Saturday, March 25, 2023

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 25, 2023.

HALMRAST

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ernest Ralph Halmrast of Milk River on March 7, 2023 at the age of 94 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Elsie, his Parents, Leonard and Clarice Halmrast and his two brothers, Lawrence and Cecil Halmrast. He has two surviving sisters, Marion (Zonnie) Kostiuk and Audrey (Emil) Sribney.

In 1954 Ernie married Elizabeth Russell living east of Milk River for more than 50 years, retiring in Lethbridge.

Ernie was an excellent horse trainer and won many western and cutting competitions all over the province winning the trophy for Show competing against 100 competitors. He also showed cattle in Regina and Calgary winning Grand Champions for both Bull and Heifer categories.

In 1957 Ernie, his Dad, brothers and neighbors cleaned brush and made parking stalls, two kitchens along the Milk River that is now known as Writing on Stone Provincial Park.

Thanks to Dr. Hargrove and staff at Taber Lindenview for the wonderful care and love they showed Ernie.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 1:00pm at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1818 – 5 Avenue S, Lethbridge, Alberta. In memory of Ernie, donations may be made to Star Ambulance or charity of your choice if you wish. Website: http://www.simplycremations.ca

TURNBULL, Marjene Sachiko

(née. Matsunaga)

April 13, 1947 to March 19, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Marjene Sachiko Turnbull of Onoway, Alberta on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 75 years of age.

Marjene is lovingly remembered by her husband Brian of 53 years; her children: Adam (Katie), Miya (Jake), and Michael (Lindsey); her grandchildren: Jacob, Azalea, Beatrix, Betty, Grant, and Mary; her sister Kathy (Keith); Brian’s siblings: Bill (Laura), Cathie (John) and Keith (Kathy); aunts: Tomi Hisaoka (Jerry, dec), Michie Kawasaki (Tad, dec), and Heather Anderson (Harry); nieces and nephews: Christine, Darlene (Eddie), Karen, Jared (Isabelle), David (Kellie), and Linda (Jeremy) and numerous cousins. She is predeceased by her parents (Kimiko née Hisaoka and Todomu Matsunaga of Lethbridge, AB), Brian’s parents (Elizabeth née Forryan and Jared Turnbull of Onoway, AB), and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Marjene was born in Vernon, BC and grew up in Lethbridge, AB. She attended the University of Alberta where she met Brian and graduated with a B.Ed. (1970). She moved to Onoway, AB and taught briefly at the elementary school before staying at home with her 3 children and focused on art, pottery, sculpting, Japanese dance, gardening, and farming. She loved being with all her grandchildren and her legacy includes a written history of her family’s experience during the Japanese Canadian Internment (Hisaoka History Memoirs). A major highlight was exhibiting several of her sculptures at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for the exhibit, ‘Being Japanese Canadian: reflections on a broken world’ (2019), of which one piece was purchased for their permanent collection. Recently Marjene was so excited to record our family history with her voice for the Nikkei Memory Capture Project, a history of Japanese Canadians of Southern Alberta. We are so proud of her contributions and dedication to do this for us and future generations.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute for their care and attention. In lieu of flowers or Koden, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the University Hospital Foundation. A private memorial for the family will take place at a later date.

HAMMERSTEDT

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Ken Hammerstedt announce his peaceful passing, with Judy by his side at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care unit after a hard-fought, three-year battle with cancer on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the age of 70 years.

Ken was born in Winnipeg, MB on August 21, 1952 to Clara and Ole Hammerstedt and enjoyed an adventurous, active childhood and teen years with siblings Nancy, Ron, Peggy and Lori. In 1966 the Hammerstedt’s moved to Lethbridge, where Ken attended Winston Churchill and went on to graduate from LCI in 1971. On July 7, 1973, Ken married the girl from across the park, Judy Joevenazzo and they have had 50+ wonderful years together.

