Wednesday, February 26, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 26, 2025.

SONMOR, Harold

SONMOR We are sad to announce the passing of Harold Lee Sonmor on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 92 years.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 8th at 2:00 p.m. at Snodgrass Funeral Homes High River.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Harold’s family.
Please visit http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes, High River. Ph. 403-652-2222.

BONERTZ, Gerard Michael “Mick”

In Loving Memory of GERARD MICHAEL “MICK” BONERTZ April 12, 1943 – February 22, 2025 Mick Bonertz, beloved husband of Claire Bonertz, of Pincher Creek Alberta, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 81.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 57 years, Claire; his children Mitch (Rose) Bonertz, Alana (Mike) Hansen, Ross (Heather) Bonertz and Kent (Wendy) Bonertz; his grandchildren Kaitlyn, Alyssa and Jenna Hansen, Brady Bonertz, Denver and Vienna Bonertz. He is survived by brothers & sisters in law: Ron Schmidt, Judy Bonertz, Bruce and Deb Stewart, Brad and Kathy Sawyer. He is also survived by many other family members nephew, nieces, cousins and dear friends.
Waiting to welcome him home are his parents Mabel and Otto Bonertz, his brothers Jerome, Jack and Bing and sister Elaine Schmidt. Also, his father and mother-in-law Bradford and Jopie Sawyer and nephew Christopher Ames.
Mick was born on April 12th, 1943, in Pincher Creek Alberta to his loving parents Mabel and Otto Bonertz. He grew up on a ranch in Twin Butte surrounded by miles of grassland and the beautiful Rocky Mountains stretching as far as the eye could see. In his early years he had the privilege of attending a one room school house and he often shared his fond memories of riding horseback to and from school daily with his brothers and sister. He then continued the remainder of his schooling at St Michael’s School in Pincher Creek. Following high school, he ventured to Nelson, BC to pursue post-secondary education but learned very quickly his true calling was ranching and farming and returned home. The life he created on the farm for his family was his greatest accomplishment. He was an incredible cowboy and the hardest working man, producing award winning Hereford cattle. His true passion.
He had a great love of sports and showed his amazing athleticism playing hockey, fastball, skiing (snow and water) and curling. Following his health issues, he no longer played sports but was able to enjoy watching and cheering on his children and grandchildren- his pride and joy.
Mick loved spending time with people, especially reminiscing about old times with all his dear friends and family. His friends came from all aspects of his life, and he always ensured to maintain contact spending many evenings on the phone catching up. We will always cherish his many stories and recollections, not to mention his laughter. He loved to tease and joke.
He was very generous and always there for those in need. He found great joy helping those who were less fortunate. Inside his sometime tough exterior, was a very kind and loving person.
Despite having health issues as a young adult, he never let this define him. He continued to live life to his fullest until his very last day. Over the past week, he reminisced about his long and incredible life. He was the most loving father, husband and Papa. Your job is done! Rest easy!
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30AM on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 958 Christie Ave, Pincher Creek. Mick will be laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery following the Memorial Mass. A reception will be held at the Pincher Creek Community Hall following the Graveside Service.
To send a condolence or to view the livestream, please visit http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

TREFAN, Nick

NICK TREFAN 1955 – 2025 Nick Trefan, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 69.
Nick will be forever missed and fondly remembered by his beloved Patricia, his mother Mary, his brothers, Randy (Shirley), Pete, Terry, and Jack (Natalie), his daughters Tanya, Angela (David), his grandchildren Kim, Kristin (Kyle), Arianna, Jayde, Abe, his great grandchildren, James, Kaiya, Krysta, Jaxston, and by his family, friends and colleagues. Nick will be lovingly remembered for his kind and caring nature. He was an epitome of strength for all who knew him. Nick was a valued and helpful team member of Hagen Electric for many years. Thank you, Nick, for all the love you have given us.
Under Nick’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life held on his birthday Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Pavan Park Gardens. Details will be announced once completed.
Thank you, Nick, for all the love you have given us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/provincial-fund/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

MURRAY, Michael “Mike”

MICHAEL “MIKE” MURRAY 1963 – 2025 Mr. Michael “Mike” Murray of Warner, beloved husband of Mrs. Maureen White, passed away in Raymond, on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 61 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating. To watch Mike’s service online, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Michael-Murray
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

MCKEOWN, James “Jim”

