Saturday, September 6, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on September 6, 2025.
BAUMSTARK, Henry Henry Baumstark 1941 – 2025 Henry (Heinrich) Baumstark, formerly of Taber, passed away unexpectedly in Guelph, Ontario on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Henry is survived by his beloved wife Pat, his children David (Beth) Baumstark of Missoula, Montana and Monica (Joe) Massey of Guelph, Ontario. He had five granddaughters, Mary Callahan Baumstark (Jack Wicks), Molly (Chris) Neu, Emma (Dylan) Farnes, Gretta Baumstark, Chloe Massey; one grandson Karson Massey and two great grandsons, Connor and Max (Molly and Chris’ children). He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Gregus of Taber, brother-in law Ron (Linda) Rakos of High River, sisters-in-law Deb Rakos and Wilma Baumstark of Lethbridge, and their families.
Henry was predeceased by his brother Tony Baumstark and brothers-in-law Rudy Gregus and Bob Turner.
A celebration of Henry’s life will be held at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization, 500 – 11 Street South, Lethbridge on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Further details about the service will be available at
http://www.southlandfuneral.com including a link to forward condolences to the family.
WILLMS, Verna Verna Willms
1936 – 2025
Verna Hilda Willms, beloved wife of the late Henry Willms, passed away in Taber on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the age of 88 years.
Further information will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
SKRETTING, Anne Anne L. Skretting
1941 – 2025
Heaven has gained a beautiful angel, Anne Louise Skretting, beloved wife of the late Jim Skretting, passed away in Lethbridge on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at the age of 84 years.
Family was the cornerstone of Anne’s life. She was a devoted mother to Sheldon Skretting, Michelle Ostafichuk, Jacqueline Kopervas, and their families, whom she guided with a gentle hand and an open heart. She will also be fondly remembered by her beloved sister Ingrid. Anne was a wonderful mom, grandma, great grandma, sister and aunt. A cherished friend to so many, she had the kindest and most generous heart helping others in so many ways.
Anne and Jim were married for thirty eight years. They lived and worked together on the farm near Vauxhall until his passing in May 1998, which broke Anne’s heart. In the fall of 1999, Anne moved into the town of Vauxhall and continued to run Anne’s Variety Store, which she opened in 1987 and operated until 2007, along with the Sear’s order office.
Her interests were a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Anne’s flower and vegetable gardens were a spot of tranquility where she cultivated not just plants, but also bonds with family and friends, sharing the fruits of her labor with all. She also found joy in sewing and created beautiful, warm denim quilts for her loved ones; the last one being sewn for her new great grandson. Anne was happiest when she was entertaining in her home with a beautifully decorated table and delicious food, baking and a coffee. Every dish she prepared being a testament to her desire to care for those around her, it was truly her way of showing her love. Anne also was a very active member and volunteer in her church and the Vauxhall Senior Citizens Group, where her presence was a joy to many.
Anne’s memory will be treasured in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her, and her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched with her loving, generous nature. She will be deeply missed, but her light will never fade.
Anne will be remembered privately by her family whom she loved so much at a private burial service. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at
http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that you brighten the lives of others like Anne did, by passing on a good deed or a small gesture to make others smile and brighten their day. Her life was a testament to her faith, family and the simple joys that come from a life well lived.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
WALDNER, Jacob WALDNER JACOB D WALDNER, beloved husband of Rebecca Waldner, of the Hutterville Colony, passed away on September 4, 2025 at the age of 77 years.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and all who knew him.
The Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at the Hutterville Colony.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.salmonandsons.ca
JACKSON, Stella JACKSON Stella Mary (Herbut) Jackson was born on June 24, 1936, and passed away peacefully on September 4 at Fairmont Extendicare, at the age of 89, following several years of declining health. Stella was the beloved wife of the late Ronald Harvey Jackson who passed away on October 31, 2023.
Stella is survived by her children: Michael (Lynn), Ron (Diana) and Cindy (Tim) Braun; her grandchildren: Mark, Heather, Kyle, Kelsey, Ryley and Kennedy; great grandchildren: Remi, Andres, Hector, Jackson, Chase, Emmett, Savannah and Sloane. As well as her sister Helen (Randle), brother Marion, and sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Henry (Senneker).
Stella was born in Diamond City. She moved to Lethbridge and married Harvey in 1956, where she had her three children and lived until her move in November 2014 to Fairmont Extendicare.
We would like to thank all the staff at Extendicare for treating Stella with dignity in her years spent there. And with such kindness and compassion in her final days.
There will be no funeral service, so in memory of Stella please consider an act of kindness to a friend or family member.
