THURSDAY, April 07, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 7, 2022.

Brent Gies

1963 – 2022

WO (ret’d) Brent Albert Gies of Lethbridge, AB passed suddenly at home on March 30, 2022 at the age of 58.

Born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan on June 25, 1963 the 8th of 10 children (5th son) to Francis and Agnes (McCrystal) Gies of Congress, Saskatchewan. Brent attended school in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan until 1980 when he signed up to become a member of the Canadian Military. In 1983 he married Lori Lavalle and in 2003 he became a Dad to his greatest joy in life, his son Luka Gies.

During his long military career he served with 1 & 3 RCHA, 4AD & 40th Field Regt, a proud Gunner to the end! Brent was posted to Germany with tours of duty in Cypress, returning to Canada in 1987 and moving from coast to coast their final move within Canada was to Lethbridge where he believed was his families forever home. After one last tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2006, Brent longed to just be Dad, so retirement came a few years later. After the passing of his wife in 2014, Brent and Luka became inseparable, enjoying trips to see family in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, a trip to Cuba and Brent’s happy place…..Congress, Saskatchewan to his childhood home

He was a passionate man about life family and friends. His one true love in this world was and always will be his son Luka. His face lit up and he swelled with pride when he spoke of his Bubba.

Brent will be forever loved and missed by his son Luka Gies; sisters Joyce (Glen) Eisnor of Edmonton AB, Darlene Hargrave of Sexsmith AB, Fay (Greg) Tymchak of Vegreville AB; brothers Wayne (Grace) Gies of Middle Lake SK, Jerry Gies of Pincher Creek AB, Francis Gies of Assiniboia SK, Brian Gies of Saskatoon SK. Sister in law Marlene Gies of Kipling SK; 17 nieces/nephews; 36 great nieces/nephews and 1 great great nephew; in laws Matt/Birgit Lavallee (Braydon, Emily) Wendy/Pat Hogan, Michelle/Randy Woods.

He is predeceased by his wife Lori; parents Francis and Agnes (McCrystal) Gies; siblings Ralph Gies 2009, Bonnie Lindsay 2015; brother-in-law Craig Lindsay 2013 and nephew Cory Gies in 2008.

A Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, April 8, 2022 at the VIMY RIDGE ARMORY MILITARY BASE – Officers Mess located at 337 Stubb Ross Road Lethbridge AB. with Padre Luke Watson officiating.

The family requests that those that attend please wear masks to protect those family members who are immune compromised. Thank you for understanding.

To watch Brent’s service via livestream, please go to https://www.mb funerals.com/obituary/Brent-Gies and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.

Cremation has taken place and a private family inurnment will take place.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish memorial donations can be made to The Crippled and Afflicted Children’s fund cheques payable to The Grand Encampment Lethbridge Lodge No 2, 1.0.0.F P.O. Box 116, Station Main, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Y3, or a donation to a Charity of one’s choice in Brent’s name.

W.O. Gies, End Of Mission, Stand Easy Brent.

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

RICK KLEINMARK

November 6, 1952-March 30, 2022

RICK KLEINMARK passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2022 with his wife Bonnie at his side.

Rick was predeceased by his parents Rick and Betty Jean, father and mother in-law Duane and Elaine Remington, along with brothers-in-law Michael Remington and Tony Skelton. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bonnie, children Nicole (Douglas) Leavitt of Taber, Nathan (Maureen Rivers) of Lethbridge, Erika (Devin) Meli of Lethbridge, and his beloved grandchildren; Avery, Lukas and Bree Leavitt, Scarlett Kleinmark, Ayden, Easton and Quinn Meli. Rick will also be sadly missed by his sisters Barbara Cole of Portland, OR and Kathleen Kleinmark of Estacata, OR, his brothers and sisters-in-law; Anne Remington Skelton of Lethbridge, Myrna Remington of Cardston, Terri (Dan) Nelson of Mountain View, Holly (Dave) Sandberg of Kearns, UT, Dave (Carol) Remington of Cardston, Jon (Kim) Remington of Lehi, UT, Rebecca (Ken McGinnis) Remington of Lethbridge and Mark Remington of Kalispell, MT. He also leaves behind many Kleinmark and Remington nieces and nephews.