After high school Ken worked in the trailer manufacturing industry as a purchasing agent. In 1979, he returned to school and graduated from SAIT with an honors diploma in Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering Technology. In 1984, their  daughter Kristi was born and the family moved to Winnipeg where Ken was employed with Boeing of Canada which was his dream job. Their son Kyle was born in 1986 in Winnipeg before they decided to move back to Alberta to be closer to family. Ken worked for Northwest Industries in Edmonton prior to finally moving back to Lethbridge to work for Varsteel. He retired from Varsteel in 2015.

After retirement, Ken and Judy were able to travel more with Ken’s favorite holiday spot being the Hawaiian Islands.

Ken was a true athlete and outdoors person. He played lacrosse, baseball, golf and ball hockey however, his true passion was ice hockey which he played up until he became ill. His love of the outdoors meant camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, skiiing and biking.

As a proud Dad, he spent as much time as possible involved with Kristi and Kyle, whether it was hockey, school concerts and activities or camping in the family trailer.

Before his passing he was over the moon delighted to become a grandpa to Winnie who was born in July 2021.

Ken is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Kristi, son Kyle (Kristen), granddaughter Winnie, father Ole, siblings Ron (Kim), Peggy (Kim), Lori (Scott); in-laws Bill (Val), Randy (Elaine), Cindy, Kathy (Randy); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his mom Clara, sister Nancy, and parents-in-law Ivy and Frank Joevenazzo.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre and the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit, Vishal and Andrea at the Medicine Shoppe, Dr. M. Amatto and all of our family and friends who have supported us through this very difficult journey. We appreciate your support more than you will ever know.

Ken’s Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 2:00 PM. As Ken’s favorite attire was Levi blue jeans, the family encourages you to wear your favorite blue jeans in Ken’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre at the Chinook Regional Hospital or the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit.

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

VREDEGOOR-MORRIS

MARIA THEODORA VREDEGOOR-MORRIS, aka Marie, of Raymond, passed away at the Good Samaritans Prairie Ridge in Raymond, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the age of 82 years.

Marie is survived by her one son, Rene, who was adopted by her brother Mike and his wife Lois Vredegoor. She is also survived by sisters: Henny Raats, Anne (Conrad) Verbaas, and Lena Vredegoor; brothers Hank (Agi) Vredegoor and Gary (Jennie Van Spronson) Vredegoor, sisters-in-law: Anne Marie Vredegoor and Dora Vredegoor as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Gerarda Vredegoor; sisters: Diane Berns and Helena Vredegoor; brothers Everett, Martin, Ben, Father Sylvester Vredegoor and Mike Vredegoor; sister-in-law Mary Vredegoor and brothers-in-law Ted Berns and Tony Raats.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Marie’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Funeral Service, Marie will be laid to rest with her parents in Mountain View Cemetery.

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

BOYCHUK

DORTHE GRAVENGAARD BOYCHUK, beloved wife of Dennis Boychuk, passed away at home surrounded by her family, on Monday, March 20, 2023 at the age of 70 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Fred Byrgesen officiating. The Memorial Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Dorthe’s obituary on the Cornerstone website. A reception will follow at Cornerstone.

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

TWIGG

With heavy hearts and great sadness, we announce the passing of (Ma tso wa’paakii – Beautiful Woman) MEGAN KRISTEN TWIGG, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the age of 35 years.

A Funeral Service will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd West, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 12:30 P.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, Megan will be laid to rest in One Spot Cemetery.

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

GONNEAU

It is with heavy hearts that we announced the passing of DONNA GONNEAU at the Raymond Health Centre, on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the age of 68 years.

She is survived by her husband, Allan Gonneau, her children: Hazel (Dan) Tessier, Jimmy Whiteford, Mike Whiteford, Tammy Triska and Bobbie Whiteford; and stepchildren: Robbie and Stephanie Gonneau. Donna leaves behind her grandchildren: Keera Whiteford, Dakota and Karissa Sugai, Zoey Triska, Keegan and Hudson Whiteford and Riley Whiteford; and her great-grandchildren Hailey Whiteford, and Danielle and Madison Agate; as well as her siblings:  Maryanne/Gary Thomson, and many other siblings, numerous nieces and nephews and close friend Linda Keenan and her children Steven and Kyle.

