2017.
BEREZAY
DEAN ALBERT BEREZAY, after a valiant fight with cancer, passed away surrounded by his family. He was born on July 19, 1928 in Cardston, Alberta, and died on March 8, 2017 in Cardston, Alberta.
Dean is the son of Eugene Berezay and Edna (Albiston) Berezay. He is survived by his wife of sixty-nine-years, Enola (Hoyt) Berezay, and ten of his children: Jenny (Dallas) Erickson, Murray (Sherri), Dean Thomas (Deceased), Deana Berezay, Rod (Cynthia), Kathy (Larry) Schow, Kelly Berezay, Dan (Michelle), Dixie (Scott) Kramer, Kari (Ron) Van Elswyk, Josh (Tamara). Dean has 68 grandchildren, 93 great- grandchildren (with 4 in hiding), and 5 great great-grandchildren (with one in hiding). His sister Marie Watson, and his brother Lloyd Berezay are his only living siblings.
All who know Dean have been uplifted by his honesty, kindness, hard work and service in the communities wherever he has lived, also his acceptance of others no matter their life’s circumstances, his many people and animal impressions, and his fun personality. He always said that the only people in this world, who aren’t his friends, are the people he hasn’t met yet. Many young boys, who are now men, still see him as a father figure in their lives.
Dean worked at many different occupations in his lifetime, and he found success in most of things he tried. Many people know he was a great carpenter and builder of wood and men. Dean and his “boys” are responsible for some difficult home renovations, and many of the longest-lasting shingling jobs in this area. He loved being an auctioneer. He worked along side his wife, and any of his children he could talk into holding up the stuff for sale. He sold everything from a billy goat, to pies, cakes, and all kinds of services, all to fund local scouting programs and other charity events.
Dean served faithfully in his church, accepting any position asked of him. In 1996, he served a mission with his wife to Regina, Saskatchewan. They locked their doors and left their livestock in the fields, then seemingly without a worry, went out to serve the Lord and the people of Saskatchewan. Some years earlier, they served a five-year stake mission to the Blood Reserve. If you ever talked with Dean, you couldn’t go away without being aware of his strong faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He announced rodeos and parades for many years, and has built some miniature replicas of important structures in our community, to remind us to never forget the things of the past. He participated in the Alberta Temple Pageant and loved playing the role of Chief Yellow Face. Dean also performed in some of the live theatre productions in our community. He climbed Old Chief at age fifty-nine, so he could be authentic when playing “the man” in the local film, “Behold There is a Place”.
Dean returned home to the Cardston Area in 1971, and has continued one his major lifetime goals, of kindness to his fellowmen. He was the Cardston Citizen of the Year in 1994. He is a true cowboy who has cast a fairly big shadow, filled with hard work, integrity, and fun. He will be sorely missed, but we are all thankful that we had the chance to know “the man”!
Friends may meet the family on Friday, March 17th, 2017 at the Legacy Funeral Home in Cardston from 7:00 to 8:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to the service.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Center (338 -5th Ave. East) on Saturday, March 18th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., with President Jason Hartley officiating.
Interment to follow in the Taylorville Cemetery.
*The family would like to thank the Lee Crest Staff, Doctors, Nurses, and all Hospital Staff that have given loving care for the last few years. We also would like to thank the Legacy Funeral Home for their attentive care and service. We appreciate you all!
*If friends so desire, donations can be made to any Cancer or Diabetes foundations.
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
DUELL
1924 – 2017
ELTON J. DUELL, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Norma Duncan, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, March 12th, 2017 at the age of 92 years.
Besides his wife, Norma, he will be sadly missed by his four children, Sherry (Arnold) Sacher, Richard (Joanne) Duell, Gary (Beverly) Duell and Janice (Rick) Atkins. He will also be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Shelley (Paul) Diggins, Tammy (Rob) Duell-Hodgson, Larry (Jim) Atkins, Darrin (Cindy) Duell, Michael (Cynthia) Duell, Kimberly (Brian) Madigan, Matthew (Georgia) Atkins, Jason (Christine) Sacher, Jay (Crystal) Duell, Trevor (Glenna) Duell, Nicole (Roger) Akune, Adam (Erin) Duell and Stacy (Duane) Kennedy. He is also survived by 33 great-grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren. Elton is also survived by one sister, Faye (Ed) French, one brother, Jack (Geraldine) Duell, sisters-in-law, Isabel Duell and Donna Metcalf and brother-in-law Robert Hurlburt as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his wife Pearl, his brother Melvin, and sister Lucy Delores.
