TUESDAY, May 31, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 31, 2022.

CONRAD

Eleanor Emily Conrad (née Kesler), of Fort Macleod, passed away on Saturday, May 28th at the age of 75 years.

She is survived by her children: Vicky (Thomas) McCormack of Simi Valley, California, Gordy (Leslie) Conrad of Victoria, BC, Marty (Darice) Conrad of Lethbridge, AB, Jerry (Michelle) Conrad of Lethbridge, AB, Brookee (Matthew) Bullock of Lethbridge, AB, Becky Gouchie of Fort Macleod, AB, and AJ (Katie) Conrad of Burbank, California. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews.

Eleanor is also survived by her brother: Norman (Karen) Kesler, brother: Gordon (Joyce) Kesler, sister: Trudie Fyfe, brother-in-law: Blair (Gail) Conrad, sister-in-law: Cheryl (Gordon) MacKay, sister-in-law: Laurie (Bob) Muir, and sister-in-law: Iris Conrad.

She is predeceased in death by her mother and father, her son-in-law Jason Gouchie, and her beloved husband of 58 years Robert Conrad.

Eleanor was raised in New Dayton and Raymond. She moved to the farm in Fort Macleod with her sweetheart Bob in 1966. There they raised their seven children and lived for 54 years together, with Eleanor remaining there after Bob’s death. Eleanor loved to travel, especially to Glacier National Park, where she enjoyed camping, hiking, and relaxing on the shores of Lake McDonald. She was a lifelong Disney fan and took many opportunities to visit Disneyland throughout her life. Christmas was a special time to her, and she found joy in hosting family gatherings and decorating lavishly. Her family and friends looked forward to her delicious Christmas candy each year. Service was a central part of her life, including volunteering with the scouts, ensuring family and guests in her home were comfortable and well-fed, and serving in the temple and other church callings. She touched many lives with her caring heart. Eleanor was fiercely independent, stubborn, kind, and a trusted confidant for family and friends. Among all of her accomplishments, she was proudest of her seven children.

Interment will take place at Archmount Cemetery in Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, June 4th at 9:30am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fort Macleod, AB.

Live-streaming of the service will be available, and a link will appear below Eleanor’s obituary as listed on http://www.generationsfh.ca .

Friends and family are welcomed and encouraged to express their sympathies and condolences to the family at the Conrad farm on Friday, June 3rd from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

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

Bertha Geremia

1929 – 2022

  Bertha Geremia, beloved wife of the late Norman Geremia, passed away peacefully in Taber on Friday, May 27, 2022 at the age of 93 years. A beloved mother, grandmother and great- grandmother.

  A private burial service will be held at the Vauxhall Cemetery prior to the funeral service.

  The Funeral Service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com [1].

  Bertha is survived by her sons David (Fran) Geremia, Keith (Gen) Geremia and Edward Geremia all of Vauxhall; son-in-law Shane Thomas of Nanaimo, British Columbia; grandchildren Meghan (Tom), Mallory (Allison), Travis (Janae), Laine and Bryden (Taylor); great grandchildren Morgan and Brody as well as her extended family.

  She was predeceased by her husband Norman, daughter Noreen Thomas and two older siblings Allan and Ken Tyrer.

Bertha Geremia (nee Tyrer) was born on April 29, 1929 to Emma and Edward Tyrer in Yorkshire, England. In 1930, Bertha, her mother and two older siblings embarked on a voyage to Canada (via the passenger ship – Duchess of Bedford), docking at the port in Quebec City.  From there they then boarded a coal fired steam train to cross the country to their final destination, Lethbridge. Her father had made the journey prior and proceeded to secure employment in the mines. He had readied a home for his family in anticipation of their arrival. Bertha spent her youth as a miner’s daughter. Living predominantly on the north side of the tracks, she proudly considered herself, “a north side girl”. Bertha attended Galbraith School and after graduating, gained employment at Mid West Paper as a clerical staffer.

  She married Norman Geremia on July 17, 1954 and they made their home on the family’s homestead at Retlaw (At the confluence of the railroad line and the irrigation canal). She always stated, “the weather stopped and started at this juncture”. Here they raised their family.

