December 26th, 2024

Friday, August 23, 2024


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 23, 2024.

HEINEN, Linda LINDA HEINEN 1944 – 2024 Ephesians 6:13-17 The Lord in His infinite wisdom decided to call Linda home early Wednesday morning, August 14, 2024. She was the devoted wife of Henry Heinen for the last 57 years. She is survived by her husband, six children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Left to mourn are her husband, daughters Janna (Allen) Veenland, Kristyn (Andrew) Schalk, Melissa (Trevor) Bezooyen, Dani; sons Joe and Gus; grandchildren Logan (Anna), Brady (Michelle), Gavin (Sarah), Riley (Abbey), lan, Claire, Noah, Carter, Evan, and Sammy Lynn; great grandson, Hudson; brother George (Florence) Visser; brothers in law Roelof (Fern), William (Darlene); sister-in-law (Jeanette); and many nephews and nieces.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Johanna Visser and nephew John Jr., with whom she had a close bond.
Linda was a devoted and committed Mom and foster Mom to many young children, especially babies. She fostered for about forty years including failure-to-thrive young ones. She also homeschooled many special-needs children after a four-year career as an elementary teacher. She loved many animals including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, and ponies. Linda loved horseback riding while growing up on the farm near Neerlandia.
For those who wish to donate to a worthy cause in her memory, please consider the Immanuel Christian School Endowment Fund.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at IRON SPRINGS CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, IRON SPRINGS, Alberta, with Pastor Tom Van Milligen, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.youtube.com/@ironspringscrc3875 Iron Springs CRC – YouTube
A private family committal will take place at Huntsville cemetery prior to the memorial service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
VIROSTEK, Donald DONALD VIROSTEK 1938 – 2024 Mr. Donald Roy Virostek of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Donna Virostek, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Saturday, August 17, at the age of 86 years. Ironically, he and Donna were united on August 17, 1961, and he departed from her on August 17, 2024, after 63 years of marriage.
Donald was born on March 1, 1938, the 10th of 13 children born to Samuel and Mary Virostek. He was raised, educated and graduated in Enchant, Alberta. He farmed for his dad before buying his own farm in 1961 when he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Howg. Together they raised 2 children, Pamela and Trevor.
His motto in farming was “You don’t need to buy new machinery; you just need to fix the old.” He was active in the community and attended the Ibbestad Lutheran Church. He enjoyed all sports, especially hockey, where he was an avid goalie for the Enchant Ninety Niners.
Besides farming, he worked for Jan Electric in Vauxhall, was employed at the beet dump for a while and enjoyed being the grounds keeper at the Enchant Golf Course. In 1998 he retired and resided in Lethbridge where he continued working at the golf course. Later, he was employed at the Lethbridge Exhibition.
Donald took great pride in his yard and garden, and upon his retirement, he spent a lot of time looking after it. Pam will say she learned her yard work skills from her dad. He also enjoyed doing puzzles and making matchstick models. There were “many” puzzles and models.
He was a proud grandpa, and through the years, he followed all of his grandchildren with their many sports and interests, and this was his “life!”.
Due to ailing health, Donald moved to Edith Cavell Care Centre where he resided for the last 3.5 months. Our family would like to thank Leanne and the health care staff for the love and compassion shown to him during his stay. Dad was known to the staff that cared for him as “Papa”, and they enjoyed his quick wit and teasing abilities.
Besides his loving wife Donna, Donald leaves behind his children Pamela (Lonnie) Odland and her 3 children Brendan (Lucy), Jaden (Nikki), and Karlee (Brendan) Hendriks; his favourite son Trevor (Paula) and their 2 daughters Rylee and Amber; 5 great grandchildren Rory, Nash, Harper, Kiptyn, Briggs and another one on the way; 3 sisters in law Diane, Linda, Joan, Virostek; brother in Law Larry Haller; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Mary Virostek; parents in law Art and Phyllis Howg; 12 siblings Helen (Emil) Gilbert, Mary (Simon) Berger, Samuel (Luella), George (Shirley), Joseph, Elizabeth “Betty” (Stanley) Speager, Michael, Verne; Josephine (Steve) Kondas, Lawrence, Wayne, and Theresa; and special son in law Kalvin Odland.
