By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 9, 2019.
MERV FRIESEN
Merv Friesen, of Lethbridge, passed away Friday, February 8, 2019 at the age of 64. Merv is survived by his loving wife Fran, his children Corey (Ophelia) of Nanaimo, Kyle (Sam) of Lethbridge, and Ali (Desi) of Lethbridge, his step children J.D. (Anne) Russell of Bozeman, Montana, Jeremy (Kylie) Hanson of Kansas, and Tiffany (Rodney) Hanson of Bozeman, Montana. His grandchildren Jasper, Taya, Zayden, Havana, Jimmy, Hunter, Mackenzie, Hadley, Devin and Ryker. He is also survived by his mother Thelma Friesen of Lethbridge, 2 brothers, Brian of Calgary and Bruce (Rae Lynne) of Lethbridge and two sisters, Sharon McNab of Lethbridge, and Linda (Scott) Fujita of Lethbridge, as well as his nieces and nephews Renae, Niki, Mike, Jessie, Robyn, Christen, Aleyna, Daycin and Berkley. Merv is also survived by his children’s mother, Cheryl Friesen.
Merv was predeceased by his father Leonard Friesen, grandparents John and Helena Friesen and Alex and Helen Clarke, as well as uncles and aunts Cleon Friesen, Harvey Friesen, Udo Vegter, Bill Chrunik and Lillian Chrunik. Merv’s best friends Buddy and Wolfman passed away and for 10 plus years they were all inseparable. Merv will miss his latest pets, Kenya and Congo, a pair of registered boxers as well as their pup Tia.
Merv was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta and lived there till 1995 when he relocated to Lethbridge. He worked at Triple M Housing over 28 years with his latest position as Sales Manager. He had a unique passion for his work. He enjoyed going to work every day. He also loved a 7 year Realtor career prior to Triple M with Century 21 and McNab Realty.
Merv’s life was dedicated to his dogs and children he cherished so much. He served on the Recreation Board in Fort Macleod, President of Fort Macleod Minor Hockey for numerous years and President and co-founder of the Southwest “AA” Rockies hockey club. He also served as President of the Foothills, South Central and the Chinook Hockey leagues in Alberta. Coaching Little League and Minor Hockey teams was a passion he enjoyed so much for so many years. An avid volunteer, he was recognized for his efforts the year of the 1988 Calgary Olympics. He loved Men’s and Mixed slow pitch as well as playing recreational hockey many years.
In June of 2000, he met Fran of Wichita, Kansas and they were married June 23rd of 2001, and they started their new life together in Canada.
Despite his illnesses, he carried on with his witty humor, practical jokes, cruising in his Corvette and Trans Am, enjoying life to its fullest. A common quote from him was “Quality time is more important than Quantity time”. Merv was happiest when around his devoted pets and never lost interest in all that was happening in his children’s lives. He organized the continuing Friesen Reunion for nearly 21 years in honor of his grandmother Helena, whom he respected and admired.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Cancer foundation.
GAPP
March 1, 1930 – February 5, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of FRANCES HOPE GAPP, beloved wife of the late James W. Gapp; mother of six living children, 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
We would like to thank the staff of Park Meadows Good Samaritans for three and a half years of care and love to our mother.
Frances will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
George Garner
1951 – 2019
Mr. George Garner of Blairmore, Alberta beloved husband of Mrs. Elaine Garner, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at the age of 67 years. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
HALEY
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of ALEXANDER “AL” LESLEY HALEY, beloved husband of Doris Haley, of Lethbridge, on Friday, February 8, 2019 at the age of 92 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Edward “Ed” Mathieu
1936 – 2019
Mr. Edward “Ed” Mathieu of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Irene Mathieu, passed away at Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary on Monday, February 4, 2019 at the age of 82 years. A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Howard Olson
1929 – 2019
Howard George Olson, beloved husband of Jean Olson, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the age of 90 years.
A private burial service will be held at the Vauxhall Cemetery prior to the service.
The Prayer Service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, February 11, 2019 at 5:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Besides his loving wife Jean, Howard is survived by his children Deborah Johnson of Didsbury, Bryce (Janet) Olson of Drayton Valley, Terry Olson of Calgary, Leslie Olson of Taber and Kenneth Olson (Tammy Taylor) of Ponoka as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Lillian Olson and June Olson.
