Saturday, February 1, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 1, 2025.

Celebration of Life for
Ken Hoibak
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Ken Hoibak.
Thursday February 6th 4pm to 9pm
at the Vimy Ridge Armoury 337 Stubb Ross Rd, Lethbridge AB
Doors open at 4pm, Emergency Services processional at 4:30pm and bar opens @ 5pm.
Stop by and join us in sharing memories with love ones and friends.
For our out of town guests, we have rooms blocked off at the Sandman Signature Inn.
Please contact Jodi at 403-688-4436 for more info.

COOK, Alice

ALICE COOK Alice Cook of Pincher Creek, Alberta passed away on January 22nd, 2025 at the age of 83 years.
Wife of Donald Cook. Mother to: Colleen Sullivan (Brian), Sherry Klemes (Paul), Bev Erickson (Lonnie). Grannie to: Lucas, Logan, Jill, David, Greg, Megan, Taylor, Georgia, Jake, Leigh, Mattie. Great Grannie to: Blake, Roland, Lennox, Ian, Noah, Curtis, Carmen, Averie, Harper, Marley, Dawson.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE A celebration of Alice’s life will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 at the Vertical Church, 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd., Pincher Creek. Guests are invited to join the family in sharing stories followed by light snacks.
The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Alice’s obituary at http://www.edensfuneralhome.com, for the link.
In Lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Windy Slopes Health Foundation. (windyslopes.ca)

GRUNINGER, Michael “Mike”

GRUNINGER It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Francis Gruninger (Mike) at the Chinook Regional Hospital on January 24, 2025, at the age of 91 years.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, he will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years, Faye, and his children, Rick (Danielle), Cheryl (Dean), Alice (Brandt), his grandchildren, Jillian (David), Jacey (Mitchell), Veronica (Troy), Emily (Bob), Angela, Jaylene, Claire, Andrea (Joel), Duane (Danielle) and his great grandchildren, Seth, Senna, and Oliver. He is also survived by his loving brothers, Joe (Diane) Gruninger, and Albert Gruninger. He will also be missed by his cat, Wally, whom only Dad could love.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, seven brothers and three sisters. Mike was also predeceased by some of his furry companions, Sam, Pepper, Salty and Jessie.
Born Mihaly Gyorgy, August 17, 1933, in Magyarpolany, Veszprem, Hungary, Mike came to Canada with his family in 1938 and adopted his stepfather’s name – Gruninger as his legal name. He married Faye Hodgdon on October 17, 1959. They moved to their farm at Whisky Gap in 1965 where they raised their family, farmed and ranched until retirement. In 2017 they moved to Lethbridge where he lived at home until his passing.
At Mike’s request, a private family service will be held on a “blue sky, sunny day with green grass and leaves and dandelions blooming”.
If desired, donations may be made to the Humane Society or Charity of choice.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

LEES, Letitia “Tish”

LEES January 27, 1935 – January 28, 2025 LETITIA “TISH” ELLEN LEES, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the age of 90 years, one day after her 90th birthday, an event she had determined to celebrate with her family.
She will be forever missed and remembered by those she leaves to mourn; her three children – Beverley (Bob) Williams, Wayne (Beverly) Lees, and Robert (Judy) Lees; her best friend, comforter and confidant, Marg Quinn; 10 grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years, Bob, in 2021 and her son David (Barb) Lees in 2000.
Raised in Toronto, Tish was the eldest and last surviving child of her parents, Ross and Ruby Harkness. It was there she met and married her husband Bob in 1954. They eventually settled in Calgary, until their retirement in 1995. Her sunny disposition and oft-times childlike demeanor sparked an infectious joy when others were around her. This was especially true of her grandkids, who took delight seeing grandma playfully poke out her tongue or enthrall them with one of her many stories.
A private Celebration of Life was previously held in keeping with Tish’s desire. Memorial tributes may be directed to Green Acres Foundation (Lethbridge) (www.greenacres.ab.ca/donate).

