Tuesday, March 25, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 25, 2025.

WURTZ, Minnie WURTZ ‘Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home’ Minnie Wurtz, beloved wife of the late Jake Wurtz passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, March 20th at the age of 91 years. Minnie is survived by her daughters Karen Wurtz, Diane (Ron) Wiggers and son-in-law Jerry den Boon. Her grandchildren Dini (John) Briscoe (Madison, Jaden, and Jonathan), Sandra den Boon, Ryan (Terena) Wiggers (Thea, Lauton and Etley) and Monique Wiggers. Her siblings, Bas, Marienus, Marie, Nellie, Johanna, Dick and Gert (David) Groeneweg. Her sister in laws, Lydia, Susie, Susie and Elizabeth Wurtz as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Jake Wurtz, her oldest daughter Brenda den Boon and her parents Gerrit and Marie Groeneweg.
She is remembered for her devotion to the Lord, her love of learning, and her gift of hospitality. Minnie was committed to her family and loved them dearly.
The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday March 26th at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Rob Blazecka officiating at the Monarch Reformed Church, Monarch Alberta.
The interment will take place prior to the service at 1:00 pm at the Monarch Cemetery located half a mile north of the Church on Range Rd 235.
A special thank you to the staff and home care workers at Martha’s house. Also thank you to Dr. Stover, the staff in emergency and the nurses and staff in 4C for your love and care of our dear mother.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

---

VAN ZYL, Jacob JACOB VAN ZYL 1935 – 2025 Mr. Jacob “Japie” Van Zyl, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Anna Van Zyl, of Lethbridge passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the age of 89 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

BLACK PLUME, Marcella MARCELLA BLACK PLUME 1968 – 2025 Marcella Black Plume of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of Thomas Red Crow, passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 56 years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the ST. MARTHA’S PARISH, 355 COLUMBIA BLVD WEST, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Father William Monis, officiating.
Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery on the Blood Reserve.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

LUTTER, Matthew “Matt” MATTHEW “MATT” LUTTER 1937 ~ 2025 Mr. Matthew “Matt” Joseph Lutter, of Stirling, Alberta, beloved husband of Mrs. Valerie Lutter, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 87 years with his family by his side.
Matt was born in a small Hungarian village, Demecser, Hungary, on March 24, 1937. In 1955, he graduated from the Széchenyi István Economic Technical School in Nyíregyháza with a degree in finance and accounting. After the Hungarian Revolution started in 1956, he left Hungary and spent a few years in the Austrian refugee camp before settling in Canada.
In 1968, he married Valerie Lutter (Horvath) in Lethbridge and later settled in Stirling, Alberta. They remained happily married for fifty-six years until his death. They had two children: Matthew Anthony Lutter and Erika Lutter.
Matt worked at Canadian Dressed Meats (Burns) for thirty years before retiring. In his spare time, he liked collecting stamps and coins, gardening, and farming. Additionally, Matt enjoyed watching sports and visiting with friends.
Besides his loving wife, Valerie, Matt is survived by his daughter Erika Lutter; son Matthew A. Lutter; sister Erzsébet Lutter; brother Imre Sándor Lutter; niece Krisztina Lutter; and nephew Imre Lutter, in addition to many other cousins and relatives.
Matt has been predeceased by his parents Sándor Lutter and Erzsébet Lucza; brother Sándor Lutter; and nephew Sándor Lutter.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, AT MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Deacon Peter Lilienthal, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://youtube.com/live/TNpK7fRaDbk
Interment will follow the Service at the Stirling Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

PHELPS, Ian IAN PHELPS March 28, 1968 – March 18, 2025 Dr. Ian James Phelps passed away peacefully at Brooks Health Centre on March 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Krista Phelps; his children Megan Marguerite Jesse (Dalton) of Medicine Hat, Robyn Nicole Phelps of Medicine Hat, and James Roy Celso Phelps; and his cherished grandchildren, Amelia and Blake. Ian is also survived by his mother, Jean Mary Phelps; his brother, Roy Phelps (Coral) of Kelowna, BC; and his nieces and nephews, Cody Brian Freele, Nicholette Adrienne Freele, and Tyler James Freele. He was predeceased by his father, James Stanley Phelps, in 1992. Born and raised in Southern Alberta, Ian excelled in academics and had a deep passion for music. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Saskatchewan before embarking on a career as an EMT and later a Paramedic. His dedication to emergency medicine led him to earn a Master’s Degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, before returning to school at the University of Calgary, as a mature student, to attain his Doctor of Medicine (MD), specializing in Family Medicine. This contributed to career progressions that culminated in Ian serving as EMS Medical Director South & North Zones. Ian found his calling as an ER physician, particularly cherishing his time in Fort McMurray and Brooks, where he formed lifelong friendships and had many unforgettable experiences. His career accomplishments went beyond the clinic and ER department as he also excelled as an organizational leader serving as the Senior Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services for Alberta Health Services from 2011 to 2018. Outside of his career, Ian loved traveling the world with Krista, visiting five of his goal of eight continents. He also had a passion for adventure, especially on his Harley Davidson, with his 2019 trip to Sturgis, South Dakota being a highlight. However, his happiest memories were made at Lake Newell, his lifelong place of comfort, fun, and family. Whether boating on the water or simply enjoying the outdoors, Ian found his greatest joy in the company of those he loved. Ian’s adventurous spirit, kindness, and dedication to both his family and his career will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of Ian’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 28th at the Heritage Inn in Brooks, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Brooks Health Foundation or the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit http://www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

