Tuesday, July 8, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 8, 2025.

TOLLESTRUP, Wally

TOLLESTRUP Dr. Wally R. Tollestrup, beloved husband of Diane Tollestrup of Raymond, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the age of 72 years.
Friends may meet the family on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 beginning at 7:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Raymond Stake Centre (2N 200W) or prior to the service at the church on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 10:00 to 10:50 am.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at the Raymond Stake Centre with Bishop Kevin Wert officiating. Interment will follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

DAGG, Robert Edward “Ed”

DAGG ROBERT EDWARD “ED” DAGG, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Esther Dagg, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the age of 85 years. Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather – a good and faithful man!
Besides his loving wife of 64 years, Esther; he is survived by his daughter Nancy (Myrin) Glesman; sons, Darren Dagg and Tim (Marlene) Dagg; grandchildren: Angie (Jean-Marc) Jones, Brad (Laura) Glesman, Jennifer (John) Babcock, Jeff (Dora) Dagg, Daniel Dagg, and Samantha Dagg, as well as eight beloved great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his two sisters, Joy and Sharon.
Born in Kelowna, BC, on May 29, 1940, Ed spent his early years in Alberta, particularly in the Three Hills area, and attended Prairie Bible Institute. His working life was varied, including time with Loblaws and financial institutions. He later found his niche in sales, working for companies such as Robin Hood Flour (who eventually transferred him to Edmonton area), Remington Tire, and CanAm Distributors.
Later in life, Ed felt a spiritual calling and returned to Bible school in Edmonton, where he graduated as valedictorian and became an ordained Pentecostal minister. He served as the head pastor in Calmar, Alberta – a role that fulfilled his heart’s desire to serve his Saviour and his community.
Eventually, Ed and Esther returned to southern Alberta, where they made Lethbridge their home for their later years.
Ed was a man of service. He gave of himself freely where he could – helping friends and family, supporting church construction in Leduc, or caring lovingly for his mother in her final years. His quiet strength and willingness to lend a hand will be remembered by all who knew him.
Ed was a good man who lived a life grounded in faith, love, and dedication. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Ed’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.

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

BLACKMER, Raymond

BLACKMER It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of RAYMOND DEWAYNE BLACKMER of Milk River, AB, who left us on Thursday, July 3,
2025 at the age of 80 years.
A Viewing will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street NW, Milk River, AB, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 6:00 P.M., with a Prayer Vigil to follow at 7:00 P.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Ray will be laid to rest in the Milk River Cemetery.

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

VACZY, Gizella

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of GIZELLA ANNA VACZY (née Oniszko) of Lethbridge, Alberta, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the age of 92.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Vaczy. She leaves behind her daughters: Debbie McPherson (Trevor Ennis), Susanne Sherring (Dave), and Liz Golish (Max); her cherished grandchildren: Victoria Oster (Brandon Walters), Kim Goetz, Jeremy Sherring (Kate Schouten), Tamara Sherring, and Richelle Golish (Kyle Sawers); and her adored great-grandchildren, Skylar and Briella. She will also be fondly remembered by her dear friends and many godchildren, all of whom she loved with all her heart.

Gizella had a deep love for the outdoors and a green thumb she was proud of. She spent many happy hours tending her vegetable garden and flowers. In her later years, she found peace simply being outdoors—admiring the trees and blooms now cared for by others.

Summers were a special time filled with camping trips to the Rocky Mountains – Banff, Radium, Lake Louise – and drives through the Okanagan Valley, where stopping in Osoyoos to pick cherries was a simple joy that brought her great delight and fond memories.

While she viewed cooking as a necessity rather than a passion, Gizella was a truly gifted cook. Her Hungarian dishes – flavored with care – were unmatched, and there are meals she prepared that her family lovingly admits will never be duplicated. Her potatoes and roast beef were family favorites and will be deeply missed – comforting staples that brought everyone together around the table.

She loved spending time with family and had a playful side that came alive during card games. With a sly wink or a subtle gesture to her playing partner, she would often find a way to tilt the game in their favor – always in good fun and always with a sparkle in her eye.

She had a deep love for animals, especially the dogs she had over the years. Animals brought her comfort, and she returned that affection with ease and tenderness.

Gizella lived a quiet but impactful life. She faced adversity with grace and met every challenge with quiet strength. She taught her family the importance of gratitude, humility, and perseverance. Her hands told the story of a life well lived – one of work, care, creativity, and love.

A Private Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Following the Funeral Divine Liturgy, Gizella will be laid to rest next to her husband Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to spend a quiet moment in nature, tend a garden, or enjoy a fresh-picked vegetable in her memory.

Her absence leaves a deep void in our hearts, but her spirit, kindness, and unwavering love will remain with us always.

Nyugodj békében, drága Mama.

Emléked örökre szívünkben él.

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

HEIDEBRECHT, Rudolph “Rudy”

RUDOLPH “RUDY” HEIDEBRECHT 1932 ~ 2025 Pastor Rudolph “Rudy” Heidebrecht, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Mary Heidebrecht, passed away at Sunny South Lodge on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the age of 93 years.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 8:00pm and 9:00pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
There will be an opportunity for a viewing at 12:00pm on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street, Coaldale, Alberta.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the COALDALE MENNONITE CEMETERY.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street Coaldale with Pastor Gary Burke officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

CALF ROBE, Sharla

CALF ROBE Sharla Patricia Calf Robe, passed away on June 29, 2025 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 43 years.
A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Thursday, July 10 from 7:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held also at the Senator Gladstone Hall on Friday, July 11 at 12:00 pm. Interment in Pioneer Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

MANY FINGERS, Luke

MANY FINGERS LUKE DUSTIN MANY FINGERS, beloved son of Scotty & Lenora Many Fingers, passed away suddenly at home on the Blood Reserve, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the age of 37 years.
A Wake will be held at MOSES LAKE COMMUNITY HALL, Moses Lake, AB, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve, AB, on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Jose Bustalino celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Luke will be laid to rest in Pioneer Cemetery, Levern, AB.

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

SHAW, Russell

SHAW RUSSELL FRANKLIN SHAW, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Erma Shaw, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the age of 87 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

JENSEN, Alan

JENSEN Alan Ross Jensen, beloved husband of Pudge Jensen, passed away on July 6, 2025.
Funeral service details will be made available when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

SEILLER, Andrew “Andy”

ANDREW “ANDY” SEILLER MAY 5, 1938 – JULY 4, 2025 Andrew “Andy” Joseph Seiller, of Lethbridge, Alberta, loving husband of Dorothy Seiller, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the age of 87 years. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by all those who knew him.
Andy’s cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

HAZELL, Doug

Doug Hazell 1926 – 2025 Woodrow Douglas Hazell, beloved husband of Joan Hazell, passed away in Magrath on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the age of 99 years.
Further information will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.