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

BUZIAK, Florence

Buziak, Florence With profound sadness the family of Florence Buziak of Medicine Hat, Alberta announces her passing on December 30, 2024 at the age of 94.
The feistiest 94-year-old you’ll ever meet was born on August 31, 1930, near the beginning of the Great Depression to Aubrey and Ida May Crouch on a farm outside of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.
Mom often spoke about how difficult their family life was when she was young. There was little money, so she learned at an early age how to grow vegetables, cook, bake, can and stretch a meal as well as how to sew, knit, crochet and do needlework. As one of the oldest daughters, she generally helped her mother to look after her numerous siblings.
In her older teens Mom left the farm and went to work as a waitress in North Battleford where she first set eyes on her red-headed soon-to-be husband John Buziak. They married and moved together to Medicine Hat, AB where John continued to work construction jobs as a machine operator building many of the irrigation reservoirs and canals in Southern Alberta until 1962 when mom convinced him to get a job with better hours and he went to work for Canada Post.
Together, Mom and Dad had six children; Ray (Marie Johnson), Roger (Pat Lanctot), Beatrice (Dave Ching), Vera, Valerie (Harry Hensel), and Carla. From their union also came 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren and stepgrandchildren. Mom’s brood of children, grands, and great-grands were her pride and joy and she loved seeing them, cooking for them, and plastering her walls with their photos.
Mom’s boundless energy and refusal to succumb to the usual slowing down normally inherent in the aging process led to her beating cancer – twice – and outliving many, many family members. Mom was fortunate in her later years to find a special friend in Sheryl Tyl. Mom loved her like a daughter and we are very grateful for her help.
She was predeceased by her parents, six brothers (Harold, Eugene, Doug, Stan, Ivan and Rod), three sisters (Eleanor, Darlene, and Eileen), and one grandchild (Robyn Buziak). Left to mourn her passing in addition to her family members already mentioned are her sisters Barbara and Glenna, numerous nieces and nephews, and many family friends.
Mom’s tenacity (try saying no to her when she was trying to get a sick child in to see the doctor), strong work ethic (first load of laundry on the clothesline by 6:45 am), and skills as head cook and hostess for so many family gatherings have left a lasting mark on all of us and taught us some important lessons about persisting through difficulties and looking for the joy in life.
A celebration of mom’s life will follow this spring. Donations in her name to women’s breast cancer, Ronald McDonald House children’s charities, or dementia research initiatives are welcomed.

HANSON, Beatrice “Bea”

HANSON It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Beatrice “Bea” Hanson, on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, at the age of 88 years.
Bea is survived by her three children, Debi (James) Wiersma, Bob (Tracey) Hanson, and Barb Hanson, six grandchildren, Caitlin, Cody (Samantha), Andie (Delwin), Parker, Ashley, and Micaila; three great-grandchildren, Austin, Rowan, and Xavier. She is also survived by her brother, Don (Lyla) McLaren, and their children Tracy, David, and Leanne.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert “Bob” Hanson, parents, Connie and Roy McLaren, and her little sister Kathy McLaren.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Bea’s name to the Alzheimer Association at http://www.alzheimer.ca

