Friday, April 12, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 12, 2024.

JESPERSEN, Bruce

Bruce Jespersen 1954 – 2024 Norman Bruce Jespersen, beloved husband of Brenda Jespersen, passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at the age of 70 years following a courageous battle with cancer.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Bruce’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 3:00 P.M.
Besides his loving wife Brenda, Bruce is survived by their children Kendra Love Begg (Lee) and Forest Krystan Dawn Jespersen (Max); grandchildren Daija Begg and Arcade Begg. He is also survived by his brothers John (Leah) Jespersen, Tom (Marsha) Jespersen and Tim (Deb) Jespersen; sister Patti (Greg) Carter; in-laws Dan Dorchak, Kevin Virostek, Edward Odland and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and John Sr. Jespersen, siblings Lynn Dorchak, Wendy Virostek, Roberta Odland and infant brother Gordon Jespersen.
Bruce, better known as “Juice”, was born in Taber on February 26, 1954. He was a dedicated husband, loving father and proud papa. He was a talented athlete and skilled carpenter. Bruce loved fishing, camping, playing ball and most of all, pranking anyone he got near. He had a quick wit, a beautifully twisted sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye when he knew he ‘got you’.
“We love you and will cherish our memories of you. Until we meet again, rest in peace.”
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bruce’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.

PLUNET, Ernest

ERNEST ALBERT PLUNET (1934-2024) Ernest Albert Plunet, a man whose life was shaped by the land and the water that lay below it, passed away peacefully on February 18th, at the age of 89. Ernie’s early years were spent on a cattle and grain farm in Southern Alberta, instilling in him a deep connection to agriculture. While still farming, he developed a passion for water well drilling. Ernie was a true jack of all trades, able to fix almost anything with his ingenuity and resourcefulness.
A fateful trip to Vancouver Island in his early 20s led Ernie to meet Helen Evans, and soon they married. Together, they built a life and family, welcoming three children: Christine, Ward, and Josh. Seeking a return to his farming roots, the family established a Jersey dairy farm in Mill Bay. Later, Ernie founded his own successful water well drilling company, serving the community for over two decades. Through his drilling expertise, he made a real difference by bringing water to over 700 families.
In the mid-1980s, Ernie returned to his Southern Alberta homeland, where he seamlessly balanced water well drilling with farming. During this period, he found a deep and loving connection with Joyce Hoyt, and was warmly welcomed into her extended family. Ernie also enjoyed telling a good story, keeping his listeners captivated with his tales.
After Joyce’s passing, Ernie found his way back to Vancouver Island, settling in Duncan. There, he was fortunate enough to spend his final decade with the companionship and love of Joyce Pleven.
Ernest Albert Plunet’s legacy is one of hard work, resourcefulness, and a life deeply connected to the earth. He will be dearly missed by his children, brother James Plunet and sister Janet Plunet, extended family, and all who were touched by his spirit.
A celebration of life for Ernie is being held at the Keg in Lethbridge Alberta (1717 Mayor Magrath Dr S) on Saturday, May 4th at 12:00 clock to 3:00 pm.

ROBIN, Jean

JEAN TAYLOR ROBIN 1927 – 2024 Jean Taylor (Black) Robin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, died in Lethbridge on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the age of 96 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 pm, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329, 15th AVENUE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Festival Society (#4B, 740 – 4 Ave. South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0N9) or to McKillop United Church (2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 0X5).
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

