Thursday, May 16, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 16, 2024.

FRANCE, Henry Henry Robert France December 26, 1941 – May 3, 2024 Henry Robert France, known to his friends and family as Bob or Freckles, passed away during the night of May 3, 2024, at the age of 82 with his daughter and granddaughter by his side, while receiving care at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, AB. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Shelley Henczel, granddaughter Kaitlin Henczel, as well as his extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 43 years Arlene in 2020.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 1:00pm until 3:00pm on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9, Coleman (7831 – 17 Ave., Coleman, AB). Please stop by to share memories and reminisce, while enjoying some light snacks and refreshments, and raising a glass in honour of Bob.
A Private Graveside will be held, but will be recorded and available for others to watch on the Fantin’s Funeral Chapel website afterward.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation (PO Box 455 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0).
Condolences may be registered at http://www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

---

MCLEOD, Owen OWEN MCLEOD 1975 – 2024 Mr. Owen McLeod of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Michelle McLeod, passed away suddenly in Lethbridge on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of 49 years.
A Viewing will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Celebration of Owen’s Life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

WIRZBA, Margaret MARGARET WIRZBA 1929 – 2024 Margaret Wirzba (nee Strecker), known as Gretchen to many, beloved wife of the late Emil Wirzba passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on May 14, 2024, at the age of 95.
Margaret was born on February 27, 1929, to Philip and Elisabeth Strecker in Beschanja of the former Yugoslavia. Margaret was the second of five children, the only daughter. In 1944 Margaret’s family was forced to flee to Germany. They eventually ended up in Braunschweig, where they lived as refugees. In 1951 she, as well as her parents and two brothers, immigrated to Canada. They worked in the sugar beet fields near Iron Springs for two years, before moving to Lethbridge.
On August 28, 1954, she married Emil Wirzba. They lived together in Lethbridge for 62 years until Emil passed away in 2017. They raised a family of five children.
Family and church were very important to Gretchen and Emil. They loved hosting family and friends. Gretchen was a wonderful cook and baker. Her German “Torten” are legendary. Food was the focal point of any visit. And her desserts always got the best reviews.
Her faith in God was strong. She was very involved in the life of the Bethany Baptist Church, singing in the choir, helping with the ladies’ group, and of course helping with the many potluck meals with her great signature dishes.
Mom also loved gardening. She grew a vegetable patch and lots and lots of beautiful flowers.
After Emil passed away, mom moved to Cottage 1 at the Good Samaritans’ Park Meadows Village. We are so grateful to the staff who made this a good home for Margaret for the past 7 years. She passed away peacefully at Cottage 1 on May 14, 2024.
Margaret was predeceased by her loving husband Emil; parents; two of her brothers and their spouses (Philip and Elizabeth, Jakob and Irma), and her brother Karl.
Margaret is survived by her brother Sam (Benita), her five children Dan (Sharon), Bernie (Cecilia), Carl (Hélene), Marvin (Tanell), and Lorraine, six grandchildren Steve (Jessica), Johannah (Emily) Grace, Kevin (Heidi), Zachary, and Andrew, two great grandchildren Ivy and Lucy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 11:00am and 11:45am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS WATERTON SUITE, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 – Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 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/Margaret-Wirzba
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

<5

Comments are closed.