Donna is predeceased by her son Billy Whiteford. 

Donna was born July 4,1954. She worked at Galko Homes as a cleaner, Saan store as a cashier and cleaned hotel rooms. 

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

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

Peter Janzen
1924 – 2023

Peter Janzen, cherished husband of Margaret Janzen, slipped gently into divine, endless peace on March 14, 2023.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17th St, Coaldale, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSGqghuTZbgq4eRHhvEcPHA and select Peter’s service.
A private family Interment will be held prior in the Coaldale Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

D’AGNONE, Luigi & Beverly

LUIGI D’AGNONE 1941 – 2023 It is with love and sadness that the family announces the very sudden passing of Luigi D’Agnone in a single vehicle accident early Sunday morning, March 19, 2023, south of Taber. Luigi was born in Italy on May 30th, 1941. Luigi came to the Readymade/Wrentham area of Canada with his parents and 7 siblings in 1948 from Civitanova Del Sanrio Provincial Compbassa, Italy. His paternal grandparents, Nickolas and Maria D’Agnone were already living and farming in Southern Alberta and terribly missed their only son and his family. The family had generations of farmers in Italy and, of course, Luigi and his four brothers all became farmers in their new country of Canada. But not together – only Tony and Luigi farmed together. Lou is the 6th child of John and Filomena D’Agnone. He was predeceased by his wife Beverly May D’Agnone (by only a few hours), his parents, John and Filomena D’Agnone, brothers, Domenico, Nick, and Joe (Patricia), sisters, Mary Caruso (Joe) and Rosina Mucciaroni (Nick), and daughter Darcy Fujita (2022). He leaves to mourn his passing, son Robert D’Agnone, brother Tony (Laurie) D’Agnone, and sisters Delores (Phillip) Gurr and Amelia (Ken) Rollag, three grandchildren, Krista Shearer (Fredy Fuentes), Kourtney Fujita and Kassidy Fujita, 4 great grandchildren, Wyatt, Aiden, Greg and Jessica. Luigi attended the Wrentham School and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Lethbridge. After high school he took an electronics correspondence course through DeVry. Lou always knew that he wanted to farm and continued to do so until the time of his passing. Work was underway to be prepared for this springs seeding – grain was being sold and cleaned for planting and decisions being made for new machinery and necessary repairs. Until his Dad passed away, Luigi, Tony and John would all work in the shop at Judson DAGNONE IZING all sorts of tractors, equipment, repairs and household maintenance. They were proud of their accomplishments – but the shop work did not really continue after Johns passing. However, Tony, Rob and Lou did rebuild 3 Massey Ferguson 4-wheel drive tractors. As much as Lou loved the farm, he loved to spend free time at the Casino in Lethbridge. Back in the day, he was a regular at Leo Singers Men’s Wear private gambling room. Before Lou was married, he and some friends and brothers made fairly frequent trips to Las Vegas. Lou was always quick to show how thick his wallet was with his winnings and would flash those wads of bills. He bragged that he almost very seldom lost at cards. As a sidenote, Lou had a pocketful of casino chips in his pants when he passed away. Why are we not surprised? Lou also loved to garden and when he and Bev built their new house on the farm in 1986 they had a greenhouse incorporated into those plans. Lou spent many happy hours planting, weeding and fertilizing in that greenhouse. He had already started his tomato plants for this spring. As a young child Luigi played baseball at McGlenn’s Field, which was close to home. As an adult, Luigi was a hunter, wine maker, sausage maker, and an avid gambler. Before he was married, and after harvest, small communities had turkey shoots, and Lou won his fair share of frozen turkeys and hams. He was much more willing to gamble his money playing poker or 21 than he was willing to gamble in the stock market. Lou loved to track stocks on the TSE and other stock exchanges but tracked those stocks on paper – never quite taking the next step of actually putting his money into purchasing those stocks. Money and his bank accounts were very dear to his heart so when a stock fell, he lost only on paper, not real cash although sometimes it took a bit to get him to admit that. Luigi had a heart of gold and got the occasional nephew out of jail – their dads never needed to know. He could keep a secret – and did. Until the end.
BEVERLY MAY D’AGNONE 1946 – 2023 It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Beverly May D’Agnone in Lindenview, Taber on Sunday morning, March 19, 2023. She leaves to mourn her husband Luigi D’Agnone (deceased only couple of hours later), son, Robert D’Agnone and one brother Ed Sells. Also, three grandchildren, Krista (Fredy Fuentes), Kourtney Fujita and Kassidy Fujita, four great grandchildren, Aiden, Wyatt, Greg and Jessica. Bev was predeceased by her daughter, Darcy Fujita in July, 2022, and parents, Doreen and Robert Sells. Bev was born December 29th, 1946 in Lethbridge, Alberta. Bev was raised in Lethbridge. During her working career she worked for the Dept of Indian Affairs, KPMG as bookkeeper, Bob Copeland as a bookkeeper, and Lethbridge Casino as a dealer. If she and Lou were not already married, many would assume she met him there as Luigi truly loved to play cards his entire life. Luigi and Bev were married in November 1981 in Lethbridge. For Bev, moving to the farm at Judson, Alberta was natural. For many years, she raised every farm animal known, either for the kitchen table or to be a pet. She loved to cook meals for her family and extended family. And what meals they were! Sweet potato pie was a standard at family functions. She was a natural at baking too! She was our Dessert Queen who often did not eat her own baking. She and Lou made their own wine, and made deer, antelope or elk sausage from Lou’s hunting trips. After becoming comfortable with the seasons on the farm it was not very long before she had her driver’s license and she was off! Part time job at Lethbridge Casino, McGuires Men’s Wear, bookkeeping jobs here and there, and personal income tax returns for a select few. Next thing we knew, Bev and Lou were no longer sharing a truck, Bev had her own! Off to Taber or Lethbridge or Wrentham – a very busy farm wife raising two kids and taking care of their home and yard. She had time to volunteer with the Wrentham Library and curling bonspiels. Lou and Bev built a new home in the home yard in 1986 and Luigi often said that he had no plan for old age and the possibility of leaving his farm to live elsewhere never occurred to him. Bev was a traveller – she and her best friend Alice Cook took trips to Puerto Rico, New York City and Calgary and beyond. Bev was known to hire a limousine to take herself, Doreen, Alice, Darcy and sometimes the grandchildren to the theatre in Calgary. They saw Phantom of the Opera and Cats and a few more. Bev and Lou travelled around the USA, but they preferred their times in Costa Rica with Rob and Brad. Bev also took a trip to Europe with Krista on a high school Easter trip. She quickly realized that she was too old to be doing that again with Kourtney and Kassidy. Bev, Krista, Kourtney and Kassidy joined the Catholic Church and the four of them were confirmed together. It was very important to Bev that these beloved grandchildren were confirmed in the church. The four of them had fun as well on these excursions to Taber. In the past few years as her mental health was deteriorating, she changed, Luigi, her kids and grandkids learned to adapt to the new person. It has been very difficult.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm, on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the Prayers via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/LuigiandBeverly-DAgnone and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, March 27, 2023, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. To watch the Funeral Mass via livestream, please go to https://www.tikilive.com/channel/allsaintsparish and select Luigi and Beverly’s service.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