Rick Corneles Kleinmark was the middle of three children born to Betty Jean Dalebout and Richard Thomas Kleinmark, on November 6, 1952, in Evanston, Wyoming. Rick was a boy that loved adventure, sports, cars, surfing, his homing pigeons, riding his bike, scouting and horses. His love of baseball grew in the years he lived in California and his memories of Dodgers games were some of his fondest. His family moved between Utah and California and then to Fredonia, AZ in junior high, where he was a scout, took care of and rode horses and played high school football, learning life lessons from being part of a team. Immediately following high school, Rick met the love of his life in July and married Bonnie Catherine months later on Thanksgiving Day 1970 in Fredonia, AZ. They welcomed their first child in 1972 and their second in 1975. Rick’s profession was that of a pressman working in Salt Lake City and Phoenix. The young family moved from the US to Cardston, AB in 1976 and Rick forever more embraced Canada as home. They raised their kids in Cardston for five years until relocating to Lethbridge in 1981. After two years in Lethbridge, they welcomed their third child Erika in 1983.

Rick worked for Westwind Printing, Dove Printing, Paramount Printers then Robbins Southern Printing, running a four-colour press before technology closed down his specialty in the industry. He loved the precise nature of his job and took pride in his work. He then spent six years building at Triple M Housing. Rick also loved to build. He was resourceful, creative, had a brilliant mind and taught himself many skills. There was hardly a building problem he didn’t have a solution for. He spoke fondly of the building skills he learned from his father in-law Duane. He also loved to chat, to joke and tell stories while visiting with friends and family. Whether it was in work or play, Rick was generous with his time and talents.

Rick also was heavily involved for many years in Southern Alberta sports. He loved to play, coach and umpire softball and referee football and basketball. He was known in those circles as “Hightower”. After retirement, Rick and Bonnie were avid Lethbridge Bulls fans and enjoyed watching baseball under the lights. Rick and Bonnie also loved to travel with their little RV in tow called the “hippie trailer” by their kids. They saw the Grand Canyon and the West Coast and loved to plan trips around baseball including numerous visits to Oregon to see family. More than any of this, Rick loved his backyard and created the most beautiful city ‘oasis’ for his family. This was how he showed Bonnie his love by creating this space as she loves gardening. Rick enjoyed having company in this space and hosted fantastic backyard barbeques. His family, friends, beloved dogs and then grandchildren have found peace and enjoyment from this special place he created and with which had great pride. Nothing in this world brought Rick more joy than his grandchildren. These seven children were his delight and his motivation through his later-life health struggles. He loved pictures and stories of them, telling anyone who would listen about these seven great kids that called him Grandpa.

Rick was a thoughtful and determined man, good friend and we are blessed by the 69 years he was here.

A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held with family and friends in a Private Ceremony on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

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

Elfriede “Elfrieda” Lemke

1933 – 2022

Ms. Elfriede “Elfrieda” Lemke of Lethbridge, beloved common-law spouse to Mr. Ken Heckford, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the age of 88 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

MARKLINGER

BLAISE MARKLINGER, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Sandy Marklinger, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the age of 61 years.

A Celebration of Blaise’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 11:00 A.M.

At the family’s request, for those who attend the service, facemasks will be mandatory and will be available upon entry.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Paul Rusznak

1934 – 2022

After a brief battle with cancer, our dear dad and grandpa, Paul Rusznak, passed away on April 5, 2022 at St. Michael’s Palliative Care unit.

Paul was born December 7th, 1934, in Monarch and moved to Lethbridge with his family as a young boy. In his early twenties, Paul went into the clothing business. After working for John Black at Black’s Men’s Wear for many years he became co-owner. He sold the business in the mid 80’s then moved on to a new and exciting career as a car salesman for College Ford. Throughout his more than two decades in car sales, Paul was salesman of the month and salesman of the year multiple times. He had a very special way of making his customers feel satisfied and always went the extra mile to ensure that they got the best deal possible.

Paul met the love of his life, Gaile, in 1964 and they were married a year later. Paul & Gaile always enjoyed the company of good friends. Whether it was creating and consuming unique meals with their gourmet dinner club or traveling to warm destinations. They spent 47 wonderful years together before her passing in 2013.

Paul was an avid golfer and a founding member of the Lethbridge Country Club, and he and Gaile and their kids enjoyed many years building memories there. Paul served his community with pride. Among other things, he was a member of Kinsmen and Kiwanis and served on the University Senate.

In his later years, Paul loved to go for coffee with the guys. He especially enjoyed spending quality times with his family and watching his favourite hockey team, the Calgary Flames. Paul spent his last three years at AgeCare Columbia where he continued to make new friends and put smiles on their faces.

Paul is survived by his three children, LaVerne (Paul) Krizan, Sheri Parsons and Robert (Sheri) Rusznak. Paul is also survived by six grandchildren who he adored: Michaela, Aiden, Robyn, Ryan, Jaden and Kylan. He will be dearly missed by them all.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gaile Rusznak; his parents, Paul and Ethel Rusznak; his sisters, Ethel Rusznak and Elsie Gyorfi; his brother, George Rusznak; and his son Cameron Rusznak.

