March 28th, 2024

WEDNESDAY, August 4, 2021


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 4, 2021.

BELL

LARRY BELL, beloved husband of Teresa Bell, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at the age of 80 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


Burr, Brent Douglas

April 20, 1957 – July 30, 2021

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Brent Burr at his home with family by his side at the age of 64.

The funeral location and time have been changed from the obituary in yesterday’s edition of the Lethbridge Herald. Please see the finalized details below.

Friends and Family are invited to pay their respects from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Cardston Stake Center, 338 5a Ave E Cardston, Alberta, T0K 0K0.

The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the same location.

Condolences may be sent through http://www.edensfuneralhome.com


GUST

With great sadness we announce the passing of ALBERT “OPA” GUST, beloved husband of Kathe Gust. Opa passed away peacefully on Saturday July 31, 2021 at Fairmont Extendicare Lethbridge just 3 weeks prior to his 90th birthday.

Albert was born on August 26th, 1931 in Friedensfeld, Romania, formally known as Bessarabia. Albert was orphaned as a child.

At 14 years old he began his apprenticeship as a blacksmith for his master in Lehnsdorf, Germany. He immigrated alone to Canada from Germany in 1953 where he met the love his life, Kathe Rallion and married in Lethbridge on June 21st 1958.

Opa advanced his skills by obtaining welding and industrial mechanic tickets and began work at Canada Packers in 1965, retiring in 1991. Opa valued hard work and dedication and placed much of his worth in his workmanship which was evidenced in his yard, and crafting his many welding projects in the garage. Opa had a great love for all animals especially his many dogs which he spoiled throughout his life. Opa continued to work hard until he was slowed by a heart attack. Opa loved to share a cold beer and tell a story or two.

Albert is survived by his loving wife, Kathe of 63 years; two sons, Ron (Kelly) Gust of Spruce Grove; Ralph (Linda) Gust of Lethbridge. Two grandsons, Nicholas Gust (Celia Duncan) of Mission BC and Michael Gust (Lindsey Martini) of Sexsmith; and one granddaughter, his princess, Jessica Gust (Shaimus Tolman) of Lethbridge; and two great-grandsons Oliver and Jake of Mission, BC.

The family would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the caring staff at Fairmont Extendicare. Especially Edna and Jodie, Opa’s angels on earth.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 1:30 PM at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. A public viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


MANY BEARS

DELBERT GEORGE MANY BEARS passed away at the Good Samaritans West Highlands Centre on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at the age of 78 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


MIHALIK

It is with extreme sadness and grief that we announce the passing of our precious mother, MARY ROSE MIHALIK, at the age of 91 on Saturday, July 31, 2021 surrounded by her family, at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Mary was born, raised, and educated in Lethbridge. She had a warm, loving relationship with her late husband, Blondie, and was extremely close to her daughters, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and friends. Mourning her passing are her devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Linda (Jim) Zook and Debbie (Walter) Coyle, as well as four grandchildren, Alison (Pete), Alana (Brian), Megan, and Jimmy (Atley), Mary’s sisters, Jolane Marusz, and Helen (Harold) Deal, their families, and her Mihalik nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Blondie, her parents, Paul and Katie Berze, her youngest sister, Liz Akroyd, and her niece Deeanna Akroyd.

Mary worked diligently alongside Blondie in the family grocery business, Mihalik’s Food and Dry Goods. She greeted everyone with her beautiful smile and enjoyed working with and serving many loyal customers over the years.

Mary was an extremely dedicated, supportive mom and grandma. She was an excellent cook who loved to spend time with her family, sharing delicious meals often with a new dessert or square she wanted to try out on us. Her famous “pink square” was one of the favorites she donated to bake sales and friends in need.

