THURSDAY, September 30, 2021

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on September 30, 2021.

BRENNER

Corry (van Roessel, van Son)

Brenner

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Cornelia Brenner announces her passing on September 12, 2021.

Corry was born on May 25, 1928, in Helvoirt, Holland, to Adrianna and Wilhelmus van Roessel. She joined two older brothers, Kees and Sjaac (Jack), followed by seven others; An, Toon, Frans, Riet, Jan, Tiny and Trees. Corry’s education was cut short after losing her mother in 1941. She became Sister-Mother to her siblings.

In 1955, Corry married John van Son and they immigrated to Canada. Over the next 11 years, they had three sons and four daughters. Corry worked tirelessly and scrimped to help finance the farm in Hays. She raised her children, gardened, cleaned barns, shoveled in bins, volunteered at the church, school and Girl Guides. Corry’s brother Jack and wife Connie had also immigrated to Canada. Connie and Corry leaned on each other through child bearing years, were each other’s babysitter and mentor.

In 1988, Corry moved to Taber and worked in a daycare and as a nanny. At the age of 62, she learned to read and write English. In the August snowstorm of 1992, Corry married Ed Brenner. His four children became part of Corry’s life and continued to do so after Ed’s passing. She won Senior Citizen of the Year for Taber at the age of 75. She had 20 pins as a volunteer for the Taber Health Center, with over 500 hours and over 25 years.

Corry was completely devastated to lose her daughter, Wilma, in 2011. She travelled to many places, mostly to visit family. Large family gatherings were what made her the happiest.

She will forever be cherished by her children and grandchildren; Tony and Linda (Jennifer, Brendan and Curtis), Audrey and Doug (Corey, Ryan, Shaun and Kyle), Betty and Bruce (Shane, Shari and Trevor), (Wilma) and Gord (Kathleen and Brett), Kerry and Pierrie (Michael and Stephen), Andrew and Tracy (Justin and Shelby), Joanne and Greg (Nicole and Brodie). Numerous grand-in-laws, great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, step relatives, her siblings and their families, Riet Brok and Antoon van Son and the van Son families.

Corry was predeceased by her daughter, Wilma (Smiley), great grandson Anthony van Son, as well as her brothers Kees, Jack and Toon; sister Riet; sister-in-law Jo Brok; brothers-in-law Huup and Tiny van Son, as well as numerous extended family and friends. The celebration in heaven will be amazing.

A special thank you to Good Samaritan’s N, cottage 5, for all the years of caring and compassion they gave to our Mom and Oma.

Celebration of her life will be held October 1, 2021, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Taber. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, it will be a small family gathering.

In memory of Corry, donations can be made to help children in need, or a charity of one’s choice.

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

DEHEER

Gerard (Gerry) DeHeer

Great is Thy Faithfulness, Oh God my Father!

With utmost sadness, the family announces the passing of our father, grandfather, and great grandfather in the early hours of September 24, 2021. Dad was the loving husband of Coby for 70 years. We were so very blessed with Dad’s life, just having celebrated his 91st birthday on September 14th.

Dad was born in Nigtevecht, the Netherlands and grew up the eldest of 10 children, four brothers and 5 sisters.

Dad was educated as a pressman in the Netherlands, having articled four years to obtain his diploma in Amsterdam in 1949. He met the love of his life; Coby, his sweetheart and they were married in 1951. Dad wanted a better life for his family and in 1952 Mom and Dad immigrated to Canada aboard the “S. S. Groote Beer” which landed at Pier 21 in Halifax on September 30, 1952. Three days later they arrived by train in Southern Alberta. In the spring of the following year, their first child, Jack was born.

Early work in Canada for Dad was at small printing businesses but he was soon hired in the Lethbridge Herald’s Commercial Printing Division to operate their new Heidelberg press. Through his hard work, dedication and talent, Dad advanced to Foreman and then Manager, a position he held for many years. Later, in 1985, when the opportunity arose to purchase the commercial printing business division, Dad, having the entrepreneurial skills, and with Mom’s support, seized the opportunity and a successful family business, Graphcom Printers Ltd. began. Jack followed in Dad’s footsteps in Graphcom and successfully took over the leadership role in 1993 although Dad was active in the business for many years following, the later years still running a press. Dad’s keen sense of business and his experiences as well as his desire to give back to the Community and the Country he loved led him to take many volunteer positions including the St. John’s Ambulance, starting in the late 1950’s, being given many awards for his service by the Province of Alberta, serving in the Kiwanis Club for many years, serving as President, as well as the Lethbridge Symphony Association. But overwhelmingly, it was his love for Christ and his Church that led him to work his whole life for the Lord and to demonstrate that love in the many roles he took to support the Maranatha Christian Reformed Church.

Although Dad loved to work, and he worked hard and many long hours to support his family, Dad also spent many wonderful vacations with his children and grandchildren on camping trips and trips in the Motorhome that Mom and Dad loved to take to Yuma each year in their retirement. They made many close friends in Yuma, Arizona. Dad was a handyman in all aspects of the word, and he enjoyed working on his acreage in his later years. Dad’s love for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was immense but his amazing love for Coby throughout the 70 wonderful years of marriage they shared, was inspiring to us all.