She worked tirelessly in the home as well as on the farm.

  Bertha gave the gift of time to her community through the CWL in Travers, and the Vauxhall Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was proud to receive a life time membership from the Legion’s Auxillary after over fifty years of service. Never seeking the limelight, she was content to do her part in the background, as long as the job was done to her standards.

  Bertha always had words of encouragement for her family as she guided them through life.  She was an independent soul with a competitive spirit, especially when an opportunity came for a game of cribbage or bowling. This led to her attaining success at the provincial level in both.  She enjoyed travel, country music and dancing, as she wasn’t one to sit idly by. Though nothing made her happier than visiting with those that she loved, with a cup of tea and a crumpet or two of course.

  To have loved and be loved is a life well lived.

  In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness for a friend or stranger.

  The family would like to thank the staff at the Clear View Lodge and Cottage One at Linden View for their compassionate care over the last few years.

  Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone:

(403) 223-8778.

HELGERSON

Eltie E. Helgerson, beloved wife of the late Duke Helgerson of Raymond, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, in Lethbridge at the age of 92 years.

We will celebrate Eltie’s life at a service in her honour at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Knight Street Chapel, Raymond, Alberta with President Richard Wilde officiating. Friends may meet with the family prior to the service from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. Interment will follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.

For more information or to send condolences please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

HEPPLER

ROBERT (BOB) CHARLES HEPPLER, beloved husband and father passed away peacefully on April 23, 2022 in Raymond, Alberta at the age of 86 years.

Robert is survived by his wife Hazel, four children Wendy (John) Stuckart, Noreen (Brad) Ellis, Debbie (Mitch) Chilton and Keith (Adena) Heppler as well as his sister, Elaine Doram, his ten grandchildren: Michael Stuckart, Kayla Stuckart, Emma Covenden, Caleb Ronan, Dalton Ronan, Taylor Chilton, Baylee Schmidt, Dylan Heppler, Holden Heppler, Zachary Heppler and also three great-grandchildren Jade, Ava and Hazel Stuckart.

Robert was born on January 5, 1936 to John and Mary Heppler. He was the oldest sibling to Elaine Doram and Glenn Heppler (deceased). Robert lived his entire life in Warner, where he loved farming, hunting, camping and being an active member of the community.

A Service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held on June 4th at 1:00 p.m. at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32nd Street South, Lethbridge, AB. A private family graveside gathering will follow.

The family of Robert Heppler would like to thank the staff at Raymond Hospital and Prairie Ridge Lodge for the wonderful care he was given.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Warner Fire Department and HALO.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Frank Knoch

May 2, 1928 Coaldale, AB

– May 23, 2020, Raymond, AB

A celebration of his life will take place Friday, June 3, 2022 at 1:00 PM, at Free Grace Fellowship, 1807 2A Ave. N. Lethbridge.

Internment 2:00 PM. Refreshments to follow. All welcome.

Lea Mindrum

1947 – 2022

Mr. Lea Mindrum of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Florence Mindrum, and loving father to Warner (Tammy) Mindrum, and grandfather to Trentin Mindrum, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the age of 74 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

Irene Scott

1940 – 2022

  Crescentia Irene Scott, beloved wife of Bryan Scott, passed away in Taber on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the age of 82 years.

  Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, June 2, 2022 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

  The Burial Service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden, 7600 – 50 Street, Taber on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.

  Crescentia, although she was known by Irene to most, left Germany and came to the west coast of Canada in 1968. Little did she know that a young man named Bryan would leave his Montreal home and head west around this same time. They met in the Kitsilano neighborhood and were madly in love for the following fifty four years. Two were soon added to the family, a son, Mitchell, and a daughter, Marlene. The journey of the Scott family took them to several provinces, eventually settling in Alberta where they eventually retired. Through it all Irene served as a source of blessing and encouragement to whomever she met. A talented artist, cook, a lover of animals and nature and a sweet, kind soul we are heartbroken by her loss. But as a family of faith, we are also heartened and hopeful that one day we will be united once again, be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ where there is no more heartache or pain.