---

CRYING HEAD, Shania SHANIA CRYING HEAD 1998 – 2025 Ms. Shania Crying Head of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 27 years.
A Wake Service will be held at 6:00 pm, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at GLADSTONE HALL, Blood Tribe, Alberta, with Jack Curly Rider, officiating.
Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Standoff, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

STEPPLE, Randall RANDALL STEPPLE 1956 – 2025 It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Randall Stepple of Lethbridge, Alberta, announce his passing at the age of 68 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

NISHIMURA, Suetake Sway NISHIMURA, SUETAKE SWAY Suetake Sway Nishimura passed away peacefully at the Raymond Healthcare Facility on March 16, 2025 at the age of 90 years old. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Toshiko Totsy Nishimura and their children Vaughn (Sheila), Anita (Hermann) and Lisa (Clayton).
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

---

JAVORSKY, Sigmund “Sig” SIGMUND “SIG” JAVORSKY 1935 – 2025 Mr. Sigmund “Sig” Javorsky, of Lethbridge, formerly of Edmonton, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the age of 89 years. Sig is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mrs. Elsie Javorsky; daughter, Karen (Troy) Basarab, grandchildren Cam & Micheline (Dan) alongside numerous other family members.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the SOUTHSIDE PENECOSTAL ASSEMBLY, 2821 109 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta, with Pastor Rick Lasner officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

DE KOK, Tanner TANNER DE KOK 2010 – 2025 “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” Ecclesiastes 12:1a With deep sorrow we announce that the Lord has taken out of this life our beloved son and brother Tanner Ryan de Kok, on March 21, 2025, at the age of 14 years.
Deeply mourning his loss are his parents Brian and Jacky de Kok; siblings Nicholas (Natalie van Hierden), Joshua (Arielle de Wilde), Fionna (Kyle Arnoldussen), Olivia and Emerie. Also left to mourn are his Opa and Oma’s Henry and Janey de Kok and Helen Klok, aunts and uncles Cornell and Willeta Vandenberg, John and Marie de Kok, Henry and Chelsey de Kok, Teus and Joni Anker, Jeremy and Emily de Kok, Cornell and Makayla de Kok, Nathan and Annie de Kok, Harry and Cora Van Maanen, Henk and Deanna Klok, William and Rachel Klok, Dwayne and Elina Van Maanen, Jerry and Marissa Klok; and many cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his Opa Gerrit Klok; cousin Nathan Klok and cousin Jordon de Kok.
Tanner was born on December 26, 2010, in Lethbridge, Alberta, and passed away at the Calgary Children’s Hospital on March 21, 2025, after a brief struggle to save his life. He was attending Grade 8 at Calvin Christian School. He worked for his dad at Premiere Builders and was becoming an accomplished trumpet player. His outgoing and happy personality will be sorely missed.
Opportunity for Condolences will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A Street, Picture Butte, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A Street, Picture Butte, Alberta, with Reverend E. C. Adams, officiating.
Interment will follow at the Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Picture Butte Emergency Services, Box 1065, Picture Butte, Alberta T0K 0C7.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

DE KOK, Jordon JORDON DE KOK 2009 – 2025 It is with deep sorrow we announce that the Lord has taken out of this life Jordon Henry de Kok, beloved son of Henry and Chelsey de Kok. Jordon passed away tragically on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 15 years.
Jordon was born on August 15, 2009. He attended Calvin Christian School and worked for East Butte Contracting. His infectious smile and pleasant and outgoing disposition will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
Beside his parents, Jordon will be deeply missed by his loving brothers and sisters: Kylan, Adelynn, Cohen, Alayah and Ella; Opa and Oma Martin and Wilma Oudshoorn; Opa and Oma Henry and Janey de Kok; great grandmother Jenny Bezooyen; great grandfather Harry Oudshoorn. Also left to mourn his passing are his aunts and uncles Brian and Jacky de Kok, Wiletta and Cornell Vandenberg, John and Marie de Kok, Joni and Teus Anker, Jeremy and Emily de Kok, Cornell and Makayla de Kok, Nathan and Annalyn de Kok; Ashlee and Jason de Kok, Austin and Amy Oudshoorn, Twyla and David VanHierden, Jelaina and Daniel de Kok, Rylan Oudshoorn; and special friend Brooklyn Maljaars.
Jordon was predeceased by his great grandparents Oma Ena Oudshoorn, Opa John Bezooyen; Opa and Oma Huib and Jannie de Kok and Opa and Oma John and Janet Klok.
Opportunity for condolences will be held at 6:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A Street, Picture Butte, AB.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A Street, Picture Butte, AB with Rev. E.C. Adams officiating.
Interment will follow at the Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Picture Butte Emergency Services.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

OWENS, Sharon OWENS SHARON KAY OWENS, of Magrath, beloved wife of the late Ken Owens, passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritans Garden Vista, on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the age of 88 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

---

WINTER, Dorothy “Dot” DOROTHY “DOT” WINTER 1930 – 2025 Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Winter of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of the late Mr. Gerald Winter (2016), passed away suddenly on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 94 years.
Dorothy is survived by her sons Gary (Pat); Bob (Katharine); grandchildren Trevor and Karla (Nick), and great grandchildren Avery, Paige and Maddy.
Dorothy lived a good life. The world lost a great joyful woman. She led a life of levity, warm in spirit always. She loved everyone and all creatures. She would want to thank her family, her many friends, West Highlands Estates and especially her wonderful neighbour Joan.
At Dorothy’s request, no formal Funeral Service will be held.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

<5