To send condolences, please visit
http://www.generationsfh.ca
FOX, Connie FOX CONNIE MARIE FOX, Holy Gun Woman (Natonamayaki), passed away on September 1, 2025 on the Blood Reserve, AB at the age of 62 years. A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, September 8 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church on Tuesday, September 9 at 11:00 am. The interment will follow in Pioneer Cemetery, Levern, AB.
To send a condolence please visit
http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
TRENERRY, Thomas TRENERRY MR. THOMAS JOHN TRENERRY, cherished son of Tom Trenerry of Lethbridge and Anne Gwinner of Red Deer passed away in White Court on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the age of 49 years.
Thomas is survived by his daughter Haley; three grandchildren Gemma, Kathryn, and Winter; his father Tom (Donna) Trenerry; mother Anne (Harry) Gwinner; two sisters Carolyn and Victoria; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is predeceased by his grandparents John and Dorothy Trenerry; Milton and Joan Lewis; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (schizophrenia.ca).
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
NISHIMA, Ayako “Ike” NISHIMA It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Ayako “Ike” Nishima, at the age of 92.
Ayako was born in Hardieville, Alberta, on July 18, 1933, and spent all of her life in Southern Alberta except for a 3-year stay in Okinawa from infancy to three years of age. She went to primary school in Huntsville School, upper elementary and junior high in Crystal Lake School and Hardieville, and graduated from R.I. Baker School in Coaldale, Alberta. She received her teaching certificate in Calgary Normal School and taught for over 36 years starting in Burdett, then in Hopeng, Brooks and finally in Pincher Creek. She was a dedicated teacher, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and cousin, and had many cherished friends.
Ayako was predeceased by her parents Chokei and Uta Nishima, siblings Shige, Isamu, Tom, Hideo, Kazuyo and Yuko.
She is survived by her brothers Mas (Evelyn) and Ted (Judy) and sister Marion (“Mary”), and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on September 13, 2025, at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 St. N, Lethbridge, Alberta. Following the service and reception, burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery.
Koden is gratefully declined.
To send condolences, please visit
http://www.generationsfh.ca
WOOD, Josesphine “Joan” JOSEPHINE “JOAN” WOOD Nov. 15, 1937 – Sept. 1, 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine “Joan” Wood, who passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, at the age of 87. Joan was born on November 15, 1937, and leaves behind cherished memories that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 958 Christie Ave, Pincher Creek, AB, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Pincher Creek.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.edensfuneralhome.com
VAN PAASSEN, Luke LUKE VAN PAASSEN 1937 ~ 2025 It is with deep sorrow that the family of Luke Van Paassen announce his passing on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the age of 88 years.
Dad was born on January 4, 1937 in the town of Wateringen, Zuid-Holland, to parents Kees and Cory (Van Veen) Van Paassen. Dad was the eldest of 4 siblings. Brothers Casey (Georgina Tomayose) Van Paassen, Hans Van Paassen and sister Margret (Harry) Ubben.
Dad immigrated to Canada, arriving in Montreal on October 25, 1956, then on to Aberdeen, Saskatchewan where he worked for a dairy farmer for a short time before getting to his goal of Alberta. Dad tried his hand at various jobs; he hauled milk for a dairy company in Lethbridge, installed milking equipment, worked for the Coop in Bow Island, Sugar Factory and John Deere in Taber. Dad even followed in his Dad’s footsteps in the Greenhouse business, owning them in Bow Island, Taber and Coaldale before deciding to start up a Bottle Depot and Recycling Centre in Coaldale, owner/operator until his retirement in 2002.
Dad met Mom (Helen Bouw) in Lethbridge and were married on November 21, 1959, having 4 children together. Neil, Carla, Barry and Linda. They divorced in 1977. Dad met Ann Erickson and were together until her passing in 2008. They spent a lot of time fishing, camping, vacationing in Hawaii, trips to Holland and spending time in beautiful Waterton.
Dad is survived by his brother Casey; children Carla (Darrell) Martens, Barry (Lynne) Van Paassen, Linda (Ben) Schmold; grandchildren Chris (Jolene) Martens, Kim (Marco) Slingerland, Ashley (Dan) DeBoer, Brittany (Chandler) Braun; great-grandchildren Brynn Martens, Dustin, Shane and Tiffany Slingerland, Brady, Logan and Addison De Boer, Charlie Singh, Sawyer and Lincoln Braun; niece and nephews Esther and David in Holland and Kevin Van Paassen and Kristy Maltby; as well as special life long friend Nico Van Luijk from Holland whom he enjoyed to skype with on a regular basis.
Dad was predeceased by his brother Hans; sister Margret and brother-in-law Harry; sister-in-law Georgina, Ann; special friends Roy and Jackie Brummond; son Neil Van Paassen; son-in-law Shane Cox and grandson Tyler Maerz.
As per Dad’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit
http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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