Saturday, March 30, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 30, 2024.

GRUNINGER, Shirley

GRUNINGER SHIRLEY GRUNINGER, beloved wife of Albert Gruninger, passed away in Lethbridge, AB on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the age of 78 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Garden Place Chapel, Magrath, Alberta at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 with interment to follow at the Magrath Cemetery.
To Watch the Service or send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

JOHNSON, Janice

JANICE JOHNSON 1936 – 2024 Mrs. Janice Johnson of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Ross Johnson, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Care Centre on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the age of 87 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

VAN DYK, Brian

BRIAN VAN DYK 1986 – 2024 For us, too sudden and unexpected, The Lord our God took to himself our son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle, Brian Timothy Van Dyk.
Brian was born on February 18, 1986, in Picture Butte, Alberta, the fourth child of Berend (Ben) & Fija (Fay) Van Dijk. He graduated grade 12 from Coaldale Christian School. He worked some jobs and then went on to earn an English degree and later a Bachelor of Teaching degree from the University of Lethbridge.
He was accepted as a teacher at Coaldale Christian School, where he taught English. He worked there until his passing. He loved his students and helped them as much as he could to do well on their assignments. He loved hanging out with his friends to play games.
He will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters and nephews and nieces: Abbotsford, B.C.: Lewis & Meaghan Van Dyk, Charlotte, Orson; Edmonton, Alberta: Maria & Murray Vrieselaar, Jolene, Marco, Bellamy and Janna; Coaldale, Alberta: niece Fallon Van Dyk; Coaldale, Alberta: Colin Sebastian & Colleen Van Dyk, Colten, Talia, Caleb, Aiden, Elijah and Samuel; Coaldale, Alberta: Marley Clark, Hilton, Lorne and Archer.
We are comforted by the Word of God: Romans 8:38-39:
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A Viewing will be held at 12:15 pm, on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the COALDALE CANADIAN REFORMED CHURCH, Highway #3 West, Box 1254 Coaldale, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the COALDALE CANADIAN REFORMED CHURCH, Highway #3 West, Box 1254 Coaldale, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJmYZNnOBjdpruHRG5SwGg
Interment will follow in the Coaldale Community Cemetery
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

WHITE QUILLS – VARE, Tracy

WHITE QUILLS – VARE It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness we announce, “Ksiksskinnaki” Tracy Lee White Quills – Vare has passed away peacefully at home by the side of her husband on Saturday March 23, 2024 in Cardston, Alberta at the age of 44. A Wake Service will be held for Tracy on Monday, April 1 at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston from 6:30 – 10:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at Legacy Funeral Home at 11:00 am. The Interment will take place at the White Quills Family Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

KESLER, Karen

KESLER KAREN KESLER beloved wife of Norman Kesler, passed away peacefully the morning of Sunday March 24, 2024.
Karen was born October 17, 1943 in Lethbridge Alberta to Albert and Catherine Bourne (Remington). She was the oldest of 3 having one brother Alden, and one sister Dorthy. After growing up in Lethbridge Karen worked as a telephone operator. Karen married Norman Kesler in 1965. She moved to Victoria BC as Norman was in the Navy. While living in Victoria their daughter Debi was born in 1969 and son Michael in 1972. In 1978 Kevin was born during a short 2 year stationing in Saskatoon Sk. Shortly after that the family returned to Victoria until 1982 and then returned to Alberta and settled in Raymond.
Those that knew Karen knew that she loved to sew, knit, crochet, cross stitch, scrap booking and do many other crafts. Karen even ran a program in Raymond teaching youth in the community to sew. For several years she worked in the Mercantile bakery. Karen had a strong belief in her faith and enjoyed reading her scriptures. She loved very much the different Pomeranians she had throughout her life.
Karen was pre-deceased by her father (Albert Bourne) and mother (Catherine Remington-Bourne). She is also predeceased by her brother Alden Bourne and her sister Dorthy Bourne Mcleod. She is survived by her husband Norman Kesler, Daughter Debi Kanyo (Bob, Ilona, Derek) Michael (Amber, Deekota (Anna-Jo), Breann, Kobin, Ashlyn, Layne, Quintin) Kevin Kesler (Patti, Teagan Macy). Candy Kesler, Stewart Mcleod – Brother in Law, Karen Bourne – Sister in Law, and many nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 30, 2024 at 2:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, KNIGHT STREET CHAPEL, Raymond Alberta (260E 200N).
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

WHIMSTER, John “Jack”

