By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 25, 2021.
KUSALIK
Feb 9, 1934 – Nov 22, 2021
It is with great sadness, that we say goodbye to JOSEPH “JOE” KUSALIK, beloved soulmate of Mary. He passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre after a valiant battle with congestive heart failure at the age of 87.
Joe will be forever cherished by his six children: Anthony (Jane Mason), Peter (Mary Chan), Christine (Gerry) Kramer, Marianne Hellawell, Daniel (Rowena) and Mark, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great- grandchildren. Joe is survived by sister-in-law Mary, his brother Edward, sister Helen Bruneel, the Badura family, and numerous family and friends in Ontario and the Czech Republic.
Joe is predeceased by an infant son Joseph, his parents Steve and Stephanie, brother John, sister-in-law Joanne, and brother-in-law Roger Bruneel.
Joe was born in Fletcher, Ontario and raised on a farm. In May 1954, at the age of 20, he left Chatham, Ontario for Alberta, seeking employment where he met Mary, the love of his life. Joe and Mary were married Nov. 12, 1955 and settled in Taber where he built their first home. They raised five children on the family farm before moving to Grassy Lake, where their last son was born. There they spent many wonderful years working side by side farming with the help of their children. Joe enjoyed being out on an open John Deere tractor. He was instrumental in establishing the Southern Alberta dry bean industry. Work came first, but there was always time for family, fun and his faith. Joe was a man of many talents and ingenuity, and he was not afraid to take up new challenges. In 1987, at the age of 55, Joe and Mary retired to Lethbridge where he enjoyed many of his hobbies, such as growing grapes, making wine, traveling, carpentry and being a grandfather. Joe “loved to talk” and could make friends easily and carry on a conversation with anyone. He was extremely proud of his Czech heritage and truly enjoyed his polka music. Joe was an active member of Assumption parish, volunteered at LSCO, 60+, the Czech club and Knights of Columbus. In January 2016, Joe & Mary moved to Martha’s House. Shortly after that Joe was diagnosed with cancer. He put up a strong fight overcoming it, but as a result developed heart failure. It was a difficult journey for him and his family. His quiet courage and sense of humor was with him to the end.
We will miss you and love you always. Till we meet again. “Sbohem Jozka”
A Private Prayer Service will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating.
A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. Due to Covid restrictions, the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Joe’s full obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Thank you to the nursing staff and Doctors for the wonderful care and support, Joe and his family received at Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Michael’s Health Centre.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe’s name may be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca)
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Peter Douglas Berger
1958 – 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a great brother, uncle, friend, mentor among a great many other titles. Peter Douglas Berger, better known to all as Doug, passed away after a long-fought battle with many different ailments including cancer. He died peacefully at the St. Mike’s Palliative Care center with one of his favourite people, Jaquelyn by his side.
We will be having a celebration of Doug’s life after the Covid restrictions have been lifted and we can get together and celebrate.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to
send a condolence.
Joel Bos
1997 – 2021
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, Abounding in love to all who call to you. – Psalm 86:5
It is with profound grief, we announce the sudden and tragic passing of our dear son, brother and uncle. God took to Himself, JOEL DOUGLAS BOS, on Friday November 19, 2021, at the age of 24 years.
Joel, was a very loved and precious son to Simon and Ramona Bos, dearly loved brother to Larissa, Kristi (Michael) Veldman and Heather. Most loving uncle one can imagine, to Liam and Sarah Veldman.
Joel is also survived by his loving grandparents Bill and Nellie Bezooyen, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his faithful and loyal core group of friends.
Joel was predeceased by his Opa and Oma, Marinus and Gertruda Bos.
Joel was born on April 29, 1997 in Lethbridge AB. He was a sweet and sensitive son, always aiming to please. He grew up with three older sisters who loved to take care of him. However, at a very young age the tables had already began to turn, and he took upon himself the task to care for and protect his sisters. Even though he loved his sisters dearly he longed for a brother, and it was with great joy he welcomed Michael into our lives. Joel loved deeply.
Joel was always up for a shopping date when his mom just needed to spend time with him away from the farm. He dropped everything and loved to take care of his mom. His heart was so big.