CLAASSEN, Denise

DENISE CLAASSEN 1963 – 2023 Denise Lynn Claassen, beloved wife of Carl Heinz Claassen, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023 after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 59 years.
Denise was born in Lethbridge on September 7, 1963. She grew up in Hardieville until she was 7 and then moved with her family to Coaldale where she graduated from Kate Andrews High School in 1982. On July 23, 1983, she married Carl and worked until 1985 when they started their family. Besides raising her family, Denise enjoyed going for coffee with her friends and family talking about craft ideas. She loved to sew quilts for her family and also enjoyed embroidery and cross stitching. Denise always enjoyed family get-togethers and especially spending time with her grandsons who she nick-named “pumpkin” and “monkey”.
Besides her loving husband of 39 years, she is survived by her two daughters Melissa Claassen (Steve Covey) and Kayla (Chris Firkola), and her two grandsons Caiden and Kyren. She is also survived by her father Dennis Hurst, her sister Terri-Ann (Garry) Miller, her two brothers Dennis W. Hurst and Darcy Hurst (Terry Tyrer), Mother-in-law Anna Claassen, Sister-in-law Anne Marie Maegaard (John) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Denise was predeceased by her mother Elsie in 2017 and her Father-in-law Heinz in 2000
She will be sadly missed by her family and friends and especially missed by her dog Spencer.
We give our heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and the Palliative Care team at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital and also the compassionate care provided for her at the Coaldale Health Centre long term care.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Denise-Claassen and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of their choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