JAMES “JIM” MCKEOWN 1953 – 2025 Mr. James “Jim” McKeown of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Rita McKeown, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the age of 72 years.
A Memorial Viewing will be held at 6:00 pm, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

VANDERVALK, Marvin

MARVIN VANDERVALK 1949 – 2025 It is with sadness in our hearts, but joy that he is finally out of pain and with the Lord that we share, Marvin Vandervalk passed away after losing his battle with esophageal cancer on February 21, 2025, at the age of 75.
He was a strong man who gave everything he had to living a life to be proud of, and he touched so many people in this world. His generous spirit and unwavering faith were an example for many.
Marvin was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on March 3, 1949, and grew up in the Fort Macleod/Granum area. It was there he met and married (at the Granum Christian Reformed Church) his wife Lorraine (DeBoer) of 56 years.
He farmed in the Claresholm area for 20 years from which he retired in 2004. Then he spent time traveling and became involved with World Renew in International Disaster Relief. After moving to Lethbridge, he began serving on both the local and national boards for the Mission Thrift Store, while being an integral part in setting up and assisting various new and existing stores around Alberta. He was well known for his broad reach of contacts, business acumen and knowing a good deal.
Marvin is survived by his wife Lorraine; his children: Amber, Tara, and Chad (Sherilyn); his grandchildren: Spencer, Paige, Owen, Asher, and Chancery; his siblings: James (MaryAnne) and Hermina.
Marvin was predeceased by his parents Bram and Fanny (Konynenbelt).
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the GRANUM CHRISTIAN REFORMED CEMETERY, Range Rd 254 South of Hwy 519 Granum, Alberta,
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 MCGILL BLVD. W, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Dan Meinema. officiating.
The service will be livestreamed. Please got to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Marvin-Vandervalk to find the link.
In lieu of flowers, gifts or memorial donations may be made in Marvin’s memory to Mission Thrift Store https://missionthriftstore.com/financial-donate/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

KORSCH, Melissa

MELISSA KORSCH 1969 – 2025 Ms. Melissa Rae Korsch of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the age of 55 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta with Deacon Jim Manzara, officiating.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

BURR, Richard

RICHARD CLARK BURR
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Richard Clark Burr announces his passing on February 20th, 2025, in Raymond, Alberta, Canada. He was 81 years old.
Born on August 22, 1943, in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Elmer and Julianna Burr, Richard spent his early years at McNally School before continuing his education in Raymond, where he attended junior high and high school. During his time in school, he was a proud member of the B-team basketball.
After moving on from school he pursued a career as a salesman. He had great rapport with people and loved the relationships he developed with his contacts. He started his career at Palliser Distilleries, later transitioned to supplying products to drugstores across Alberta and British Columbia, and eventually owned the Turbo station in Raymond for several years. Richard later worked as a salesman of hogs and feed to the Hutterite colonies. He was well respected by the Hutterite Brethren and made many special and lasting friendships among them.
Richard’s life was blessed by his connection with his wife Janet whom he met in grade school in Raymond. Richard was Janet’s first crush and they got married Sept. 5th, 1970. Together they raised two wonderful sons, Marty and Jeffrey.
Richard loved his sports, especially golfing and slow pitch baseball. He spent a great deal of time with his boys cheering on their favourite teams in a variety of sports. He loved traveling to different events including airshows, rodeos, Fourth of July celebrations, and family trips to Vegas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Julianna Burr; his sister, Judy; and his brothers, Darrell, Lloyd, and Allen. Richard is survived by his wife, Janet; sons Marty and Jeff; sister Madeline; and sister-in-law Evelyn. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all his nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and his surrogate kids and grandkids. Richard had a heart full of love and had the gift to make family out of nonblood relations.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday February 28, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, RAYMOND STAKE CENTRE, 2 N 200 W, Raymond, Alberta. Friends are welcome to meet with the family from 10:00 to 10:45am on Friday prior to the service at the Church.
An evening viewing will be held at Salmon and Sons Funeral Home (433 Stubb Ross Rd S. Lethbridge, AB TIK 7N3) on Thursday February 27, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:00pm.
A link for the livestream will be available here prior to the service.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

PARDOE, Terry

PARDOE TERRY WILFRED PARDOE, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Gillian Eveleigh, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 80 years.
A Come and Go Reception will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