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

BERGEN-HENEGOUWEN, Leo

BERGEN-HENEGOUWEN, Leo September 21, 1937 – January 29, 2025 Leo Bergen-Henegouwen passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the age of 87 years.
He immigrated to Canada on March 13, 1952, with his parents and siblings, settling in Picture Butte, AB. It was there that he also met the love of his life, Ann, four years later when she too arrived from the Netherlands.
Leo and Ann married on November 14, 1959, and embarked on a love story that spanned almost 55 years, until Ann’s passing in 2014.
Leo is survived by his children, Marg (Jim) Semple and Arnie Bergen-Henegouwen (Kiki); as well as “adopted” children Char and Bob Fisher. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelsey Wemp, Katie Semple, Connor (Katy) Semple, A.J. Fisher (Colter), and Dakota Fisher; great-grandchildren, Ryker and Billie Wemp, Clara and Annabel Shier, Theo and Nora Semple, and Ellie Fisher; his four brothers, two sisters, and their spouses; and Ann’s eight siblings and their families. Uncle Leo has been described as “one of my favourites” by his many nieces and nephews, and his mischievous sense of humour will be dearly missed.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Ann, parents, Arnold and Joanne Bergen-Henegouwen; brother Len (Ann) Bergen, and daughter Susan.
Leo had a successful career as a long-haul truck driver for many years, where he was known to his fellow truckers by his CB handle, the Cowtown Dutchman. After selling his semi, Leo continued working in the trucking industry as a driver manager with Mullen Trucking, a position he was very proud of. Leo loved the open road and after retiring from Mullen Trucking, he continued to drive semis until he was 81, hauling potato chips to Vancouver, BC, for Frito Lay.
He was also a talented musician and taught himself to play the accordion at a young age. He loved entertaining, and his services were in high demand for many years. He could always be counted on to play for weddings, anniversary celebrations, and block parties, packing the dance floor with his polkas and waltzes. “Mr. Accordion” continued to volunteer his services at seniors’ facilities until he was no longer able to play.
Prior to Ann’s passing, Leo and Ann spent many happy winters in Apache Junction, AZ, where they developed cherished friendships.
Leo’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at Big Hill Lodge in Cochrane, AB, where Leo resided for two and a half years before requiring long-term care.
A Celebration of Leo’s Life will be held in Lethbridge at a later date.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Big Hill Lodge, in care of the Rocky View Foundation, 103-58 Gateway Drive N.E., Airdrie, AB T4B 0J6, Telephone: (403) 945-9724, Hwww.rockyviewfoundation.org/donations.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Leo’s family at http://www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of Leo Bergen-Henegouwen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

ROTH, Kay

Kay Roth 1934 – 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mom, Kathleen Genevieve Roth, who left this world peacefully at the age of 90. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a cherished friend, and a guiding light to all who knew her.
Kay is survived by her four children, son Alan (Janet) Roth of Calgary and their daughter Anja; daughter Loreen (Len) Mezei of Lethbridge and their children Jennifer (Chris) (their boys Declan and Sterling), Stephanie (Jonathon) (their sons Brandt, Carson, Foster and Mac), Eric (Alisha) (their children Lucas and Brynn); son Gerry (Rhonda) Roth of Lethbridge and their children Amy (Rob) (their children Aubree and Gracelyn) and Jessica (Nathan) (their children Beckett and Remi); daughter Patti (Bill) Kaye of Lethbridge and their children Jeffrey (Monica) (their children Charlotte and Rylee), Kristin (Rick) (their children Ava, Leland, Aleesia and Eliza), Anthony (Brianne), Christina Kaye and Aaron Kaye. They will forever treasure her memory.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Anthony “Tony” Roth in 2016.
Kay was born in Bow Island on February 3, 1934. She lived a life full of love, kindness and unwavering strength. She devoted herself to her family, always offering wisdom, warmth and an open heart. Kay had a passion for sewing, embroidery, baking, eating sweets and cooking for family. Her presence brought joy to everyone around her.
Kay’s legacy of love, resilience and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will remain with us always.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1113 – 1 Street East, Bow Island on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:30 A.M. Burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Kay’s name may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 995 Station Main, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4A4 (www.kidney.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

MAYNES, Doreen

DOREEN MAYNES 1942 – 2025 Mrs. Doreen Maynes of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Patrick Maynes, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the age of 82 years.
Doreen will be greatly missed by her children Bob Maynes and Laurie (Darin) Scheurkogel; her grandchildren Shaylee Scheurkogel and Chase (Nakia) Scheurkogel; and great grandchildren Emma, Nevaeh and Indy. She will also be missed by her sister Geraldine (Harold) Mattern; nephews John (Cathy) Mattern and Mike (Sherry) Mattern and their families; special sisters-in-law Bernice Taylor and Patricia Maynes; as well as numerous extended family members.
Doreen was born to Edward and Barbara Schick in Montmartre, Saskatchewan, later moving to Regina where she was raised alongside her sister Geraldine. In 1970, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta with her husband Pat and their son Bob, later joined by the birth of her daughter Laurie. Mom made many wonderful friends while working at the Bargain Shop where she retired from in 2007. Doreen continued building onto those friendships when she moved into Blue Sky Manor.
Mom’s greatest loves in her life was spending time with her family, shopping for/planting flowers, decorating her home for Christmas and traveling. We love you as high as the sky!
Mom’s service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 13 St. N, Lethbridge, Alberta. Dress will be casual and comfy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