Joel worked beside his dad ever since he was old enough to pull weeds and water trees. He looked forward every year to spring so he could help with tree planting, making his dad promise him not to do it without him. As the years went by, Joel became a very capable and valuable part of the business. Joel was meticulous and took great pride in his work, wanting nothing more than to make his dad proud. He made work fun and loved that he could work together with Simon and Michael in the family business. Simon was blessed and proud to have his son work right beside him on a daily basis.
Joel was such a proud uncle. “This is the best day of my life” Joel exclaimed, on the day he found out he was going to be an uncle. He never had a problem with stopping his own work just to give Liam bobcat and ATV rides. His determination and persistence in winning Sarah over finally paid off when she reached out her arms to him. Liam and Sarah loved their ‘Kuncle Joe’.
Joel truly had the best laugh and the most loving and giving heart. We were all so proud of him, a piece of our heart is now missing; he will be sorely missed.
Joel was a professing Christian and trusted that it was well with his soul.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Please note that due to COVID regulations, we will allow 50 people in the building at one time.
A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 26, 2021 at the Coaldale Cemetery.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100-40 Ave. N. Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend John Van Eyk officiating.
Those who wish to watch Joel’s service via livestream may do so by going to http://www.trinityurc.ca/livestream. Please go to Webcast LIVE NOW and look for Trinity Reformed Church, Lethbridge, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers and in Memory of Joel, donations can be made to Rehoboth Christian Ministries, 1222 20th St, Coaldale, AB T1M 1N1.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Esther Marta Hauschildt
1927 – 2021
Mrs. Esther Hauschildt of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Monday, November 22, 2021 at the age of 94 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
A Private family inurnment will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MARIE CECILLE LEWIS
1935 – 2021
Marie Lewis, beloved wife of predeceased R.G. Dick Lewis, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away on Saturday November 20, 2021 at the age of 86 years.
Marie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gregory Allan Lewis and Rebecca Gay Lewis of Calgary, AB, son Richard Glenn Lewis of Surrey, BC. and son and daughter-in-law, Trevor John Lewis and Kelly Charlene Baker of Morenci, AZ. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Caitlin Julianne Marie Lewis of Victoria, BC. as well as Tyler Bronson Lewis and Emily Marie Lewis of Morenci, AZ.
Marie was born in Lethbridge, AB on July 5, 1935. She married the love of her life, R.G. (Dick) Lewis in September of 1955 and they subsequently left to take up residence in Edmonton, AB. Marie had two boys, Greg and Glenn while in Edmonton before they were transferred to Regina, SK. There Marie became a telephone operator with SaskTel and took up her passion of curling. She had another son, Trevor, in Regina before the family was transferred back to Lethbridge in 1972. Marie then began working for AGT and it was Lethbridge where she and Dick had hoped to retire however, another transfer brought them back to Edmonton in 1975. Marie retired from the Data Design Engineering Team at AGT / TELUS in 1993. She and Dick enjoyed many winters snowbirding in Yuma, AZ. They finally settled back in Lethbridge to rekindle their lifelong friendships.
Marie was predeceased by her husband R.G. (Dick) Lewis, her parents John W. and Jeanne E. Clancy as well as her older sister Eileen Anna Clancy.
Memorial Services will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Canada (www.muscle.ca).
The Family would like to thank the Nursing Staff and Doctors of Unit 5A of the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge as well as the Nursing Staff at the Pincher Creek Health Centre and the Nursing Staff at the High River Hospital.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Marie Mawhinney
1951 – 2021
Mrs. Marie Mawhinney of Lethbridge, beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandma and friend, passed away at the Pincher Creek Hospital, on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at the age of 70 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to
send a condolence.
Sonny Ohama
1926 – 2021
Mr. Sonny Ohama of Lethbridge, treasured companion and friend of Judy Fukushima and beloved husband of the late Mrs. Jene Ohama, passed away peacefully at Extendicare Fairmont on November 21, 2021 at the age of 95 years.
Besides his loving companion Judy, Sonny is survived by his son Vincent (Adele) of Red Deer.