KORTHUIS, Berdena

KORTHUIS BERDENA CATHERINE KORTHUIS (nee Vos), of Lethbridge, AB, beloved wife of Hank Korthuis, was called home suddenly, by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the age of 70 years.
Left to cherish her memory, is her loving husband, Hank, of 47 years; her two children, Joshua (Sharon) Korthuis; and Suzanne (Craig) DeGroot; as well as her grandchildren: Miah, Kaylee, Kaden, Davin and Anaya; her siblings: Randy (Grace) Vos; Wally (Denise) Vos; Marlene (Siebe) Bruinsma; Ellen (Albert) Hummel; and Jerry (Allison) Vos; as well as her Korthuis family; Gaya Mamula, Klaas (Conny) Korthuis, John (Sandy) Korthuis, Harry (Sherry) Korthuis, Bob (Sandra) Korthuis, Grace Korthuis and their families.
Berdena’s faith, trust and hope in the Lord, served as an example to her family, and others who knew her. She loved Hank and they were blessed with a beautiful family. She loved her children and grandchildren to pieces. She prioritized family throughout her entire life and loved being at home. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, sewing, crafts, playing cards, watching basketball, singing and finding ways to help her children and entertain her grandchildren. She kept a lovely home and while she always preferred to be in the kitchen and behind the scenes, she was an incredible host and loved serving people. She loved hiking and camping with family. She loved gardening and their acreage always looked so beautiful with petunias everywhere. Berdena was quiet and shy but had a heart of gold and was incredibly loyal, gentle and humble. She was sweet, caring, thoughtful and careful with her words. She was kind to everyone and loved unconditionally. She kept her nose out of other people’s business and never spoke a harsh word and worked hard not to hold a grudge. In some ways she was a perfectionist and liked things just so, but in other ways she was super laid back and never made a person feel bad about something. One of her favorite sayings was, “It doesn’t matter what you look like, just put a smile on your face and that’s all that matters. She was generous with her time and money. She had a fun sense of humor with one-liners that cracked people up. But most importantly, she knew she was a child of God. Her faith in Jesus was the foundation she built her life and home on. She knew she was saved by grace and not by her ability to perform or do enough good works. Her prayers for her children and grandchildren and for all those she knew where that they too would be able to know the kind of peace that comes from walking with Jesus. She didn’t preach at people, but she did live a genuine faith. The Lord has been her Sustainer and Provider throughout the challenges of her life. Whenever discouragement with her Parkinson’s threatened to overwhelm her, she found solace in God’s promises. He provided in big ways and small ways on a daily basis and reminded her He would never leave her and that His grace was sufficient. Her smile was beautiful, and she was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. We take comfort knowing that Berdena is now perfectly healthy and with Jesus.
A Funeral Service will be held at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. John van Eyk officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed either through Berdena’s obituary on the Cornerstone website or by using the following link. https://www.trinityurc.ca/livestream

To share your memories, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

RUSSELL, George

RUSSELL GEORGE H. RUSSELL, of Milk River, beloved husband of the late Joan Russell, passed away peacefully at Raymond Health Centre, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the age of 93 years.
A private family service will be held.

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

SHORT, James “Jim”

SHORT JAMES “JIM” ROBERT SHORT, beloved husband of Donalda Short, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the age of 75 years.
Jim will be forever remembered by his wife of 52 years, Donalda Short; daughters: Crystal (Graham) Schmidt and Cheryl (Donald) Higgins; son Trevor Short; and granddaughters: Jayna, Jessie, Jocelyn, Brynn and Dawsyn. Jim is also survived by his siblings: Joe Short, Patsy Schwartz, Peggy Kowalchuk (Ed), Ricki (Willie) Lafontaine, Dorothy (Gilbert) Lachance and Rae McMillian.
Jim was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, the seventh of eight children born to Eugene and Annie Short. He was predeceased by both his parents, his sister-in-law Joyce Short, his brother Mel (Jean) Short, his brother-in-law Albert Schwartz, and his grandsons: Michael Schmidt and Rowyn Higgins. 
Jim excelled at everything he did. He was always in pursuit of the next level of excellence and it showed in his many, many accomplishments. His was a life well lived.
The family would like to thank all the staff at the Peter Lougheed Hospital, medical specialists in Calgary, and staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their care and compassion. Jim truly felt taken care of and often mentioned how well he was treated. Thank you to everyone who took time to send messages to Jim, he enjoyed reading and hearing about every one of them. Lastly, a very special thank you also to the staff at Liberty Tax, who continue to work hard for Jim, making sure his vision continues on.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be had at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.

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

BRUGOS, Richard “Rick”

BRUGOS RICHARD “RICK” BRUGOS, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Kris Brugos, passed away at home on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at the age of 74 years.
A Graveside Service will be held at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Santiago Torres officiating.
A Memorial Reception will follow at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB.

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