COLLINS, Loren

LOREN COLLINS 1948 ~ 2025 Mr. Loren Collins of Skiff, beloved husband of Mrs. Diane Collins, passed away at the Taber Hospital on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 76 years.
Loren was the only child born to John and Doris Collins and grew up two miles south of Skiff on the Collins farm. He started school in Skiff and then attended in Foremost. Farming was his passion but after school he held various jobs. The first one was at Altaglass in Medicine Hat, then he got a job at Haico Manufacturing in Lethbridge. He met the love of his life, Diane Hooge in Lethbridge and they were married March 29, 1969. They moved to the farm and Loren started farming with his Dad. Together they were blessed with two children, Simone and Dale. Loren enjoyed time spent with his family and through the years supported his children by attending many music recitals, volleyball and basketball games. That even continued on to his grandchildren, driving many miles to go to hockey games, sports games and dance recitals.
As young adults, Loren and Diane had great friends, from both Foremost and Skiff, that they spent a lot of time with. They would all get their families together and played cards, went snowmobiling and skiing in Whitefish. Such good memories.
Loren’s faith in Christ was important to him. He attended and supported the Foremost Evangelical Free Church and even led worship songs with Simone at the piano. He supported the Foremost Rodeo and was a director for the Foremost Golf Course and the Skiff Water Co-Op. Loren and Diane enjoyed golfing in Foremost for many years.
Loren had many passions, his family, his friends, farming and just life in general. He worked hard and played hard. He made a good life for himself and his family, was thinking ahead and always wanted that piece of land next to him. Loren was gifted with a great sense of humor. He could talk to anyone and soon you could hear them laughing. His presence blessed so many lives during family and church gatherings and at the places he had coffee with the guys in Skiff and Foremost. Loren was a very generous man to numerous people and especially to his family.
Loren and Diane did a lot of traveling throughout the years. When the kids were young, they went on summer vacations, trips out to Vancouver, and went to Disneyland, and Disney World. Loren and Diane travelled to many countries all over the world. Favorites destinations were Israel, China, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt and many trips to Hawaii. Collins reunions were a highlight for our family for over 30 years. When Loren and Diane had grandchildren, they started a tradition of going to their timeshare in Columbia Falls, MT. The first year they went as a family was in 2001 and have been going ever since. Also, many family trips to Yuma, AZ, a Caribbean cruise and Hawaii. Loren loved going to rodeos and drove many miles to attend them all over Alberta, Cheyenne, Denver, Houston and the NFR in Vegas.
In 2017, Loren was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s. As the years went by, it did progress. After Diane lovingly cared and looked after him, he moved to Linden View in Taber in December 2023. We are extremely grateful for the workers who cared for him there.
Loren left a legacy for his family of hard work, generosity, and faith which we will carry forward and hold dear to us. He will be greatly missed
Besides his loving wife Diane, Loren is survived by Simone (Rod) Piper, Dale (Morgan Hope) Collins; grandchildren Candace (Cody) Roome, Brandon (Kayla) Piper, Austin (Aspen) Piper, Shaylee (Steven) Santangelo, Makoy Collins; great-grandchildren Connor, Carson, Callie Roome, Morgan, Rhett, Brooklyn Piper, Scotlyn and Sadie Piper, Layne and Tommy Santangelo.
Besides his loving parents John and Doris Collins, Loren was predeceased by his parents-in-law Walt and Erna Hooge.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 3, 2025, at FOREMOST COMMUNITY HALL, Foremost, Alberta. A private family Interment will follow at the Foremost Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foremost Riding Arena c/o Foremost Ag Society, Box 338, Foremost, AB T0K 0X0
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

SIMANTON, Raymond “Ray”