A Viewing will be held at 5:00 pm, on Friday, April 8, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, April 8, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. Those who wish may watch the service via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Paul-Rusznak and scrolling to the bottom of Paul’s obituary page.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC PARISH, 2405 12 AVENUE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Those who wish to watch the Funeral Mass via livestream by going to https://www.tikilive.com/channel/allsaintsparish and selecting Paul’s service.

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

SCALONE

After a long and fulfilling life, Raye Dodge Scalone passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on April 3, 2022, in Lethbridge, Alberta. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends, and always remembered for her kindness and generosity.

She is survived by her daughter Carol (Bill) Laycock, 9 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lynna Burton.

Raye was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved our Savior and served others with sincere compassion. In 2020, she moved to Canada from Arizona to live with her daughter and son in-law, and humbly, bravely faced the ravages of dementia in later years, remaining kind, caring, and grateful to the end.

A funeral service for Raye will take place in Arizona on April 16th.

Our family sincerely appreciates Dr. Louise Dalphond and countless friends who stepped forward to help and comfort Mom during her final days. Her life was one of love, dignity, and grace.

To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

Ludwig John Schmidt (Louis)

1937 – 2022

It is with broken hearts that the family of Louis Schmidt announce his passing on April 1st, 2022 at the age of 84 years.

Louis leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 63 years, Lovina; as well as his children and their families, Denise (Nestor) and their children Jay (Liz) and Cheyenne, Kirby (Jesse) Crozier and Hadley, Kalli and Weston and Cordell Johnson; Dale (Shari) Schmidt and their children, Brodie (Kerry) Gross-Schmidt and Kinley and Katelyn and Colton (Jenny) Gross-Schmidt and Zaylee.

He was predeceased by his parents, Theresa (Martin) Wacher and Ward Kimmitt.

A Celebration of Louis’ life will be held at the Bow Island Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 202 5 Ave E, Bow Island, AB on Friday, April 8th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial gifts in Louis Schmidt’s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation https://crohnsandcolitis.donorportal.ca/Donation/InHonour. For additional information go to Louis’ memorial page at http://www.saamis.com.

Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Louis Schmidt.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

SIEMENS

LESLIE MELVYN SIEMENS, beloved husband of Jacque Siemens, passed away in Raymond on April 3, 2022 at the age of 80 years.

The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Garden Place Chapel, Magrath, Alberta on Saturday, April 9th, at 11:00 a.m.

Friends may meet the family at the Church on Friday, April 8th, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. or from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Leavitt Cemetery.

To Watch the Service Later or send Condolences please visit: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

VAN ROON

JOHN VAN ROON passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the age of 81 years.

John was born on February 5, 1941, in Strijen, The Netherlands. In 1952, he emigrated to Canada with his parents and five siblings, settling in the Iron Springs area. At age 18, he joined the RCMP and served for 26 years, mostly in the lower mainland of British Columbia and later in Lethbridge, including two years on the Musical Ride. After retiring, he took up farming where he never tired of cutting and baling hay, planting trees and spending time in the quonset, which was full of auction sale finds and replacement parts, to which friends and neighbours were always welcomed. John sang with the Lethbridge Christian Men’s Choir and volunteered for many years at Young Offenders and MCC & Mission thrift stores. He also loved to golf, twice scoring a hole-in-one.

He left behind everything he owned and those he loved and held most dear: his wife of 47 years, Elvina Mae (nee Nieboer), son Ken Van Roon (Julie Barr), daughter Darcy (Wes) Dyck, grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Brian) Jenkins, Courtney (Santiago) Allier, Josh Dyck and Nathan Van Roon, great-grandchildren, Oakley and Hanes Jenkins, brothers and sisters, Casey (Heidi) Van Roon, Peter (Wilma) Van Roon, Riet Scheffer, Audrey Kolk, Anne Wichers, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He is also remembered by Elvina’s family, Will Nieboer, Joyce Doumeng, Carol Nieboer, four nieces, one nephew and their families.

John was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Herman Scheffer, Albert Kolk, Cyril Wichers, Dick Doumeng, Raynold Nieboer and sister-in-law, Twylla Nieboer.

John loved his Lord and was ready to meet him. His favourite bible verse was John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world that he

gave his one and only son,

that whoever believes in Him should

not perish, but have eternal life”

Dear man, how we will miss you.

A family gathering will be held at a later date.

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

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