Tuesday, March 14, 2023
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 14, 2023.
IWAASA, Miiko
IWAASA Miiko Iwaasa passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023 at the age of 94 years old.
Miiko was born on April 22, 1928 to Kinsaburo and Katsuko Kosasa. Her father passed away the following year and her mother remarried to Noriyasu Ashiwa who was the administrator of a prestigious private high school in Sapporo, Japan. Miiko eventually worked for her stepfather as a secretary of his school. She was predeceased by her mother in 1976; her son Michael in 1993; her stepfather in 1999; her husband in 2001; her daughter, Susan in 2017; and her youngest son, Perry in 2021.
She met the love of her life, Jeaune, in 1949 in Sapporo, Japan. Jeaune was a young LDS missionary who converted her and baptized her. They were married on St Patrick’s Day in 1951 in Tokyo and temporarily settled on the Iwaasa family farm in Raymond, Alberta. In 1952, they moved to Winfield, Alberta and returned to Lethbridge in 1954 where they raised 7 children: Rod, Michael, Spencer, Milton, Susan, Tony, and Perry.
In 1993, Miiko and Jeaune served a LDS mission in Nagoya, Japan. After their mission, they moved to Coaldale. In 2000, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a Panama Cruise. In 2001, Jeaune passed away and then Miiko moved to Lethbridge to live with her son, Milton and his wife, Kathryn. Miiko remained with them until she fell and broke her hip in 2019 and then moved into the Good Sams Dementia Unit until her passing.
She surrounded herself with family and enjoyed countless get-togethers. She was especially proud of her grandson, Coby, for his academic success and athletic achievements. For many years, she was identified as the racquetball grandma as she would regularly sit up front and center cheering him on to win.
She enjoyed travelling to Hawaii, camping at Lake MacDonald, socializing with her Japanese Satsuki group, and travelling in their motorhome to Alaska and Arizona. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and will always be missed. In her life, she gave so much and asked for so little. She leaves behind a legacy of 20 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.
Special thanks to the Good Samaritans Cottage 1 staff: Tereasa, Sylvia, Estrella, Kim and Deb (LPN) who attended to her needs and care during these final years of life.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints NORTHSIDE CHAPEL, 2213 6a Ave N, Lethbridge at 11:00 am. There will be a short program and refreshments to celebrate her wonderful life and the memories we will cherish forever.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
KADING, Bernard “Ben”
Bernard “Ben” Emil Kading May 29th, 1930 – March 6th, 2023 Ben passed away on March 6th, 2023 at Riverview Care Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta at the age of 92. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Pat, his three children Brenda Aisman and her husband Gordon, Terry Kading and his wife Keely McKibben, and Lianne Kading. He is also survived by his grandchildren Richard Aisman and Ruth (Deric) Cole, and great grandchild Everett Cole. Ben will also be remembered by his brother Ervine Kading, his sister-in-law Ruth (Larry) Fawcett, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ben was born and raised in the Scapa area in Alberta. His parents, William and Katherine Kading were farmers. Ben’s working life included the oil fields, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Federal Government postings in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, and The City of Lethbridge. In retirement Ben and Pat travelled to Germany, the Caribbean, and Central America. They moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta in 2016 to be closer to family. Ben always enjoyed a good meal, a long chat, and a good book.
No formal service will be held at this time. Donations in Ben’s memory may be made to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, a local Medicine Hat charity that provides medical equipment and supplies free of charge, at Box 45006, Mackenzie Drugs Outlet, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1.
Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are being made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL AND CREMATION, 1924 10th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5. Ph: 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com
LYONS, Jolayne
LYONS JOLAYNE DORIS LYONS, beloved wife of 52 years to Doug Lyons, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s – Palliative Care Unit on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the age of 73 years.
Jolayne is the loving mother of Chad (Heather) Lyons and Nikki Lyons. She will be remembered by her sisters Doreen Trapp, Gladys Christensen, Janette (Perry) Porter; brother Plenny (Betty) Anderson, and sisters-in-law Pat Anderson and Barb Anderson. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close long time family friends.
Jolayne was predeceased by her brothers Lloyd Anderson, Kenneth Anderson, Glen Anderson; and brothers-in-law Lloyd Trapp and Skeez Christensen. As well as sisters-in-law, Gill Anderson, Donna Loxton, Sandra Omelchuk; parents Lydia and Clarence Anderson; and mother-in-law Doris Bennett.
Jolayne had an extensive career of 43 years with the Government of Alberta AISH office. She built many friendships with her coworkers and was known to many in the community.
Jolayne had a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready to plan the next great prank/joke. She brought her laughter, kindness, witty one-liners, and her “tell it like it is” attitude to everyone she knew. She fought her battle with cancer with strength and an optimistic spirit that was well admired and respected.
Jolayne enjoyed a good cup of coffee, visiting with family and friends, camping, gardening, and browsing the local thrift stores.
Jolayne will be dearly missed by all and her memory will forever live on in our hearts.
We would like to extend our Thank you to Dr. Roth, the Palliative Care home care team, and the staff at the St. Michael’s – Palliative Care Unit for the wonderful care of mom.
Mom’s wish was for no formal funeral service to be held. A private family gathering will held be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Jolayne, donations may be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.ca or to the St. Michael’s Health Centre – 1400 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KOOIKER, Grace
KOOIKER MRS. GRACE KOOIKER, beloved wife of the late John Kooiker, passed away peacefully and was taken home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the age of 96 years.
