Saturday, November 23, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 23, 2024.

VALGARDSON, Ernest “Ernie” Ernest (“Ernie”) Theodor Valgardson Nov. 12, 1926 – Nov.15, 2024 Ernie Valgardson, a beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle passed away in Penticton just 3 days after his 98th birthday. Ernie was born on the same day as his elder sister Mary (101) and they always teased they were twins – just three years apart! Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Maureen, his children Barry, Sharon (Brad), Robbin (Bill), and Jack (Meridith) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a proud “Grandpa Snazzy” to 8 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Ernie was predeceased by his youngest son, Daniel. Ernie was born at Alameda, Saskatchewan to Jack and Julia Valgardson. He was the 10th in the family of 13 children. Ernie grew up near Capasin, Saskatchewan where his parents homesteaded. Following the death of his mother, the family moved back Taber to be near other relatives and that is where Ernie met the love of his life, Maureen Hogg. Ernie and Maureen were married Dec. 5, 1951 and together they celebrated 72 years of marriage. In Ernie’s honour, a celebration of his life will be held at the family reunion in Taber, July 19, 2025.

---

STAPLETON, Edward STAPLETON, Edward Arland December 8, 1937 РOctober 19, 2024 Born on December 8, 1937, Edward Stapleton passed away peacefully on October 19, 2024, at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Josephine Stapleton (n̩e Keller).
Edward “Ed” Stapleton was born in Cardston, Alberta. He was the 6th child of Samuel Michael “Mick” Stapleton and Elsa Stapleton (née Fehlberg). He leaves behind two daughters, Lisa Price (James Wise) and Jeanette (Robert) Vinek, and three beautiful grandchildren, Jesse Price, Anna Price (Russell Coffin), and Grace Freiheit. He is survived by his sisters Betty Noakes, Linda Vasseur and Patricia Silvestri, and his brothers Eldon Watkins and Victor Stapleton. He was predeceased by his sisters Georgine Shanks, Joanne Taft, Glenda Raessler, Elsa Terry, Carolie Jackson, and Mae Bennett, and his brothers William “Bill”, James “Jim” and Michael “Mike”.
Ed’s early years were spent on the family farm in Jefferson, AB, where he learned the value of hard work, and the importance of family. After the passing of his mother, he became the glue that held together his blended family, welcoming his stepmother Lois Stapleton (née Christie); two stepsisters, Mae and Carolie; and 3 half siblings, Pat, Mike, and Vic. This family of 15 is the foundation on which Ed created his life. His dedication, love, and commitment to his family was unwavering and beautiful. His family was everything to him.
Ed was the most amazing father, grandfather, husband, brother, and uncle. Talented in countless ways, he was an accomplished athlete, a Boy Scout Leader, a Ducks Unlimited advocate, and an enthusiastic volunteer with both the Lions Club and the Legion. Skilled in work as a Master Mechanic and Welder, he not only excelled in his trade but also used his expertise to develop programs that provided employment for the physically and mentally diverse. Ed’s enthusiasm extended beyond work and community service – he was a spirited dancer, a dedicated gardener, and a beloved supporter and driver for his daughters’ volleyball team. When his girls won provincials, the team gifted him a medal inscribed with “Number 1 Father, Driver, Fan”. His medals and accolades for his community service are too numerous to list and are symbols of the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation his community felt for his service. Ed’s love language was family and community service; he lived it every day.
People were drawn to him and wanted him close, and for good reason. His energy was strong enough that it stopped the watches on his wrist. His family bought him many, and finally settled on the old-fashioned windup type, the only kind that would keep running. If someone was grieving, he would put his huge hand on their back (unintentionally across from their heart), grounding and calming them. His hugs were legendary, and always accompanied by the sweetest kiss on the cheek. He was never afraid to share his love out loud. Imagine being his child and being enveloped in that. He told his daughters every day they could be or do anything.
He was a strong man who was a big teddy bear. He was just so kind. He smiled and danced his way through life and was such a force of positivity and love. His glass was always half full. The strongest testimony of his legacy is his love of his wife, Phyllis Stapleton. He married a strong, independent woman, and he never dimmed her Light. He was the shining example of what it means to be a Good Man. Confident of his own worth, and never afraid to shine his Light on others. We all got to bask in the glow of that Light.
The loss is immense. Deep and wide, yet we are all better for feeling his love and loving him in return.
We love you, “Papa Bear”. Thank you.
Ed’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 12:00 pm (MST), at Legion Branch 140, 30035 Range Road 253, Cardston, Alberta. Reception to follow.
Interment for family and friends prior, at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Woolford Cemetery.
Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at http://www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