RAYMOND “RAY” SIMANTON 1943 – 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ray Simanton on January 28, 2025.
Ray passed away suddenly at Chinook Regional Hospital.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ann; his children Tom Simanton and LaDonna (Lorne) Hammel; his 8 loving grandchildren: Meagan (Mike), Kristin (Dylan), Cale, Tristan, Janelle (Anthony), Darian V, Talynn (Darion L), Katelan (Darian W); 4 great grandchildren; brothers Ron Simanton, Vern (Val) Simanton; sister Shirley (Richard) Walters; sister-in-law Edie Simanton; brother-in-law Tom (Beth) Harty; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was predeceased by his parents Ed and Hazel Simanton; parents-in-law Tom and Bertha Harty; brother Bob Simanton; and sisters-in-law Theresa (Ron) Boyce and Sarah Simanton.
Ray was born in Lethbridge and raised on the family farm near Nemiscam. He had many jobs as a young man along with helping on the family farm. He met Ann (nee Harty) while she was working in Lethbridge, and they were married on May 25, 1968. They purchased a farm a few miles away from the family farm where he was born and raised. They were surprised by the birth of their twins LaDonna and Tom during a blizzardy winter night in February 1972.
Ray farmed with his brother until Vern retired and then continued farming with his son Tom until their auction sale in March 2007. Ray and Ann continued to live on the farm until moving to Lethbridge in 2016.
While farming and raising his children, Ray was very involved in many community organizations in the Foremost area. The 8 grandchildren were his pride and joy. Besides farming, he loved to hunt, boat, waterski, golf and curl. Their yard at the farm was a proud source of accomplishment with many hours of hauling water for the trees and grass, building and maintaining the dirt bike track for the grandkids and harrowing the gravel in the yard.
A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 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 Heart and Stroke Foundation, https://www.heartandstroke.ca/
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

NELSON, Curtis

CURTIS NELSON 1957 – 2025 Mr. Curtis Nelson of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Sharon Nelson, passed away unexpectedly in Calgary at the South Health Campus on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 67 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

TAYLOR, Thomas “Tom”

THOMAS “TOM” TAYLOR 1941 – 2025 Mr. Thomas “Tom” Taylor of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Verna Taylor, passed away at Good Samaritans Park Meadows, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the age of 83 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

KOPP, Judith “Judy”

JUDITH “JUDY” KOPP 1946 – 2025 Mrs. Judith “Judy” Evelyn Kopp of Lethbridge passed away at Buffalo Grace Manor, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 78 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Lunch to follow.
For those who wish, donations may be made to Girl Guides of Canada.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

MUSIAL, Stanislaw “Stan”

STANISLAW “STAN” MUSIAL 1946 ~ 2025 Mr. Stanislaw “Stan” Musial of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Sherry Musial, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the age of 78 years.
Stan is survived by his 3 children and 7 grandchildren, Derek (Lori), Ian, Isabelle, Brennah, Emma; Kevin (Lisa), Amy, Noah; Michelle (John) and Alyssa. He is also survived by his sister Chris (Jim), as well as his nieces and nephews.
A private family service will take place at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make memorial donations in Stan’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1200-2300 Yonge St, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4, or at http://www.heartandstroke.ca.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

KRAUSHER, Robert “Bob”

KRAUSHER ROBERT “BOB” KRAUSHER passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care on Thursday, January 30, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

CVETKO, Bertha “Beta”

CVETKO BERTHA “BETA” CVETKO passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on January 29, 2025 at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre.
She is survived by her husband John, children Pamela (Jason), Teresa (Bryce), Kevin (Erin), grandchildren Mackenzie (Tyson), Derek (Sylvia), Katelynn, Jackson, Elias, and Nathan, as well as siblings, nieces, nephews and her best friend Linda. She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Jane and brother John Van Laerhoven.
Bertha was born November 27, 1947 in Zundert, Netherlands. The family immigrated to Canada in 1953. Bertha was raised in Agassiz, British Columbia. She moved to Alberta during high school, graduating from Kate Andrew’s school in Coaldale, Alberta. After high school, Bertha went to St. Michael’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1969. She continued her rewarding nursing career until retirement in 2014.
Bertha met John during nursing school and married in 1970. She was a loving mother to her three children and adored her six grandchildren.
Her passions in life were family, travel and golf, where she created lasting friendships and many memories.
The family would like to thank Dr. Tupper, Dr. Amal and the Jack Ady team, 5A staff, and the entire palliative team.
Celebration of Life details will be announced at a later date.

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