  If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Irene’s name may be made directly to the Alberta SPCA, 10806 – 124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5M

OH3 or to your local animal shelter..

  Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone:

(403) 223-8778.

SHELSON

RICHARD SHELSON, beloved husband of Dorothy Shelson of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the age of 70 years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 1:30 P.M. with Father Derek Remus celebrating. The Mass will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Richard’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Mass, Richard will be laid to rest privately in Mountain View Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Tak Shigemi

1917 – 2022

  Takaaki Shigemi, beloved husband of Hajime Shigemi, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the incredible age of 104 years.

  A private gathering was held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com [1].

  Tak is survived by his greatest joy, Hajime, his wife of sixty two years, as well as his children Ron (Kathy) Shigemi, Ken (Lidia) Shigemi, Blair Kaga, Louise Bertie, Glenn (Cheryl) Shigemi, Carey (Jo-Ann) Shigemi and Gene (Joyce) Shigemi. He is also survived by his grandchildren Janice (Santi) Shigemi, Kiyomi (Tyler) Shigemi Theberge, Andrea (Johnny) Shigemi, Mariko (Anders) Shigemi Olsen, Jordan Bertie, Alexis Shigemi, Brett Shigemi and Zak Shigemi; great grandchildren Taylor, Kiera, Cullam, Kian, Ashton, Brooklyn and Nicanna. He also shared a special bond with his sister-in-law Toshino Shigemi and her children Cliff Shigemi, Connie (George) Unser, and Marcia (Jim) Kaga and will also be fondly remembered by numerous other relatives.

  He was predeceased by his first wife Yoshino Shigemi (nee Kimura); his children (baby) Shigemi and Carol Kaga; parents Otsujiro and Sayo Shigemi; brothers George Shigemi and Mas Shigemi; his sister Hisaye

(Shinyuki) Kunimoto and his niece Sharlene Shigemi.

  Tak was born on May 31, 1917 in Hazelmere, British Columbia. He grew up on a strawberry farm in Whonnock, British Columbia until the start of World War II, when his family was forcibly relocated along with many Japanese Canadians, to southern Alberta. Tak and his family were sent to work on sugar beet farms in Picture Butte and Cranford. He later started a potato farm with his brother George in Vauxhall, where he began raising four children with his wife Yoshino. He continued to farm after Yoshino’s premature passing, before marrying Hajime, with whom he added three more children to the family. After Tak stopped farming, he worked at the Pak-Wel produce plant in Vauxhall until he retired and moved with Hajime to Taber.

  Tak lived through many significant events and milestones over the course of his long life. He was a strong willed man with an independent spirit. He will be remembered for his love of fishing, his talent for foraging and for the prolific vegetable garden that he tended to well into his elderly years.

  Koden is respectfully declined. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Takaaki’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s personal choice.

  Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone:

(403) 223-8778.

Brian Lee Slingerland

1975 – 2022

On April 14, 2022, Brian Lee Slingerland, loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother passed away suddenly in a tragic accident at the age of 47.

Brian was born on January 22, 1975, in Picture Butte, Alberta to parents Kees and Anneke, and grew up on the family farm near Park Lake. He married his dear wife Sue on May 18, 1994, worked as a heavy-duty mechanic and started his own repair shop in 2005 near Coaldale, where they raised their four children.

Besides his loving wife Sue of almost 28 years, Brian will be greatly missed by his children Jared and Cobi, Kaitlyn and Andrew, Ashley, Brandon; and three precious granddaughters, Hailee, Mikayla, and Lynae.

He will be dearly missed by his mom Anneke Slingerland, and brothers and sisters; Jane and Bart-Jan Veldhuizen; Anton and Tammy; Carol and Kees VanderVlist; Clarence and Kristy; Ivan and Ariette; Angela and Casey Neels; Lorraine and Rein Loedeman; Tammy and Leendert Vander Kooij; Trevor and Andrea; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his father and mother-in-law Martin and Jeanette Slingerland, and brother and sister-in-law Martin John and Amanda.

Brian was predeceased by his dad Cornelis (Kees) Slingerland on January 17, 2002.