---

HARVEY, Robert Bruce Robert Bruce Harvey 1964 – 2024 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our brother Robert Bruce Harvey on Monday, November 18, 2024, after a brief stay at the Lethbridge hospital.
Robert was born in Newmarket, Ontario, on January 25, 1964. He was the fourth child of Bruce and Ruth Harvey.
He is survived by his siblings Patricia, Phil (Wendy), Andy (Shannon), Kim (Robert), Penny (Jason) and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
In his younger years, Rob enjoyed working side by side with is dad tinkering with engines and appliances. He later turned to a career of trucking where he enjoyed seeing the countryside for many years. He also enjoyed the outdoor life of camping and fishing with family and friends. Rob was an avid photographer and especially loved taking pictures of nature.
Rob was predeceased by his parents.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Lethbridge hospital for their kindness and wonderful care of our brother. Also, a special thank you to his dear friend, John Ellingson, who went above and beyond.
A Graveside Service will be held at the Stirling Cemetery on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 1:00 pm.
Friends are welcome to meet the family from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Salmon and Sons Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

---

AUER, Elizabeth AUER ELIZABETH AUER, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Engelbert Auer, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the age of 89 years.
As per Elizabeth’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Elizabeth, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church (etransfer to admin@immanuellutheran.ca)

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

---

VAS, Annie ANNIE VAS 1935 – 2024 Annie Barbara Vas, of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of Eugene (Gene) Balay, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, on November 11, 2024 at the age of 89 years.
Annie was born on September 9,1935 to Joseph and Barbara Vas of Wrentham, Alberta. Annie grew up on the farm near Wrentham. From her mother she learned the cooking, canning, and baking skills which made her famous with friends and family for her whole life.
Annie attended Wrentham School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1953. She went on to Edmonton to the University of Alberta and enrolled in the Faculty of Education. She received her Bachelor of Education degree in 1960. Her teaching career began in Dickson, Alberta. She then taught at the Alberta Correspondence School in Edmonton and Barrhead until she retired. It was here that at the age of 50, she met the love of her life Eugene (Gene) Balay.
After retirement, the two of them made their home in Lethbridge. They spent much of their time travelling. They travelled twice across Canada, returning via northern USA. They visited Russia, Ukraine, Crimea and Rumania; and made several visits to England, Denmark, and Scotland to visit relatives and friends. When they were not travelling, they had a busy home. Although Annie had no children of her own, she helped family and friends with theirs … eleven in total!
Annie will always be remembered as a kind, loving, humble person who always put the needs of others before her own.
Besides her loving husband Gene, Annie is survived by her sister Rose (Nicholson), Harold Nicholson, the “Eleven Children”, sister-in-law Gillian Vas, Susanne Dyke, Cheryl Balay, David Balay and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Barbara Vas, brothers Joseph, Frank, John, and sisters Irene and Mary.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday, December 2, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at ST. MARTHA’S PARISH, 355 COLUMBIA BLVD WEST, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Father William Monis, celebrant. The Mass will be recorded and will be available to watch at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Annie-Vas
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 5241 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5G8.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