Mary and Blondie were travellers. Our family enjoyed many summer holidays, most often driving to Las Vegas and California to Disneyland. Mom loved to drive, and she did! With Blondie navigating, she drove to Ontario to visit Debbie, Walt, Megan and Jimmy, one time even driving back home via Nashville and Memphis. They would also show up at the Oregon Coast for some beach time with Linda, Jim, Alison and Alana. They also visited Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Mary had a playful spirit: when they flew to Australia to visit Linda and Jim, they purposely waited to be the last passengers to deplane, leaving Linda and Jim to wonder if they missed their flight. To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, mom and dad packed up Linda and Debbie and their families and surprised everyone with a flight to California so that everyone could experience Disneyland together.

Mary was very kind and very generous. She was well liked and respected in the community and was active in the church, as well as in many service clubs and organizations, often holding a position on the executive board. She liked to be part of bowling teams with her friends, walk, bake, go out for coffee, and play the lottery.

Mom came to the realization that she couldn’t remain in her house on her own any longer. Sadly, she moved into care the day before the pandemic lockdown occurred. Although she was confined and isolated during Covid, we were able to have Virtual Visits twice a week. She was interested and participated in the lively conversation. We all looked forward to these visits, being united by our love for mom and missing her.

It was a pleasure and easy to care for mom. She was always grateful, loving and very appreciative of everything done for her. We were happy to help her as she spent her whole life helping others. She will be very sadly missed, and will remain in our hearts and memories forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, or to the Arthritis Society (www.arthritis.org/donate)

A private Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. with Father Gary Sedgwick celebrating. The Divine Liturgy will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Mary’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


PANSKY

MARGARET “FLORENCE” PANSKY (nee ALEXANDER) passed away peacefully, at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge on July 30, 2021, at the age of 91 years surrounded by her children.

Florence was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, on April 30, 1930, and grew up on the family farm in the Hazelmere district south of Fort Macleod. She attended Hazelmere School and completed her high school in Fort Macleod. Then Florence worked at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Fort Macleod. She married Bill Pansky in 1950 and they raised their five children in Fort Macleod and Lethbridge. They relocated to Lethbridge in 1975. Florence then attended the Henderson Business School, and began to work for Southland Credit Union, followed by TD Bank until her retirement in 1993. She was also a long time member of the Catholic Women’s League.

Family and friends enjoyed many years of large get togethers in her home for family announcements, anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. She always used to say “there is always room for one more at our table.”

Florence is survived by her children Ric (Judy), Bette (Wayne), Randy (Patti), Ron (Lorianne) and Bonnie; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 2014, her sister Mary Burger, her parents Tam and Fern Alexander, son-in-law Lyle Walker, and her grandson Jeremy Ducarme.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 1:00 PM, with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.

Following the Mass, a reception will be held in the Assumption Parish hall.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


SHOT BOTH SIDES

LINDA SHOT BOTH SIDES, beloved wife of Jim Shot Both Sides, of the Blood Reserve, passed away peacefully at the Fort Macleod Health Centre on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at the age of 69 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


VAN EEDEN PETERSMAN

Rejoice in the Lord always.

I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4.

On Friday, July 30, 2021, at the age of 70 years, the Lord took LENIE VAN EEDEN PETERSMAN (VERHEIJ), to her eternal home. Let His name be praised.

She will be remembered by her husband of 49 years, Chris, and by her children, Lloyd (Debbie), Ryan (Karen), Norman (Rosanna), Irwin (Candice), Nancy (Scott) Winkelaar.

She will also be remembered as Oma by her grandchildren, Tyler, Amanda (Brayden), Darren, Heidi, Cara, Justin, Landon, Brendan, Levi, Karisa, Kendra, Donovan, Alanna, Janelle, Jason, Kristin, Jayda, Elliott, Harper, Leah, Joel, Macy, Daniel, Reid, and Hannah.

The memorial service will be held, Lord willing, August 6, 2021, at 1:00 pm at Trinity Reformed Church, 1100- 40 Ave. Lethbridge with Rev. John van Eyk officiating. The service will also be streamed online at http://www.trinityurc.ca.