He was predeceased by his parents Kinzi and Kimi; brothers Toss, Tona, George, Albert, Kingo and Charlie; sisters Mae and Mary; and infant son David.
Sonny was born in Norfolk, Alberta on September 30, 1926 and attended school in Surrey B.C and Raymond AB. He loved sports and competed in track, baseball and basketball.
In 1942 the family settled in Rainier, AB working the land and becoming an important part of the farming community. He married Jene Endo on November 4, 1961 and was a devoted husband until Jene’s passing in 1997. During this time in Rainier, he continued to farm and raised his family. He loved to spend time with his family and friends while fishing camping and traveling. After retiring to Lethbridge, Sonny became a part of the areas golf and curling community. It was after a senior curling game in 2005 that he met Judy and for the next 16 years they shared their lives together.
Friends and family will have many fond memories of Sonny out at the farm or fixing this or that, building some new project, having a fishing line in the water or having a golf club or curling broom in his hand.
Sonny will always be remembered for his generosity, kindness and soft-spoken manner. A man truly beloved by all, he will be deeply missed.
A private family Funeral Service will be held at Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel. Interment will follow at the Brooks Cemetery (arrival time approximately 2:00 pm). The family welcomes those who wish to attend.
To watch Sonny’s Funeral Service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Sonny-Ohama and scroll to the bottom of the obituary.
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Donald Gordon Santa
1945 – 2021
Mr. Don Santa of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Pat Santa, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021 after a short battle with cancer at the age of 76.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SCOTTER
In sadness, we announce the passing of Andrew Eugene Scotter on November 20, 2021 at the age of 79 in Fort McLeod, Alberta with his family by his side. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed Andrew’s courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Andrew came out a hero and stayed faithful and strong until the end.
Andrew is survived by his beautiful wife Georgia, and was a proud and loving father to Michelle, Cass (SIL), Brad and Warren, who will miss him dearly. He was a wonderful grandfather to 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Everyone who remembers him is invited to celebrate Andrew’s life in their own way. Andrew’s family would be honoured if you carry his spirit with you by performing unexpected and unsolicited random acts of kindness in his memory.
A private family Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fort Macleod Chapel, AB. Friends may meet the family prior to the service. For those who wish, live-streaming will be available by heading to http://www.generationsfh.ca and scrolling to the bottom of Andrew’s obituary. Following the memorial service, roughly 3:00 p.m, all are welcome to attend a graveside service at the Union Cemetery in Fort Macleod, AB.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
James Smith
1945 – 2021
Mr. James Smith of Raymond, passed away at the Raymond Hospital, on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at the age of 76 years.
Jim grew up in Nobleford and lived most of his life in Lethbridge. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping and fishing with his family and friends. Like his dad, he was multi-talented and could repair anything. He enjoyed wood carving, painting, working on cars, anything to do with airplanes and playing his ukulele. He never met a gadget or tool he didn’t like. He will be remembered for his sense of humour, amazing stories, and breadth of knowledge he passed on to his family.
Jim is survived by his children, Brent (Ruth) and Heather, his brothers Allan (Glenda) and Vernon (Roberta), his sister Kathryn (Ralph) and his grandchildren Stacia and Jocelyn as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents Leslie (Les) and Emma Smith.
Jim will be privately remembered by friends and family.
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, 324 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3L7.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to
send a condolence.
Keith Stepenoff
1951 – 2021
Mr. Keith Stepenoff of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Marjorie Stepenoff, passed away peacefully in his home in Lethbridge on Monday, November 15, 2021 at the age of 70 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, November 25, 2021, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge Alberta. Due to COVID restrictions, only a limited number of people will be able to attend, please RSVP by going to https://www.fhwebsites.org/ymb /obituary/Keith-Stepenoff.
The family invites those who wish to watch the service via livestream at https://www.fhwebsites .org/ymb/obituary/Keith-Stepenoff and scrolling to the bottom of Keith’s obituary.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Ivanka “Jean” Vidmar
1927 – 2021
Mrs. Ivanka “Jean” Vidmar of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Jernej “Jerry” Vidmar, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 22, 2021 at the age of 93 years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, November 29, 2021 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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