William Featherstone
1942 – 2023

Mr. William James Featherstone of Fort Macleod, beloved husband of Mrs. Elaine Featherstone, passed away at the Raymond Hospital on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the age of 81 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

WHITE FEATHERS – MANY FINGERS

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our son, JULIAN ANDY WHITE FEATHERS – MANY FINGERS Aakotskoimiotasiiks (Many Roan Horses), on March 21, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family at the age of 31. Julian was born on April 18th, 1991 at the Fort Macleod Hospital to Andrew Many Fingers & Cindy White Feathers. He will be sadly missed by his big brother Aeron (Ashley) White Feathers, and little sister Kashtin. His nieces Persia, Chloe, & Eva White Feathers. His nephews Nickoli & Coyote White Feathers.  The family takes comfort in knowing he was reunited with his Brother Ramzi, Aunties, Uncles and Cousins, and Grandparents Stan & Rosella White Feathers, C.M. Melting Tallow, together again in the happy hunting grounds. A Candle Light Vigil will be held at Cindy and Andrew’s Residence at 4:00 pm  Saturday March, 25. A Wake Service will be held at the Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve, Sunday April 2nd, from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Gladstone Hall on Monday April 3rd at 12:00 noon.  Interment will take place at the St. Paul’s Cemetery.  To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.

LEGACY FUNERAL HOMES LTD., CARDSTON Assisting the Family.  Phone 403-653-3222.

KOLIBAR

WANDA (WRIGHT) KOLIBAR, beloved wife of Andy Kolibar, passed away in Cardston, Alberta on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the age of 86 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Street Chapel, Cardston, Alberta on Monday, March 27th at 11:00 a.m.
Friends and relatives may meet the family from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment to be held at the Beazer Cemetery following the service.
To Watch the Service Later or send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

LEGACY FUNERAL HOMES LTD., CARDSTON Assisting the Family.  Phone 403-653-3222. 

LOWE, Leona Rita
1934 – 2023

Leona Rita Lowe, daughter of the late Michael and Rose Usick passed away in her sleep on February 5, 2023 at the age of 88 years.

Leona was born May 29, 1934 in Erickson, Manitoba, where she was raised alongside her two sisters Mamie and Florence as well as her brother Rudy. On October 24, 1965 Leona married Pat and together they resided in Lethbridge where they raised their twins. She worked at the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District for 25 years and retired on July 22, 1999.

Leona was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was an avid traveler, exploring many exotic destinations. She took great pride in her rose garden and was known for her special Christmas Eve dinners. Leona was a gentle soul and brought her kindness, laughter and sense of humour to all she knew. She will be greatly missed by all.

Leona is survived by her twins Michael Lowe and Lisa (Don) Garrett; her stepchildren Bob Lowe, Sandee Lowe and Susan (Tracy) Dow; ten grandchildren, Travis, Ryan, Rob, Bill, Amber, Steven, Andrew, Andrea, Patrick, and Duncan; nine great grandchildren, Landon, Nicole, Sawyer, Piper, Ruby, Jackson, Lily, Wesley and Scarlett; brother Rudy (Marion) Usick as well as many nieces, nephews and their families. Leona was predeceased by her grandson Shane, as well as many dear family & friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00pm on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the POLISH CANADIAN HALL, 745 – 13th Street North, Lethbridge.

Social and dinner to follow, please R.S.V.P. to gar251@telus.net.

To share a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

Comments are closed.