Condolences will be held from 6:30PM to 7:30PM on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 90022 Range Rd 211.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30PM, on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 90022 Range Rd 211, with Reverend G.M. de Leeuw officiating. Interment will follow in the Coaldale Community Cemetery.

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

Julia Snyder

1925 – 2022

Mrs. Julia Snyder of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Boris J. Snyder, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the age of 97 years.

Julia is survived by her daughters Dolores Snyder and Alice Norman; nephews Bill (Betty Lou) Bildersheim, Bob (Gay) Bildersheim; nieces Pat Carpenado, Judy (Clinton) Moser.

Besides her loving husband Boris, Julia was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary Bildersheim Sr.; brother Joseph; sister-in-law Agnes Bildersheim; her niece Peggy and nephew-in-law Dwayne Carpenado.

Julia was born in Toranj, Yugoslavia on February 15, 1925. She came to Canada with her mother and brother at the age of three to join her father in Taber, Alberta. Her family farmed for many years in Taber and Barnwell and later moved to Brooks where they began ranching.

Julia met Boris, the love of her life and they married on July 31, 1950. They moved to Lethbridge where Boris opened his dental lab and Julia and Boris raised their two daughters. Julia was an incredibly loving and nurturing wife and mother, devoting her life to her family. She took pride and joy in her role as a homemaker. Julia was an accomplished gourmet cook and baker and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She loved gardening, sewing and the challenge of crossword puzzles. When Boris retired, they enjoyed travelling, especially the cruises. After 52 years of marriage, Boris passed away in 2002. Julia was able to live in the home they built together for many more years. She moved to Good Samaritan Society West Highlands Centre in November 2019 where Julia was loved by all for her quiet, gentle, cheerful disposition.

We would like to thank the staff at West Highlands for their kind and compassionate care over the past 2 ½ years.

Julia will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Sharon Hagel, officiating.

Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Julia’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.

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

Clarence Wentz

1933 – 2022

  Clarence “Charlie” Duane Wentz, born into the light of the long sun of Taber on November 13, 1933, passed away from complications after having a stroke on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at the age of 88 years.

  Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 7:00 P.M.

  The Funeral Service will be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church,

5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial will take place at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com [1].

  Charlie is survived by Helen, his wife of almost sixty six years and their four children Ken (Shannon) Wentz of Calgary, Rick (Carolee) Wentz of Taber, Michelle (Fred) DeGroot of Lethbridge and Dana Bell of Taber; ten grandchildren Bryce (Ashley), Erik, Logan,  Brooke, Jackson (Shari), Auston, Amara (Travis), Devon, Quinlyn and Charley; two great granddaughters Makinley and Lynden.

   He was predeceased by his parents and eleven older brothers and sisters.

   Family was the most important thing to him. He loved their vacation home in Whitefish, Montana and hosted many family and friends there.

Those who knew him, rarely saw him without a golf club in his hand and a smile on his face. While the tee times and cigars grew more rare his smile never faltered, nor did his quick wit and irreverent sense of humour. Raised in this small town, he met his bride, raised a family and taught generations of students in his role as teacher and then principal. Upon retirement he became an Alberta Justice of the Peace for the Taber Police Service and Taber/Vauxhall RCMP. His athletic abilities were showcased on the track, baseball field, hockey rink and golf course.  Charlie will be forever remembered as an honorable man (even on the golf course), a forgiving father, a loving husband and a close friend to many. His unconditional love was spread among all. Charlie was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion and an integral board member of the Taber Hospital board. Of his numerous quotes and odd family sayings, one that may stick most will be, “I’m only afraid of two things in this life, God and my wife, and not necessarily in that order.” His strong Catholic upbringing and devout religious belief makes his passing easier knowing he will be well received and welcome for that first tee time on any course of his choosing. There are many dogs waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge.  He will be dearly missed by many and fondly remembered by even more.

  If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Clarence’s name may be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 20, 5205 – 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G1S8 or to the Taber and District Health Foundation,

4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (http://www.tdhf.ca [2]).

  Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone:

(403) 223-8778.

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