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

ZALESAK, Dianne

ZALESAK It is with profound sadness the family of DIANNE ZALESAK announce her passing following a brief illness at the Foothills Medical Centre, on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the youthful age of 81.
Mom is survived by our dad, her loving husband of 59 years – Paul, her daughter Marci Stickel (Dale) and their children: Joey Stickel, Michael Stickel, and Jenna Lehr (Al); her oldest son Jim Zalesak (Deb) and their children: Cheyanne Zalesak (and her family Luc, Shane & Alex), Toni Francon (and her family -Terry, Hunter, Brooklynne & Gavin), and Roberta Steele (and her family John & Raine); and her youngest son Rick Zalesak (Shar) and their children: Jordan Zalesak (and her family – Tyler, Jack, Luna & Leo); and Justin Zalesak. She is also survived by her cherished in-laws: Ed & Peggy Zalesak, Shirley & Gerrit Kamphuis, Rudy & Gloria Zalesak, and Linda Shimek. Mom leaves behind an incredible network of extended family and friends, all whom have been very supportive through these last few weeks.
Mom was born in 1943 in Eastend, Saskatchewan, and moved to Nelson, BC in early childhood, along with her parents Garda & Albert Sandvik, and her sister Audrey. Mom was predeceased by both her parents and her sister. Growing up in Nelson, Mom made many friends, many of whom she kept in contact with to this day. Mom had a couple of beloved aunts and uncles that had settled in Lethbridge, and after visiting as a teenager, she decided that Lethbridge was where she wanted to settle after graduation. She LOVED the prairies! This is where she met Dad, and they were married in 1965, raising all of us on the family farm near Picture Butte. In 2016, they moved to their forever home in Lethbridge.
Over the last 30 years, Mom and Dad enjoyed life to the absolute fullest! Having their children young allowed them to be free to travel around the world while they were still in their prime! They enjoyed many trips and cruises on their own, and with friends to too many places to mention! But their favorites were definitely Maui, New Zealand, Australia and Arizona. More recently, Mom and Dad enjoyed trips to Europe to visit their family history, the Maritimes, and back to Arizona.
When Mom’s role of raising her kids was almost complete, she took up the sport of golfing, and this became her passion! She loved her home course of the Picture Butte Golf Club, and she loved golfing around the world as well! Although she was sad when she had to give this up a couple of years ago, due to various injuries, she still loved to watch golf on TV. Another great joy in mom’s life was her 20 plus year career working for the RCMP detachment in Picture Butte. She treated those Mounties like they were her family, and they all loved her like a mom.
Although we will mourn her greatly, we will also celebrate her incredibly beautiful life, and we feel so very fortunate to have shared this life with her. To know Mom was to love her; her presence lit up every room she walked in to.
We invite mom’s friends and family to join us in a celebration of her life at the NORLAND HISTORIC ESTATE, 5801 1st Ave South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday March 1st, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Mom would love to see everyone in bright cheerful attire!

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

UPTON, Vlasta

VLASTA UPTON 1940 – 2025 Mrs. Vlasta Upton of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Paul Upton, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at the age of 84 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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.
Rose was born in Pitt Meadows, BC on May 1, 1932, to Matsuyo and Hachiro Hamatani. After the war, the family relocated to Southern Alberta where she met Nobby, and they were married on April 21, 1958. They spent many years on the farm in Vauxhall, where Nobby farmed with his brother Yas, and their father Tatsuzo. In the early nineties, Nobby and Rose moved to Lethbridge, where they continued to spend many years with family and friends close by.
She was a hard-working farm wife and kept a neat and tidy home. When she wasn’t working, Rose loved crafting, making greeting cards, and tatting (making flowers out of lace). There were also many days spent enjoying the outdoors, fishing, and camping with Nobby, Greg, and family and friends. Nobby was always the more outgoing of the two, yet Rose was always gracious and kind to everyone she met, they were a good pair who complemented each other.
She is survived by her loving son Greg; also left to mourn are her sisters Nancy Griffin and Betty Kadonaga. Rose was also adored by many other extended family members and friends, who will miss her dearly. Besides her husband Nobby, she is predeceased by her sister Meiko Kuramoto, and brother Aki Hamatani as well as her parents.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 27, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 28, 2025, AT MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Reverend Lois Punton, officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to the Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel.
Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery following the Service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

MACLEAN, Joan

MACLEAN JOAN HELEN MURIEL MACLEAN, of Lethbridge and formerly of Calgary and Montreal, passed away peacefully with family by her side, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 82 years.
At Joan’s request, no formal funeral service will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

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