MARTIN, Pastor Harold PASTOR HAROLD MARTIN 1930 – 2024 Forever loved and completely cherished by his family and friends, Harold Martin passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Harold was a caring and gentle man who devoted himself to his faith and the people around him.
Harold was born on July 13, 1930, in Govan, Saskatchewan to Alex and Mary Martin. Together with his younger brother Mervin, he spent his childhood on the family farm. He enjoyed music, sports, acting, travel, food and mischief. After completing university and Lutheran Seminary degrees at Saskatoon, he married his “little red head” Ella Klein on June 20, 1956. Harold used to say that he wanted to be a father of girls, and his daughters Lorelle and Lynette have always been more that proud to call him dad.
Pastor Harold also made a family out of the eight congregations that he served. Besides his family and full time, active ministry, Harold dedicated his life to many organizations. These included; Canadian Lutheran World Relief, counselling at the university, college and prison, serving as dean of the Southern Alberta conference, organizing Lethbridge Pastoral Care Association and helping initiate the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen to name just a few.
Harold is survived by his wife, Ella, his daughters Lorelle Cholka (David), Lynette Kostiuk (Raymond), grandchildren Aleah Paterson (Scott) and Tamara Kostiuk. He was predeceased by his parents Alex and Mary Martin, his brother Mervin Martin, his in-laws Tobias and Emilie Klein, five sister-in-laws and six brother-in-laws.
Harold is back in the arms of God, where he will be told “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Many thanks to the staff at Cedar Creek who cared for Harold these last nine months.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at CHRIST TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 416 12 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta. Interment to follow at Royal View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers for those who wish, donations can be made to Christ Trinity Lutheran Church, (e transfer- christ.trinity2020@gmail.com).
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

BENNETT, Diane DIANE BENNETT 1939 – 2024 Mrs. Diane Bennett of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Michael Bennett, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Michael’s Health Centre, at the age of 85 years.
On October 17, 1939, Diane was born, raised, and educated in Ottawa, Ontario. She moved to Edmonton in 1961 where she taught at McTavish Business College. In 1963, Diane moved to Lethbridge where she worked as a home maker raising her family. She was also an active volunteer and later a conference coordinator at the University of Lethbridge. In her retirement, Diane enjoyed travelling, golfing, volunteering, and enjoying her time at the Nordbridge Senior Center, she also enjoyed her time with her grandchildren and great granddaughter.
On March 30, 1964, Diane was married in Edmonton to Mr. Michael Bennett.
Diane is survived by her loving husband, Michael Bennett; daughter Susan Bennett of Lethbridge; Robert (Melanie) Bennett of Lethbridge; brother Terrence Leahey of Victoria, British Columbia; brother-in-law Edward Truelove and their children Debra (Sajid) Ravosia, Darren Truelove, and Cheryl Truelove; four grandchildren Amy, Samantha (Brad), Danielle, and Michael; great granddaughter, Annabelle.
Diane has been predeceased by her parents Alfred and Evelyn Leahey; parents in law Arthur and Eva Bennett; sister-in-law Delma Truelove.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers for those who wish, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 28, 2024, at ARCHMOUNT CEMETERY, 2710 WESTSIDE DRIVE WEST, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Celebration of life will be held in the new year.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

SMITH, Allan ALLAN MICHAEL SMITH 1960 – 2024 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Allan Michael Smith of Lethbridge, on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Allan was born and raised in Lethbridge. His parents Mary (Babick) and Richard emigrated from Apas, Hungary and Middlesborough, England respectively, making Allan a first generation Canadian. He has been predeceased by both parents.
Allan grew up on the north side of Lethbridge where at a young age he developed an exceptional work ethic along with many other learnings and positive traits instilled by his mother which he carried with him into adult life. He started working early as a young teen during weekends and through summer holidays for his Uncle John at Marshall Auto Wreckers, and upon turning 18, went on to work at Sicks Lethbridge Brewery for his Uncle Carl. He left the brewery and through his working career as an entrepreneur, he was known for successfully establishing and leading several of his own companies across different industries and cities in southern Alberta.
Allan loved everything the outdoors had to offer. This love was initially developed as a young cub and then boy scout in the 15th Lethbridge cub/scout pack. He enjoyed camping/hiking, was an expert fisherman (guiding and fly tying as well), and a hunter of upland game and big game (both firearm and bow). His focus in developing his specialty in these areas is evidenced by the many trophies he attained in doing so. He was also an avid gardener and was especially proud of his specialty tomatoes grown every summer. Allan did his best to pass all his wisdom to his two boys; he was a proud father and lived entirely for his two sons.
Allan was a very spiritual man having been raised Catholic and participating in St. Basils church as an altar boy initially and then later participating in different roles as an active member of the church. He was schooled at St. Pauls, St. Basils, and Catholic Central High. Allan was a member of the Knights of Columbus and while there, he attained the level of Fourth Degree knight.
He is survived by his brothers Richard and Bradley; sons Austin and Morgan; sisters-in-law Denise and Sue; nieces Mackenzie, Kesley and Katarina; nephews Carter and Matthias; daughter-in-law Emily, and numerous cousins and friends.
Allan will always be remembered as a loving son, brother, father, uncle, cousin and friend.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday, November 29, 2024, at ST. BASILS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 STREET NORTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta with Father Kevin Tumback, Officiating. Burial services will follow at ST. PATRICK’S CEMETERY, 525 6 AVENUE NORTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