The family invites relatives and friends to share in a Come and Go Reception which will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Friday, August 23, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edith Cavell Care Centre, 1255, 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0V6.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SOLVEY, Margret SOLVEY 1951-2024 MARGRET LINDA ELLA SOLVEY, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully with grace and dignity at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Monday, August 19, 2024 at the age of 73 years.
Left to mourn are her siblings: Rick, Jan, Mair, Dale, Soo, Ron, and Barb, along with their families and her friends.
We will forever miss her great sense of humour and her generosity. Our hearts are broken.
Thank you to HomeCare, as well as the Palliative and MAID teams.
As per Maggie’s wishes, a private family service will be held.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MACLEOD, Janiel Janiel MacLeod 1985 – 2024 We are announcing the passing of our cherished mother, partner, daughter and sister on August 12, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta.
To send a condolence or for further information please visit http://www.southsidememorial.com. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future, with an announcement in this paper.
Teana, Braeden, Carel, Roy and Karly.
BERRY, Douglas “Doug” DOUGLAS “DOUG” BERRY 1950 – 2024 Mr. Douglas “Doug” Berry of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Diana Berry, suddenly passed away at home on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the age of 73 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MORIN, Marc MORIN MARC MORIN passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, August 18th, 2024 at the age of 65 years.
Marc is survived by his son, Keith Bach (Trisha), and grandchildren: Briar, Ayla, and Rainy (Peanut) all of Lethbridge; and his daughter, Kaitlyn Morin (Andrew), and grandson, Sutton, also of Lethbridge. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Rae Anne Morin, and his nephew and niece, Brennan Morin and Natasha Brewin (Denver).
He was predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and Elsie Morin, and his brother, Monte Morin.
Marc grew up on a farm in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. During his time on the farm, Marc and his brother enjoyed riding dirt bikes and engaging in all kinds of wild and dangerous adventures. Later, the family moved to Medicine Hat to be closer to extended family.
In 1979, Marc was blessed with his first child and began his career with the Medicine Hat Police as a special constable and became a police constable in 1980. He was most proud of his time as a K-9 handler, working alongside his best friend and partner, Behr. After retiring from policing, Marc found success in various investigative, safety, and security work within different organizations. He also formed lifelong friendships throughout his career.
Marc had a deep love for all things Harley-Davidson and found immense joy in riding his motorcycle. Some of his most cherished memories were of riding alongside the Blue Knights and Big Dog Crew. He was passionate about farming, the outdoors and animals (especially German Shepherds). He treasured his time in British Columbia, where he lived later in life. Those who knew Marc will forever remember his charismatic nature, big smiles, hearty laughs, and ever-present sense of humour. Marc was respectful, humble, gentle, level-headed and big-hearted and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In respect to Marc’s wishes, no service will be held. To honour Marc’s memory, take a ride down the highway on a motorcycle and reflect on the good times you shared with him.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
TAMAKI, Koji KOJI SONNY TAMAKI 1946 – 2024 Mr. Koji Tamaki of Lethbridge, beloved father to Amy, Jamey, and Tim, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, August 9th, 2024, at the age of 77 years.
Koji was born in Coaldale, Alberta on September 8, 1946. He accomplished many things in his life, most importantly raising his three children. His happiest times were spent with his grandson, Kai.
Koji is survived by his son Timothy Tamaki; daughters Amy Tamaki (Rob Mereska), Jamey Beekman, and their mother Tammie Asuchak; grandson Kai Koji of Lethbridge. He is also survived by his brother Jack Tamaki of Lethbridge, and Brandon Beekman, who held a special place in his heart.
