Wednesday, February 19, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 19, 2025.

HOLZLI, Lydia HOLZLI LYDIA HOLZLI, of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Andrew Holzli, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the age of 81 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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WIRZBA, Bernard “Bernie” BERNARD “BERNIE” WIRZBA 1959 – 2025 Bernard (Bernie) Wirzba, beloved husband of Cecilia Nicolas, passed away unexpectedly at home in Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the age of 65.
Bernie was born to Emil and Margaret (Strecker) Wirzba on June 24, 1959, in Lethbridge, Alberta. The second of five children, he grew up in Lethbridge. In his youth he enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially hiking trips to the mountains. From a young age he started working for the family business, Wirzba Bros Construction, during the summer months.
After high school he attended the University of Lethbridge, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He worked for the family business for a while until he decided he was ready to go back to school. He attended Law School at the University of Alberta and received a Bachelor of Law (L.L.B) degree in 1986. He then worked at a law firm in Lethbridge for about two years and was admitted to the Bar in 1988. However, he did not see practicing law as a good fit for his life.
He again returned to work for the family construction company for several years. After some time, he decided to follow his passions of photography and computers. In 1996 he enrolled in the Multimedia Program at the Lethbridge Community College. He graduated in 1998 and started working at the University of Lethbridge as an intern student. He stayed on at the University for the next 25 years.
Bernie very much enjoyed his work at the University. He held a variety of positions, including as videographer, the official University photographer, and various roles in the Teaching Centre. He loved his colleagues whom he considered his family. Bernie retired from the University in 2024.
Bernie met the love of his life Cecilia in 2018. They were married on his 60th birthday in June 2019. They loved each other and had a wonderful life together. They made and shared videos of the two of them cooking and enjoying exotic meals. They liked traveling, going to the Philippines twice, and to Waterton countless times. They enjoyed gardening and working together on their property.
He was predeceased by his parents, Emil and Margaret.
Besides his wife Cecilia, he is survived by his siblings: Dan (Sharon), Carl (Héléne), Marvin (Tanell), and Lorraine, as well as nieces and nephews: Steve (Jessica), Johannah (Emily), Grace, Kevin (Heidi), Zachary, and Andrew.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Private family Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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PREDDY, Gloria GLORIA PREDDY 1940 – 2025 Mrs. Gloria Preddy of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Graham Preddy, passed away at Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 84 years.
In keeping with her wishes, Gloria will be privately remembered by her family and friends.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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YAMASHITA, Hoshiko “Rose” HOSHIKO “ROSE” YAMASHITA 1932 – 2025 Mrs. Hoshiko “Rose” Yamashita of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Nobuo “Nobby” Yamashita passed away peacefully with family at her side, at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GUNN, Richard “Kim” RICHARD “KIM” GUNN 1949 – 2025 Richard “Kim” Gunn of Lethbridge passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 due to complications of cancer. He leaves to mourn his wife, Barbara Boulton-Gunn and numerous extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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PHARIS, Barbara BARBARA PHARIS 1937 – 2025 Mrs. Barbara Pharis of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Max Pharis, passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at the age of 87 years.
A Memorial Service for Barbara will be held in the following months.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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STABB, Jean “Jayne” STABB It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jean (Jayne) Stabb (née Piontek) of Lethbridge, who passed away on February 16, 2025, at Chinook Regional Hospital.
Jayne is predeceased by her parents, Helen and Stephen Piontek; her brothers Stanley and Marion (Curly) Piontek; her sister Sophie (Charlie) Machacek; her son-in-law Darrell Wutzke; and her former husband Charles Stabb.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Gary Stabb (Kathy Schafer), Mark Stabb (Caroline Schultz), Gail Wutzke, and Tamara Stabb (Scott Gidych). Jayne also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Daniella and Jenna Stabb (mother Margaret DiCecca), Anna and Sophie Stabb, Sean and Taylor Wutzke, Lily, Meadow, and Brooklyn Gidych.
Service details to be announced.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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ROSE, Kassie ROSE KASSIE ROSE, beloved wife of Spencer Rose, passed away on February 17, 2025 at the age of 31 years. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, TAYLOR STREET CHAPEL (221 N 400 W Raymond Alberta). Friends are welcome to meet with the family prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45am, at the church.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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TAYLOR, Rulon TAYLOR Rulon Lynn Taylor passed away in Magrath, AB on February 17, 2025 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Wilma, and children Susan (Jim), Gordon (Stacy), Donald (Ieda), Roger (Laurissa), and Joanne, also 11 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Paul and Ruth Taylor, brothers David and Richard, sister Leila Manser, granddaughter Crystal Godlonton and great grandson Michael Godlonton.
Rulon was born August 4, 1941 in Magrath where he was raised and received his schooling. His spare time was spent working on the Taylor Bros. Farm south of Magrath. On March 7, 1964, he married Wilma Cook and along with farming did construction work, building or remodeling homes. They moved to Provo, Utah for several years where he attended and taught at BYU and received his Building Construction Degree. He was also a Building Official and a Plans Examiner in several cities in the U.S.
Rulon loved to travel and enjoyed being on the road exploring, especially to visit family or go to the Oregon coast.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and it was very rewarding to him when he was able to work on the renovation of the Cardston Alberta Temple and was called to place the inscription over the front entrance.
The time he spent with his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren was special to him and he frequently asked about their well being. Rulon loved to tell stories and was a great tease right up to moments before he passed.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Magrath Garden Place Chapel, 170 North Centre Street, Magrath.
Friends may meet the family prior to the service from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m., at the church.
Interment will follow in the Magrath Cemetery.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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SIMPSON, Mary MARY SIMPSON 1939 – 2025 Mary Simpson, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the age of 86. She was the cherished wife of the late William (Bill) Simpson and devoted mother to her sons, Len and Jack, and her daughter, Lana. Mary was a loving grandmother to Chandra and Kristey, and a proud great-grandmother to Draden (Kristey) and Kace (Chandra). She is also survived by her brother, Chester Szeles, of Fernie, BC.
Mary was predeceased by her sister, Violet.
She was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed.
In accordance with Mary’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Cremation has been entrusted to Christensen Salmon Generations.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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