Elton was born on September 2, 1924 in New Dayton, Alberta, the eldest son of Edwin and Ida Duell. In July 1945, Elton married Pearl Josephine Hurlburt and they raised their four children on the family farm at New Dayton. After retirement, Elton moved to Lethbridge. He was a resident of “The View” at the time of his passing.
A Celebration of Elton’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Brian Magee officiating.
A Private Family Interment will be held prior to the Celebration of Life.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Gerald Fraser
1955 – 2017
Gerald Alvin Fraser, passed away unexpectedly at home in Enchant on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the age of 61 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 – 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Thursday, March 16, 2017 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 Friday, March 17, 2017 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.
He is survived by his wife Brenda Sander, mother Bertha Fraser of Taber, sister Darlene Hanke of Brooks, brother David (Marlene) Fraser of Taber, parents-in-law George and Vicky Sander of Lethbridge, sister-in-law Karen (Ron) Zielke of Lethbridge as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Garnal Fraser, brothers Calvin and Dean Fraser, brother-in-law Darrel Hanke and stepfather Glen Siebold.
Gerald was born in Brooks on April 10, 1955. Following high school, he worked in construction, before joining the Bow River Irrigation District as a ditchrider, first in Hays later in the Enchant area. It was here that Brenda came back into his life and they became full time farmers. He spent many hours volunteering for the Vauxhall Baseball Association and being an avid hunter, also spent numerous hours volunteering with Ducks Unlimited. Gerald was always ready to lend a hand to anybody who needed his help, whether it be chasing cattle, helping brand or whatever they asked of him. He so loved his relatives, and their get togethers were always special to him. His multitude of friends were a huge part of his world. Evenings spent sitting around a fire or playing darts meant his world was complete. Gerald was our rock and will be sadly missed. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gerald’s name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7 (http://www.heartandstroke.com) or to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), 410 Stafford Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2L2 (http://www.cnib.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
Frederic “Fred” Walter
Burton
1923- 2017
Mr. Frederic “Fred” Walter Burton passed away on Sunday March 12, 2017 at the age of 93 years. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00PM on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 – 11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB. Canon Allan McCuaig, officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Sally Mee Mui Jang
1949 – 2017
Sally Jang passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 2, 2017 at the age of 67 years. A Come & Go Reception to Celebrate Sally’s Life will be held from 12:00 – 2:00pm on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. A private family interment will take place in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Joseph “Joe” Baczuk
1927- 2017
Joe Baczuk, beloved husband of Leona (nee Bye) for 56 years, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre at the age of 89 years. Dad was born on December 24, 1927 in Milk River, where he spent his entire life. He was proud to call himself a farmer and a Hungarian. Joe attended John Joe School to the end of Grade 8, when he began farming full time. On June 9, 1960, Joe married Leona Bye in Sunburst, Montana. They lived on the home place south west of Milk River, where they raised their 5 daughters. No matter how hard the work, Dad loved being a farmer, and he especially loved tractors. He loved driving them, fixing them, and collecting them. In addition to a large number of antique tractors, Dad also built up an extensive collection of toy tractors over the years. One of Joe’s greatest pleasures was spending time visiting with family and friends. Dad enjoyed going for coffee in town, having company over, or stopping in to visit just about anywhere. Dad loved country music, watching westerns (John Wayne was a favorite!), KFC, and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Hobbies included leather working, selling Smith-Roles farm equipment, hunting, bowling, tractors and attending auctions. Joe was an active member of the Outdoorsmen, the 1-17 Club, the Warner Gun Club and was a lifetime member of the Elks Club. Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife Leona, and his daughters Monica Baczuk, Bev Baczuk (David English), Valerie (Billy) Schamber, Ina Baczuk (Brent Schaible) and Jeanie Baczuk (Brendan Cummins), grandchildren Kendall (Chad) Valgardson, Lance (Caitlyn) Schamber, Chad Patey, Ashleigh English and Skye Cummins, and great grandchildren Wyatt and Weston Valgardson and Kaceton Schamber. He is also survived by his brother Louie Baczuk, sisters Bertha (Jim) Culver, Loretta (Art) Kalau, and Caroline (Ed) Makarenko, brother in law Lloyd Pedersen, sister in law Betty Baczuk and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and the many friends who he made feel like family. Dad was predeceased by his parents Steve and Magdalene Baczuk, brothers John Baczuk, Steve Baczuk and Chester Baczuk, and sisters Magdalene Baczuk, Margaret (Frank) Garber, Irene Pedersen and Mary (Alastair) Gilchrist; father and mother-in-law Lawrence and Eva Bye; brothers-in-law Eldon (Megan) Bye and Ralph (Irene) Bye. Many of Dad’s friends called him “Smiling Joe”, and he will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather as well as for his kindness, sense of humor and loyal friendship. Happy Farming, Dad. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00PM on Friday, March 17, 2017 at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street North, Milk River, AB with Reverend Marion Martin, officiating. Family and friends are invited to pay their final respects between 12:00pm -12:30pm prior to the service. A private family interment will follow in the Milk River Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
LOUNSBURY
BEVERLEY LOUNSBURY of Lethbridge passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017 at the St. Michael’s Health Centre.
Bev is lovingly remembered by her husband Earl and daughter Tara, mother Bernice, brothers Randy and Michael, sister Karen, numerous nieces and nephews and very dear friends.
She was predeceased by her father Doug and sister Melanie.
In keeping with Bev’s wishes, a private gathering to celebrate her life will be held for family and close friends at a later date.
Thank you to Dr. Ireland and her team for all they did for Bev and to the staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit for their kindness and compassionate care; there are none better.
If so desired, donations in Bev’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, #200. 325 Manning Rd. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Tillie Merkl
1933 – 2017
Odilia Merkl, beloved wife of Frank Merkl, passed away in Taber on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at the age of 83 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Tillie is survived by her husband of sixty six years Frank; sons William (Monell) Merkl of Barnwell, Ronald (Cheryl) Merkl of Taber and Kenneth (Jennifer) Merkl of Yorkton, Saskatchewan; grandchildren Andrea Pyne, Paul Merkl, John Merkl, Sheila (Jesse) Terpstra, Ryan Merkl and Kyle Merkl; great grandchildren Brittany and Hunter Pyne, Evelyn and Emily Terpstra; great great grandson Zander Pyne. She is also survived by her siblings Dan (Julia) Hoffart, Anna Marie Puckett, Lawrence (Elsie) Hoffart and Frank (Sharron) Hoffart; sister-in-law Delores Hoffart and brother-in-law Harry Hecht.
She was predeceased by her parents William and Amalia Hoffart; brothers Peter Hoffart, Tony Hoffart and Charles Hoffart; sisters Johanna Hecht and Amelia Schmidt; brothers-in-law Ted Kopp, Ray Puckett and Otto Schmidt; sisters-in-law Mary Hoffart and Katie Hoffart.
Tillie was born April 5, 1933 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan to William and Amalia Hoffart. She lived her childhood in Fox Vallay, Saskatchewan. Tillie moved to Taber where she met Frank Merkl and they were married in 1951. Together they farmed in Barnwell most of their lives. Tillie was active in the Catholic Women’s League and loved dancing, singing, laughing and boy could she cook, and lots of it. Upon retirement Tillie and Frank moved to Taber, first into a brand new house, then Homestead Manor, Clearview Lodge and finally Linden View.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Tillie’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5 (http://www.cancer.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
DARCY ORR
Darcy Orr, of Monarch, AB passed away on March 10, 2017 at the age of 56 years.
Darcy is survived by 1 brother and 3 sisters.