ZETTEL, Brian BRIAN ZETTEL 1983 – 2024 Brian Zettel of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Amber Zettel, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He fought long and hard over the past several years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Monday, November 25, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Brian-Zettel
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

BROWN, Marla BROWN MARLA BROWN, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Robert “Bobby” Brown, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the age of 80 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

---

GETTMAN, Rudy GETTMAN It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of RUDY GETTMAN, of Coaldale, surrounded by his loving family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the age of 90 years old.
Rudy is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marjorie; and their children: Gary (Sharie), Dale, Keith, and Randy (Cathy). He will also be deeply missed by his four grandchildren: Richard (Kirsten), Colin (Amber), Grant, and Mairin, as well as his great-granddaughter, Georgia (Colin, Amber). He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Madden (Avery) of Vancouver.
The family extends sincere gratitude to the doctors and staff of Chinook Regional Hospital 4B for their exceptional care and support during Rudy’s stay.
At Rudy’s request, a private family service will be held. He will be laid to rest in the Coaldale Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Rudy, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

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

---

BAKER, Judy BAKER JUDY BAKER, beloved wife of Glen Baker, peacefully passed away on November 21, 2024 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Funeral service details will be made available when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

---

LIVINGSTONE, David LIVINGSTONE DAVID LIVINGSTONE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the age of 62 years, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma.
A private family Graveside Service will be held.

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

---

UNRAU, Lorna UNRAU LORNA JEAN UNRAU, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Ronald Unrau, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on November 12, 2024 at the age of 69 years.
She is the loving mother of Tabitha Unrau of Lethbridge; and is also survived by her sister, Linda Riedlinger-Lund; brother, David Riedlinger; and sister-in-law, Lorena Mangel, all of Penticton, BC; aunt, Lorna Cann of Sudbury, ON; mother-in-law, Mary Unrau, brothers-in-law: Keith Unrau, Darrell Unrau, Randy Unrau, Bradley Unrau, Kevin Unrau and Trevor Unrau; and sister-in-law, Janine Unrau; and Ron’s aunts and uncles: Margaret Petkau, Martha Shire, Art Braun and Richard Letkeman; as well as many surviving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lorna is also survived by two special friends that she regarded as “sisters”, Wendy Boechler (the daughter of George and Carol McKill of Richmond, BC, who fostered Lorna for several years in the 1960s) and Tanja Selk, who Lorna met in 2020 while in the hospital recovering from major surgery.
She was predeceased by her mother, Eleanor Mangel (2013); brother, Randy Mangel (2016); and her father, Robert Riedlinger (2022).
Lorna was a kind and considerate person. She dealt with each adversity with a fierce determination, to recover while maintaining her quiet dignity and her great sense of humour.
Her family and friends will dearly miss her.
At Lorna’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation (kidney.ca) or a charity of your choice.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

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

---

EDWARDS, Amy Amy Yvonne Edwards Dec 23, 1936 – Nov 19, 2024 Amy Yvonne Edwards of Taber, Alberta, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on November 19, 2024. She was predeceased by her parents Alva and Amy Wright, her husband Sam Edwards, her brothers Lowell and Karl, and son-in-law DeWayne Holman. She is survived by her children: Ruth Holman (DeWayne- deceased), Brad (Abbie) Edwards, Barbara (Darcy) Fajnor, her grandchildren: Dustin (Aleigha) Holman, Tyler Holman, Shantelle Holman, Clint Holman, and two sisters-in-law: Barbara Wright of Taber and Betty LeBaron of Arizona.
At Mom’s request, and due to the cold weather, a brief family graveside service will be held at the Barnwell cemetery at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Immediately following, the family will meet at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Barnwell for a short memorial service.
Arrangements in care of Generations Funeral Home http://www.generationsfh.ca.

---

TIETZ, Edgar EDGAR TIETZ 1936 – 2024 Mr. Edgar Tietz of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Frieda Tietz, passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the age of 88 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

<5