Dad leaves behind to mourn his passing his loving wife Coby, his loving children, son Jack (Laura) DeHeer, and their children Garth (Danielle) DeHeer, Ella, Olivia and Nash, and Tara DeHeer, his oldest daughter Marianne Bohmer (Randy Trotter) and her children Kristen (Richard) Vanderwal and Justin Jarvie, his youngest daughter Yvonne (John) Barthel and their children Alex and Spencer Barthel (Cassidy Vanden Berg) and youngest son Mike Oevering. Dad also leaves to mourn his passing Mom and Dad’s caring neighbors and wonderful friends of many years, Bela and Ildiko Santa and their children Kinga (Zentner) and Csenge.

Dad was predeceased by a great granddaughter Brooke DeHeer, son-in-law Clark Bohmer, a brother Jeff DeHeer, and a sister Jenny Vandernet.

The family would like to thank the many home care and health care professionals who took such amazing and compassionate care of our Dad over the last five months with a very special thank-you to Brad, Kim and Celeste for your utmost compassion and allowing our Dad to live his last days with dignity.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Service will be held at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church (260 McGill Blvd W, Lethbridge, AB) on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Paul Van Stralen officiating.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@ cornerstonefh.ca. Seating will be limited to 50 guests. Facemasks are mandatory and will be available upon entry.

The Service will be livestreamed and available to view via Gerry’s obituary on the Cornerstone website, as well as the Maranatha Church website.

Gerry will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery during a family graveside service.

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

HAHN

1949-2021

PATRICIA “PAT” HAHN (nee Lennox) beloved wife of Wayne Hahn, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 72 years.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Pat’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

John Hildebrand
1932 – 2021
 John Gerhard Hildebrand, beloved husband of the late Ellen Hildebrand (nee Wiens), passed away in Medicine Hat on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the age of 88 years.
 Relatives and friends are invited to attend the burial service at the Bow Island Cemetery on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 12:30 P.M.
 As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19 and the government recommendations, a private funeral service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 – 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.  
  Due to the fact that in person attendance at the service is limited and by invitation only, those who wish to view the service online may do so by visiting http://www.bowislandefc.com and choosing the ‘live’ link on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2:00 P.M.
 John is survived by his daughter Geraldine Hildebrand-Chernezky of Redcliff; four grandchildren Staci Chernezky, Robert (Angela) Chernezky, Ryan (Clara) Chernezky and grandson-in-law Paul Coon; great grandchildren Kelton, Kendra, Myron, Taryn, Mason, Keely and Jayda Lynn.
 He was predeceased by his wife Ellen Hildebrand (2007); son-in-law Nick Chernezky (2015); granddaughter Nicole Coon (2011); brothers Victor, Alex and Jack Hildebrand.
 John was born the last boy in the line up of brothers, Victor Jacob, Alexander Gerhard, George Gerhard and Jacob Gerhard and then he was followed by two sisters, Mary Agatha (Hansen) and Elizabeth Hildebrand, all born to Russian parents Gerhard J. Hildebrand (1893-1935) and Maria Hildebrand (1895-1985). John’s parents along with baby brother Victor, sailed on the Melita from Russia, arriving in Halifax in 1925 and eventually settled, homesteading land and farming in the Grassy Lake area.  
 John understood the concept of stewardship, that all he had belonged to the Lord. His lifetime of generosity demonstrated that he internalized this truth and that he offered all that he had to further the Kingdom of God.
 John contributed his coming to a saving knowledge of trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, with a view for eternity and thus sacrificing to give to missions, to his early years of attending the Southern Alberta Bible Camp (SABC). In the early days, SABC was located at the Grassy Lake forks and one had to drive all the supplies (tents and all) and people, across the river by citing a certain tree and keeping the course to get there. Certainly, that may have played a part in his investigative curiosity and love to explore and see around. Even at the last, he loved to go for a drive and ‘check things out’.
  During his final days while hospitalized for a couple days, he decided to remove the supporting oxygen, smiling and waving goodbye before passing shortly thereafter.
 It looked like John could see the finish line, and he ran for it! Yes it appeared like he jumped over the line in his jovial way, waving good bye as he crossed the line!
 SABC brought hope to John as a child and during the years that followed. For this reason, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in John’s name may be made directly to the Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Box 99, Lomond, Alberta T0L 1G0 (http://www.sabc.ca). Please designate the donation to the “All Aboard Fund” so that less fortunate children may have the opportunity to attend camp.
 The family would like to thank those that ‘adopted’ John as family, including his companion care person, so even while in the Lodge, they were his watchful eyes and gave him family close by. These individuals include Mary and Isack Hamm and their delightful children and Roger and Cheryl Lobb and their family, who were there for him to the end, taking his instructions and not leaving him alone. They did so much more for him, to reassure him, make sure his wishes were understood and followed, while still allowing him to continue to engage in the farming that he so enjoyed. Also, thank you to the Pleasant View Lodge in Bow Island where John resided after he gave up his home. They made living alone so much more fun, with meals and room service being taken care of and providing a beautiful community and caring staff. Last but definitely not least, to two of the fellas, John Wikkerink and Ben Reimer at the Pleasant View Lodge, that together with John formed the three Mouseketeers or three Stooges – we don’t know which, but we do know that together they just kept life exciting for everybody and gave John’s life a zest. As well to so many others, to numerous to mention, thank you.
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.  