He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses Harold Olson, Clifford (Eleanor) Olson, Donald Olson, Herman Olson, Esther (Charlie) Gillespie and Emily (Leslie) Howg.
Howard was born on January 13, 1929 in Enchant to Ole and Nellie Olson. He married Jean Rombough in 1953 and together they raised their five children in Vauxhall. Howard was actively involved in the community as a school teacher, Mason, Saddle Club, Vauxhall Town Council, United Church and the Vauxhall Jets. He loved music and his horses which he shared with his daughter Leslie. He will be greatly missed.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Howard’s name may be made directly to the Vauxhall Baseball Academy Society, Box 618, Vauxhall, Alberta T0K 2K0.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
TAKACS
FRANK TAKACS, the beloved husband of Joann Takacs, of Magrath, passed away on Sunday, February 3rd, 2019, at the age of 76 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. with Alice Takacs officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Albert Sayson celebrating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Mary Kathleen “Kathy”Warren
1956 – 2019
Mrs. Kathy Warren of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Dr. Jeff Warren, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 4, 2019 at the age of 62 years. Kathy was born in Waterloo, Ontario to Arthur and Marlene Litchi on November 26, 1956. Kathy moved on her own to Alberta in 1974, making Calgary her home. Kathy worked numerous jobs in Calgary and Edmonton before moving to Lethbridge in 1982 where she met Jeff. She worked at Time Air in Lethbridge, which led to a long career with numerous airline companies for 18 years. In 1983, Kathy asked Jeff to marry her and he accepted; they married and together they enjoyed travelling, running, golfing, and simply outdoor activities. In 1987, 1989, and 1991 they welcomed Jared, Austin, and then Spencer, and together they settled in Lethbridge making it their home. Kathy was an amazing athlete, specifically running and won many long distance races. She was also a very experienced skier and enjoyed many trips with family and friends. Jeff and Kathy spent many hours on the golf course, Kathy had said many times that she would not quit golfing until she won. Kathy was a woman with a very big heart, she was always willing to help others and her generous spirit, love and kindness will be forever missed. Besides her husband Jeff, Kathy is survived by her children Jared Warren, Austin Warren, Spencer Warren; mother Marlene Waugh; brother Paul Gatcke. Private funeral services have been held by Kathy’s family. Those who wish to remember Kathy may send condolences to Jeff and family through http://www.mbfunerals.com
Dianne Wensveen
1937 – 2019
Mrs. Dianne Bernadette Wensveen of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Quirinus (Quince) Wensveen, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the age of 81 years. Dianne was born May 19, 1937 and was the first of 3 children born to Emil and Emily Vaselenak. She grew up in Lethbridge, attended St. Joseph’s high school, and graduated from the Convent School in Medicine Hat. The following summer, Dianne trained to be a teacher in the Junior E program and began teaching school in Calgary. She had known her husband Quince from high school, but it was in Calgary that they dated, and were married a year later (March 30, 1958). Dianne was a stay at home mom to 3 kids until the youngest, Quentin started school. During this time the family lived for 1 year in each Fort. St. John, B. C., and Whitehorse, Yukon for Quince’s job with Environment Canada. Dianne taught school the year they were in Whitehorse. When they settled back in Edmonton, Dianne got her Bachelors of Education at night school from U of A, and started teaching in the public school system. She taught grade 1 until her retirement at the age of 55 years. Dianne and Quince moved to Lethbridge to be closer to family and Dianne took care of each her mom, dad and brother in local nursing homes until each passed away. Deanne was an avid weaver on her floor loom, and an active member of the Weavers Guild. She also enjoyed needle craft afternoons with the Spinner’s Club and knit many blankets for newborns. Dianne gave generously of herself throughout her life and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Besides her loving husband Quince, Dianne is survived by 1 daughter Janice; 1 son Quentin; grandchildren Mathias, Sophie, and Hadlee, and 1 sister Joan. Dianne was predeceased by her parents Emil and Emily Vaselenak, son Ian, and brother Delbert. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 9:00am and 10:00am on Monday, February 11, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, AB., A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am, on Monday, February 11, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, AB., with Deacon Frank Peta, officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.