Koji was predeceased by his parents Tomi and Michigoro Tamaki; brother Larry Tamaki; sister Helen Murkin, and nephew Larry Tamaki Jr.
Koji’s quiet courage, strength of spirit, creativity and sense of humor will be carried forward by those who loved him. His smile and laugh will never be forgotten.
Don’t weep at my grave, for I am not there. I’ve a date with a butterfly to dance in the air. I’ll be singing in the sunshine, wild and free, playing tag with the wind, while I’m waiting for thee. A private family Graveside Service will be held with Reverend Yasuo Izumi, officiating.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 3160 12 Avenue North.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
VAN RYN, Kathy VAN RYN It is with a profound sense of loss and sadness that we announce the passing of KATHY VAN RYN (née Frecka) on Friday, August 16, 2024. Her sudden passing at the age of 64 has left an immense void in the hearts of those that loved her.
Kathy will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her family: her devoted partner, Louis Ravoy; her daughter, Ashley (Patrick) Shackleford; her son, Thomas (Preston Scholz) Van Ryn; her stepchildren, Melanie and Levi; her sister, Debbie (Alec) Campbell; her brothers, Bill (Marg) Frecka and Gary (Sylvia) Frecka; and a large extended family, along with an even larger group of friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Katy and John Frecka.
To know Kathy was to know how hard she worked. She explored various career paths before discovering her true passion as an entrepreneur. She dedicated herself fully to her business, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew her. Her approach was characterized by earnestness, precision, and an ever-present sense of humour.
Kathy’s interests were as diverse as they were engaging. She had an eye for the unique, which was evident in her eclectic collection of treasures. Her hands were rarely still, as she found joy in the art of crafting, creating countless pieces that reflected her kind, funny, and generous nature.
Those who knew Kathy will remember her for the laughter she brought into their lives, her kind-heartedness, and her selfless ability to give without expecting anything in return. Her presence was a gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, and her legacy will continue to inspire generosity, creativity, and joy in the hearts of her family and friends.
A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SMITH, Beth SMITH Beth Kay Fowler (Hill) Smith beloved wife of the late Jesse Lynn Smith, passed away on the 21st August 2024 in Raymond Alberta at the age of 101.
Beth is survived by her children Parley (Bonnie) Smith, Lindy (Nels deceased) Pehrson, and Chris Smith. She was predeceased by her parents Harrie States Fowler and Verna Christine Pearson, two older sisters Violet Taylor Armstrong and Verna Bunn, her first husband Parley Bynam Hill in 1948, a daughter Susan Kay in 1953, and her second husband Jesse Lynn Smith in 1990.
Beth was born January 1st, 1923 in Taber Alberta and was raised and went to school there in Taber. She lived in Taber, Bow Island, Raymond and Cardston. Beth was a good student in school and loved all of her friends and most of her teachers. She was not able to further her education after high school as her father had died and she had to run the family business – a pool hall named Fowler Billiards. That was okay as she said, “No career could be more rewarding than making a home and raising three children.” She was active in her church and served in many positions working with the children and young women. She loved to sing and dance. She also loved her sports teams being avid fans of the Toronto Blue Jays and Calgary Flames.
She always looked for the good in people and gave all she had to bless the lives of everyone she came in contact with. The lessons taught and learned by members of her immediate family together with 8 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren will be felt for generations to come.
The Funeral Services will be held at The Legacy Funeral Home in Cardston Alberta on Saturday, 24th August 2024 at 11:00 AM. Friends may meet the family from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
To WATCH the service or send a condolence, visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
PENTON, Grant “Red” PENTON GRANT “RED” PENTON, of Milk River, beloved husband of Kathy Thompson, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the age of 68 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BOGUSKY, Donald “Don” DONALD “DON” BOGUSKY 1937 – 2024 Mr. Donald “Don” Bogusky of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Dorothy Bogusky, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the age of 87 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when complete.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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