Grace is survived by her 5 sons: John (Jenny – deceased), Ralph (Joanne), Bill (Annie), Gerald (Geraldine), and Julian (Melinda). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, two brothers and one sister.
Along with her husband, Grace was predeceased by her daughter Angeline Hilda, daughter-in-law Jenny, grandson Jessie, four brothers and one sister.
A Celebration of Grace’s Life will be held at the GRACE REFORMED CHURCH, 1402 – 8 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Paul Van Stralen officiating.
The service will be live-streamed and can be accessed via Grace’s obituary page on the Cornerstone website.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
NIBLER, John
JOHN C. NIBLER 1946 – 2023 Mr. John Charles Nibler, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Barbara Jean Nibler, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, at the age of 76 years.
John is lovingly remembered by his children Amy (Tony) Anderson, Sarah (Bryan) Pederson, Jonathan Nibler, and grandchildren, Cale, Kaitlyn, Jack, Loretta, Gia and Wyatt.
John was born on October 27th, 1946 to John “Jack” M. and Cecilia A. Nibler in Woodburn, Oregon. John was the oldest of eight children. His siblings, all residing in Oregon include, Richard, Janet, Charlotte (Chuck Hammack), Patrick (Cheryl), David (Deanna), and Mary (Scott Greiner). John went to school at JFK High School, which is where he met Barbara. After high school, John attended Oregon State University and graduated with Master of Science, Mechanical Technology in Agriculture.
John married Barbara Jean Duerr on August 16, 1968, in Mount Angel, Oregon. After living in Corvalis, Oregon, they moved to Spokane, Washington where John started his career at the Federal Land Bank. In 1980, they moved their family to Canada to a farm at Skiff, AB. Upon retiring from farming in 2005, John and Barb enjoyed their trips with family, watching their grandkids play sports, and spending more time with their friends.
John enjoyed driving his Jeep and farming but most importantly spending time with his family. He was a kind, loving and a hard-working person who will be greatly missed.
John was preceded in death by his brother, Michael and his parents Cecilia and Jack.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at ST. MARTHA’S PARISH, 355 COLUMBIA BLVD W, Lethbridge, Alberta, WITH Father William Monis, celebrant. To watch John’s service via livestream, please go to https://www.youtube.com/@st.marthasparish-lethbridg6000
Interment will follow at Archmount Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
CLAMPITT, Beth
BETH CLAMPITT 1930 – 2023 Mrs. Beth Clampitt of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Lynn Clampitt, passed away at St. Therese Villa on Friday, March 10, 2023, at the age of 92 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
ZELENKA, Julie
Julie Zelenka
1932 – 2023
Julianna Zelenka (nee Fekete), beloved wife of the late Dennis Zelenka, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023 at the age of 90 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Julianna (affectionately known as Julie), is survived by her children Robert (Carol) Zelenka of Lethbridge, Kenneth (Adrianne) Zelenka of Ottawa, Joanne (Jeff) Bronsch of Taber and Phillip (Janet) Zelenka of Cochrane; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Les Fekete of Lethbridge.
She was predeceased by her husband of sixty four years Dennis Zelenka; parents John and Julia Fekete and three brothers.
Julie was born in Taber where she met and married Dennis on February 26, 1953. Together they raised their four children on the family farm south of Taber. Julie was hard a working farm wife and worked tirelessly to care for her children. Her family was very important to her, especially her grandchildren who she loved to spoil during sleepovers and the occasional trip downtown to go shopping. Julie loved to travel and during their later years, she and Dennis travelled across Canada, visited Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Israel, Hawaii and spent fifteen winters in Yuma, Arizona.
Julie will be forever remembered as a kind and gentle soul with a great love for her family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Linden View for the care they provided for the past three years and also Clearview Lodge where Julie resided for ten years.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
BUSH, Darrel
BUSH, Darrel 1960-2023 After a long, hard battle with cancer, on Saturday, March 4 2023, Darrel Bush passed away at home with his partner of 18 years, Connie LePine by his side. He was 62 years old.
His memory will also be cherished by his three brothers, Norman (Marta), Greg (Louise), and Bruce; as well as three nephews, and numerous other family members and friends.
Darrel was predeceased by his parents, Ernest & Patricia Bush.
Darrel dedicated many of his years to the classic mechanic lifestyle, whether it was working as a heavy-duty mechanic, or sitting in front of the TV with a beer, watching NASCAR. Darrel and Connie enjoyed their time in the company of their friends at Smitty’s and Lady Luck Lounge.
A cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service to celebrate Darrel’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023 at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703-13 Street North, Lethbridge.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Darrel’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
To share condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
HELWIG, Douglas
HELWIG DOUGLAS JAMES HELWIG, the beloved husband of Rosy Helwig, of Milk River, passed away at the Chinook Hospice in Calgary on Friday, March 10, 2023, at the age of 86 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HOLT, Jack
HOLT JACK MORRIS HOLT, beloved husband of Rita Holt, passed away in Cardston on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at the age of 86 years. Friends may meet the family at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Wednesday, March 15 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm or on Thursday from 10:00 – 10:45 am prior to the service. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Centre, (338 5th Ave. E., Cardston, AB), on Thursday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
To Watch the service Later or send Condolences, please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
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