At Darcy’s request a private family service will be held.
Gary Picken
1962 – 2017
Gary David Picken, beloved husband of Corinne Picken, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at the age of 54 years.
Further information including service details will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
SOOP
EDWARD NOADE SOOP Jr. passed away on March 9th, 2017 in Calgary at the age of 78 years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Delores Noade; four children – Charlotte Christensen, Terry Christensen (Kevin), Michele (Brent) McFadden, Tom (Patricia) Soop; 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren whom he loved very much; adopted son Danny Rogers; brother Dennis (Mavis) Chief Moon; sisters – Lorna (Tony) Black Water, Patricia Mooney, Shirley Morgan; numerous relatives.
Edward was predeceased by his parents – Eddie Soop and Julia Morgan Holy Singer; brother Louis (Sonny) Soup; daughter Albertine Vivian Yellow Horn.
The family thanks Units 82 & 83 of the Rockyview Hospital for the comfort and care of their Dad and Husband.
A Family Service will be at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Thurs., March 16th at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve from 7:00 -11:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be at the Senator Gladstone Hall on Friday, March 17th at 11:00 a.m. Interment in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
SPIESS
BARBARA ANN SPIESS passed away in Lethbridge on Monday March 13, 2017 at the age of 75 years.
She is survived by Larry, her loving husband of 53 years and their five sons; David (fiancée Deena D’Souza) and his children Rachel (fiancé Zach Bernardi), Jonathan, Annaliese Steynen and her daughter Lily, Paul, Abigail as well as their mother Wieke Steynen; Dan & Jacqueline and their children Marc, Gabrielle and Isabelle; Garry & Pat and their children Katelyn (fiancé Christopher Rabl), Brianna and Brendan; Glenn & Susan and their children MaryAnne, Maximilian and Benedict; James & Heather and their children Elizabeth, Shaina, Lucas and Seth; and “adopted” son Gerald Wright.
She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Barbara Lennon, her brother Larry Lennon, and many other beloved in-laws.
Barbara lived her Catholic faith serving the church through her membership in the CWL and by 37 years of volunteering with Lethbridge Birthright. She was a strong witness to the importance of family life as she eagerly supported her children and grandchildren in their various activities.
Barbara and Larry’s life was enriched further by the relationships they built with extended family and many friends in each of the communities where they have lived throughout their married life.
Our family wishes to thank Dr. C.F. Forestell, Dr. E. Janzen, Dr. E. Wilde as well as the excellent nursing and support staff of Chinook Regional Hospital for their loving care of Barbara as well as our family.
In memory of Barbara, donations may be made to the Lethbridge and District Birthright Society #503-740 4th Ave South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0N9
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Friday March 17, 2017 at 8:00 P.M. with Deacon Michael Pollard officiating.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH – 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB. on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Salvador Ahumada celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Barbara will be laid to rest during a family Graveside Service that will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Susan Tashiro
1967 – 2017
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our mother, sister, aunt and friend. On the morning of March 11, 2017 Susan Tashiro passed away suddenly at Chinook Regional Hospital. Susan Tashiro was born June 1, 1967 in Cauahtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico to Abram and Agatha Giesbrecht. The family moved to Canada, where they settled on a small farm in Reinfeld, Manitoba. Susie was never one to stay still and in 1986 she moved to Vauxhall, Alberta where she met and later married Darren Tashiro. Together they had four daughters, Jenny, Shae-Lynn, Makayla and Delaney. Susie is survived by her daughters Jenny (Jesse), Shae-Lynn and Makayla, three sisters Tina (Pete), Helen and Samantha (Ken), six brothers Ben (Anna), Ike (Susan), Abe (Tina), Henry (Trudy), John (Sandra) and George (Eva) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Delaney Tashiro, Mother, Agatha Remple Giesbrecht, father, Abram Giesbrecht and brother, Frank Giesbrecht. A private family service was held.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
WILLIAMS
KATHARINA (Tena) WILLIAMS beloved wife of Robert Williams and mother to Stan (Karrie), passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at St. Michaels Health Centre in Lethbridge at the age of 78. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
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