WHIMSTER December 8, 1944 – March 23, 2024 JOHN “JACK” WHIMSTER passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side. Jack was born and raised in Lethbridge. He was the only child of Jean and Donald Whimster. His family-owned Consumer’s Hardware in downtown Lethbridge dating back to the late 1940’s. As a young man, Jack spent much time helping at his dad’s store. Jack married his wife Patricia (Pat) on February 24th, 1968 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Picture Butte. Jack completed his post-secondary education at SAIT and worked as a surveyor for the Canadian Western Natural Gas Company (Atco Gas) until he retired.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers-in-law, Dennis, Jim, and Terry O’Donnell, and his eldest daughter Jennifer Ann Whimster. He is survived by his wife Patricia ‘Pat’ Whimster; his son Donald Whimster; daughter Trish (Emily) Whimster; daughter and son-in-law Shannon & Clint Collier; his grandchildren: Brady Collier, Kyra Collier, Kaylene Neufeld, Nicholas Bartosek – Whimster, Kelcey (Ryan) Aleman, and his great-grandchild Waylon Aleman as well as many beloved relatives and dear friends.
Jack was a compassionate, thoughtful, and honourable man who loved his family and would do anything to make sure everyone was well cared for no matter the circumstance. He accomplished much in his life including raising four children. His quiet courage, strength of spirit, creativity, and sense of humor will be carried forward by those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace and may eternal light shine upon him.
We would like to share a special thank you to the LFES Paramedics/Firefighters for the care and compassion they gave to Jack and our entire family.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32 St. South, Lethbridge, on Sunday, April 7th, at 6:00 P.M., with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604-13 St. North, Lethbridge, on Monday, April 8th, at 11:00 A.M., with Father Kevin Tumback as Celebrant. Cremation will follow with a private Interment.

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

WHITTON, Darlene

WHITTON DARLENE WHITTON, of Lethbridge, beloved wife and best friend of 32 years of her late husband Rick Whitton, passed away suddenly at home, on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the age of 70 years.
Darlene is survived by her daughter Shannon (Shane) Foote, grandsons Rhys and Aidan Foote, granddaughter Raeanna Kenyon (Quinn), and great-granddaughters Sage and Indie. She is also also survived by her brother Larry (Shirley) Sera , nephews Scott and Chris and families.
Darlene was predeceased by her parents Frank and Margrette Sera and her in-laws Norman and Thelma Whitton.
Darlene worked as a fabricator at Kawneer for many years which is where she met the love her life, her late husband Rick. Over the years she made many lifelong friends that she and Rick enjoyed spending time with at home as well as the CWR Boat Club. Darlene was a hard worker and enjoyed cooking and gardening.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

COSLOVI, Lidia

COSLOVI LIDIA COSLOVI, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Luciano Coslovi, passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare, on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the age of 93 years.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Lidia will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.

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

NIESSEN, Martha

MARTHA NIESSEN 1926 – 2024 Mrs. Martha Niessen of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. William Niessen passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the age of 97 years.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at 1:00pm on Friday, April 5, 2024 at COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 18 Street Coaldale.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, April 5, 2024 at COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, with Pastor Gary Burke, officiating. Burial to follow in the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

HORGUS, Elane

HORGUS ELANE JOYCE HORGUS, of Milk River, beloved wife of the late Lorne Horgus, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Good Samaritans West Highlands, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at the age of 90 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street N.E., Milk River, AB, on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Don Kelley, Keith and David Dangerfield officiating.
Following the Funeral Service, Elane will be laid to rest with her husband Lorne in the Milk River Cemetery.

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

GURUNG, Thakur

GURUNG THAKUR SING GURUNG, of Bhutan, passed away peacefully at home in Lethbridge, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the age of 88 years.
A Funeral Service was held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

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

VAN GAALEN, Brenda

VAN GAALEN BRENDA LORRAINE VAN GAALEN (née Carlson) of Lethbridge, AB, beloved wife of the late Kenneth Van Gaalen, was carried home to heaven by her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the age of 77 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at a Viewing at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Lloyd Kohl officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Brenda’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Brenda will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Ken in Highfield Cemetery.

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

DASH, Marlene

MARLENE DASH 1937 – 2024 Mrs. Marlene Dash, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Stanley Dash, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the age of 86 years.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service that will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 6th, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. Marlene’s favorite colour was blue, share your love by wearing blue on this day. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to a local charity of your choosing in Marlene’s name.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

SCHAAF, Marjory

MARJORY JEAN SCHAAF 1926 – 2024 Mrs. Marjory Jean Schaaf of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Clarence Schaaf, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the age of 98 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, April 15, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
If you wish to send flowers, they may be sent to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel on the day of the Memorial Service.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ or to the Canadian Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

BROWN, Violet

BROWN VIOLET ALICE BROWN, beloved wife of the late Andrew Brown, passed away on March 26, 2024 at the age of 94 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

FIRST RIDER, Rod

FIRST RIDER It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of “Matoomohkitopi” Rod First Rider who passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 26, 2024, in the Cardston Hospital at the age of 76.
A great leader, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend were all titles Rod cherished and held to the highest regard.
A Wake Service will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and the Funeral Service on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve. It would be an honour for Headdresses to be worn at the funeral as we celebrate the legacy of “Matoomohkitopi”.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

ZALASKI, Maria

ZALASKI MARIA ZALASKI of Lethbridge, AB, beloved wife of Mike Zalaski, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the age of 79 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

THIESSEN, Tena

TENA THIESSEN 1930 – 2024 Tena Thiessen, of Coaldale, Alberta, passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 93 years.
A Visitation will take place from 7:00 PM-8:00 PM, on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Coaldale Mennonite Church, 2316-17th Street, Coaldale, AB. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Coaldale Mennonite Church. Tena will be privately laid to rest in the Coaldale Cemetery prior to her Funeral Service.
Donations in Tena’s name can be made to MCC Alberta:
210-2946, 32nd Street, N.E. Calgary, AB. T1Y 6J7
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.edensfuneralhome.com