Wilfred (Woody) Anthony Riley

June 11, 1925 – Sept. 25, 2021

It is with a sad heart that the family of Woody Riley announces his passing at the age of 96. He resided at Good Samaritans Park Meadows in Lethbridge.

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Alan (Sue) Riley of St. Albert; daughter, Janet (Richard) Richter of Lethbridge; and son, Keith (Robin) of Alpharetta, GA, USA. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Sean Riley of Ottawa, ON; Erica Riley of St. Albert; Jeremy Richter of Vancouver, B.C.; and Blair (Noreen) Richter of Lethbridge; three great grandchildren, Damon, Anna and Leah Richter of Lethbridge.

A small funeral Friday will be held on October 1, at 2:00 pm at Chinook Bible Church, Pincher Creek. Funeral arrangements provided by Eden’s Funeral home in Pincher Creek.

Shackleford, June (nee Babet)

June passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 22nd at 511 pm, per her wishes, at home holding hands with her children David and Lisadawn. She was 85.

June asked that there be no ceremony and over the next few months, dependant upon Covid restrictions, her ashes will be scattered per her requests.

June was born on May 24th 1936 in Vancouver BC, the west coast and the Pacific Ocean always held a special place in her heart. The family moved to Calgary where June and her dear brother Fred were raised. Summers spent on the family farm in Clive, Alberta were some of June’s fondest memories.

June married Allan William Shackleford in Calgary in 1956. June is survived by Lisadawn Shackleford (Rich Michaud) and David Shackleford (Ethan Shackleford, Vaughn Honyara). June was known for her years of dedicated volunteering for Girl Guides Of Canada and dance den mom and seamstress with Lisadawn and the loudest, proudest hockey mom with David.

June’s involvement and unwavering dedication to Foothills Academy School for Children with Learning Disabilities in its early days is her crowning achievement by far. June went on to work as the school office administrator.

After her divorce in 1983, June moved the family back to Vancouver. She began her long, stellar career with the Royal Bank where she worked until retirement, winning perfect attendance records regularly. She missed the bank and went back to work post retirement.

June spent her retirement in Whistler, Pemberton, and finally Vancouver Island to be near her daughter. She volunteered in the school reading program in Whistler.

June is remembered fondly by anyone who was fortunate enough to meet her and experience her wit, charm, sparkling beautiful blue eyes and warm smile. She’ll be remembered for her caring, kind nature and passion for travel, nature, dogs, family and teaching children to read. She was a beautiful, graceful, classy lady who will be dearly missed.

Arrangements entrusted to Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre, 250-334-0707

Brian “Jim” James Toth

June 3, 1951 – Sept 24, 2021

Brian “Jim” James Toth passed away peacefully on September 24, 2021, surrounded by his family and friends, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

Jim was born June 3rd, 1951, to Eileen and Frank Toth of Lethbridge, Alberta. In 1973 Jim met Debbie, and they married in October of the same year in Lethbridge. Together Jim and Debbie had two children, Mike, and Kim. In 1979 the family relocated to Cranbrook, B.C., where Jim opened Midas Muffler. From 1980 – 2007 the business operated as Midas Muffler, then became Speedy Auto from 2007 – 2021. Jim and Debbie were very involved in the community and became one of the first sponsors of the Cranbrook Colts Hockey Team. Their love for hockey continued, they were season ticket holders for the Kootenay Ice, and billeted players for 10 years. Jim loved to play broomball, hunt, fish, ride his Harley and spend time with his family.

Jim will be deeply missed by his good buddy John Darula. Jim and John spent 25 years having coffee and solving world problems. He will be missed by his family and friends and loyal customers of over 40 years.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Debbie of 48 years, son Mike (Lisa), from Cranbrook, B.C., daughter Kim (Jeremy) Pierzchala of Taber, Alberta, grandchildren Reeve, Landyn, Beckham and Aiden, brother Jerry, Bill (Gayle), sister Sherry Blair (Kirk), Darren (Elaine), numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother Eileen and father Frank Toth, his father-in-law Bill Hnatiuk.

There will be a service for Jim on September 29, 2021, at 1:00 pm, to take part in the service via live stream, please go onto Jim’s obituary on http://www.mcphersonfh.com and click on the tab Live Streaming of Service just prior to start time.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the BC Cancer Society https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

http://www.mcphersonfh.com

VELDMAN

TEUNTJE “TEUNY” VELDMAN, beloved wife of the late Klaas Veldman, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at the age of 83 years.

Arrangements will be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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