In lieu of flowers, please consider support for Lethbridge and District Prolife, Mount of Olives Children’s Village, http://www.missions-network.org or The Truth About Cancer, http://www.thetruthaboutcancer.com.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


Cor Van Raay

1936 – 2021

Cornelius “Cor” Hendrikus Maria Van Raay, father, companion, prominent cattle and grain farmer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 29, 2021, with family at his side.

Born May 30, 1936 in Nijmegen, Holland, Cor was an enigmatic personality that lived life to the fullest.

As a boy, Cor knew he wanted to be a farmer. He attended agricultural school but realized there wasn’t enough land in Holland to farm the way he dreamed. Driven to achieve his goals, Cor arrived in Vancouver in 1959, where he worked as a landscaper. Soon a farming opportunity beckoned in Alberta where Cor began his career growing beets. Later, he added barley, potatoes, and wheat to his crops. In time, he bought land and cattle, developed large feedlots, and honed his marketing skills. He passionately believed if he did what he loved, success would follow. It did. Cor became a leader in the cattle and grain industry. When challenges arose Cor’s work ethic, drive, and high expectations, fortified him. With his business acumen and leadership abilities, it was natural for Cor to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and he became partners in numerous business adventures. In later years, Cor successfully extended his farming enterprises into Saskatchewan.

Cor met his future wife, Christine, in Alberta. The couple married on April 20, 1963. Christine’s participation in the farm made her a wonderful partner in life and business. They raised six children, Kenneth, Brenda, Sandra, Colleen, Michelle, and Darren. Sadly, Christine passed away in 2005.

Cor believed Canada and his Southern Alberta community provided opportunities which contributed to his success. In a spirit of gratitude and generosity, he gave back to his community by supporting a variety of organizations with monetary donations and service. Among them are the YMCA, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College, and St. Michael’s Health Centre.

He received many honors including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, induction into the Alberta Hall of Fame, Picture Butte’s Citizen of the Year award, and an Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Lethbridge.

Cor was passionate about fitness. He enjoyed cycling, running, and power walking. This balanced well with his love of pie. He ran his first marathon when he was 61. At the age of 70, he embarked on the adventure of a lifetime when he cycled 7,100 km across Canada in 73 days.

Cor cared deeply for his family in his quiet way. He valued being there for his children and grandchildren. Cor’s family is so proud of the great and kind man he was.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Lori Van Raay, daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Bill Bezooyen; daughter, Sandra Van Raay, daughter and son-in-law, Colleen and Duncan Mackey; daughter, Michelle Van Raay, and son and daughter-in-law, Darren and Crystal Van Raay; grandchildren, Emily, Adam, Dexter, Luke, Zoltan, Sawyer, Sullivan, Lincoln, Agatha, Pax, and Brock.

Cor is also survived by his companion, Julie Perverseff. Julie poured her heart and soul into life with Cor. Cor was fortunate to have this special person wholeheartedly take on life’s adventures in his golden years, including the start of a farming operation in Saskatchewan. Julie can never be thanked enough for the care, support and love she gave Cor these last 10 years.

Cor is predeceased and by his wife Christine, parents Maria and Gerrit van Raaij, sisters Joke and Annie. Survived by siblings Henk, Will and Thea.

A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC PARISH, 355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta,

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC PARISH, 355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Private Family Service will take place at Mountain View Cemetery following the Funeral Mass.

For those who wish, the service will be available to view via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Cor-VanRaay and scrolling to the bottom of Cor’s obituary.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity of your choice, or to the Covenant Foundation – Supporting St. Michael’s Health Centre,https://covenantfoundation.ca/ online or mailed to 3C60, 11111 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.


Gerald Voxland

1948 – 2021

Mr. Gerald Voxland of Lethbridge, beloved spouse of Roxanne Lorenzen passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at the age of 72 years.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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