Saturday, December 27, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 27, 2025.

OLFERT, Katharina Katharina Olfert 1920 – 2025 Katharina Olfert, beloved wife of the late Abram Olfert, passed away in Lethbridge and went to glory on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at the age of 105 years.
Katharina was born in Hague, Saskatchewan on September 27, 1920, to Peter and Sarah Fehr. She is survived by her five children Ernest (Janet) Olfert, Katherine (Howard) Rymes, Thomas (Esther) Olfert, Shirley Vanderveen and Sandra (Herb) Maekelberger; nineteen grandchildren and thirty five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Ben (Mary) Fehr and her sister-in-law Sarah Fehr and by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Abram Olfert, her parents, nine brothers and five sisters.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, January 2, 2026 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Community Church (formerly the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church), 320 – 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. Burial to follow at the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Katharina’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 1:45 P.M. on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 2:00 P.M.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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ANTAL, Miranne MIRANNE ANTAL Miranne Divina Antal (nee Train) of Readymade, beloved wife of the late Don Antal, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 81 after a lengthy battle with cancer on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Coaldale Health Centre.
Miranne is survived by her children Carey Antal (Sandy Roberts), Shannon Nelson (Jason), and Lorie Antal (Ralph Farrell); grandchildren Cody Nelson (Jessica), Hunter Antal, Layne Nelson (Emma), and Hudson Antal; and great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Georgia Nelson, and Hayden Nelson. She is also survived by her sister Betty Kerr, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws, including Marilyn Train, Dean Antal, Esther Paoletti, Justine Antal, and Liz Jamieson.
Miranne was predeceased by her loving husband Don; parents, Robert (Scotty) and Olive Train; her two brothers, Robert and Allan Train; her father and mother-in-law, George and Sarah Antal; three sisters-in-law; and one brother-in-law.
Miranne was born on July 17, 1944. She spent her childhood in Whiskey Gap and graduated school in Del Bonita, before completing hair dressing courses in Lethbridge. Miranne and Don were married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on July 7, 1962, before settling down in Readymade on the Antal family farm, where they raised their three children. Through the years, they also lovingly welcomed their children’s spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and three great-grandchildren.
Miranne found enjoyment in both work and play. She spent a few short years working as a hairdresser and as a school bus driver, before spending the majority of her career making lifetime impacts on students and their families as an educational assistant on the Colony Schools in Palliser Regional School Division. During these years, she also spent time helping on the farm with combining and driving truck, cooking meals that were often eaten in the field, canning the abundance of vegetables and fruit grown in their garden. She also enjoyed her time sitting in front of her sewing machine, whether it was mending a pair of pants, sewing a new outfit or sewing items for the farm. Upon retiring, she devoted her time to the farm, travel, and her family. In the summer months, she continued tending to the vegetable garden and numerous flower beds. In the winter months, she spent time baking and sewing, while always having a hot meal ready for Don when he came in from the farm. No matter the time of year, Miranne enjoyed going for a drive with Don, whether it be a Sunday afternoon crop tour, a visit to see family, or a trip to a new or favorite destination; their favorite was the Alaskan cruise that they took to celebrate their 40th anniversary. When not travelling, she also welcomed visits from family and friends, proudly sharing the accomplishments of those close to her.
Miranne’s favorite time of the year was Christmas with all the lights and joy in everyone’s faces. While this is an especially difficult time for her to leave us, we know that she can see all the Christmas lights and cheer from her new home and is enjoying holding the hand of her beloved Don again.
Miranne’s family would like to thank the amazing staff of the Coaldale Health Centre, Jack Ady Cancer Clinic, and Lethbridge Home Care for their care and support during her illness.
As per Miranne’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Miranne’s memory to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

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BROWN, Gerald BROWN Gerald Walter Brown, beloved husband of the late Deanna Brown, passed away in Lethbridge on Friday, December 19, 2025 at the age of 64 years.
Gerald is survived by his two children; Danielle (Brock) Bodnar and Christopher Brown, six grandchildren; Haley Brown, Logan Bodnar, Brenden Bodnar, Kaesyn Brown, Lynden Brown and Aspynn Brown, two sisters; Carol (Clarence) Byma and Diana (John) Gerlitz; one brother; Jim (Sharon) Brown and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 St N. Lethbridge at 11:00 a.m.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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NAGY, John NAGY, Dr. John Andrew Dr. John Andrew Nagy passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the age of 76 years. John was born in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was a graduate of the University of Lethbridge (BSc) and obtained his master’s degree from Montana State University and PhD from the University of Alberta. John spent several summers doing botanical studies in Waterton Lakes National Park, then later worked as a wildlife biologist studying grizzlies and caribou migration. He received worldwide recognition for his work.
John is survived by his sisters, Violet Knox, Darlene Kowal and Diana (Don) Tedesco; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children
He was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Mary Nagy; his elder brother, Leslie Nagy; and his brother-in-law, Ralph Kowal.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be announced at a later date. Cremation has been entrusted to Park Memorial in Edmonton. In lieu of floral tributes, those who wish may donate to MS research or STARS air ambulance.
Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through http://www.parkmemorial.com Park Memorial Edmonton 780-426-0050 Family Owned Funeral Home Crematorium, Reception Centre

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BLACK PLUME, Larry LARRY BLACK PLUME 1957 ~ 2025 Mr. Larry Joseph Black Plume passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 68 years.
A Wake Service will be held from 4PM – 10PM on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at GLADSTONE HALL, Standoff.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11AM on Monday, December 29, 2025, at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve.
A Graveside Service will be held following the Funeral at the LEVERN CEMETERY, Blood Reserve, with a Feast to follow at Gladstone Hall.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GIESBRECHT, William “Bill” WILLIAM “BILL” GIESBRECHT 1929 ~ 2025 Mr. William “Bill” Giesbrecht of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Elfriede Giesbrecht, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Coaldale Long Term Care on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the age of 96 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BAKER, Lee Lee Baker 1940 – 2025 Hilman Lee Baker beloved husband of Shirley Baker, passed away in Taber on Monday, December 22, 2025 at the age of 85 years.
Besides Shirley, his loving wife of sixty years, Lee is survived by their five children Randy (Elda) Baker of West Jordan, Utah, Tracey Lawlor of Sandy, Utah, Cindy (Peter) Wright of Cardston, Stephen (Melanie) Baker of South Jordan, Utah and Kevin (Heather) Baker of Taber; seventeen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Jim (Leena) Baker, Lynn Baker, Bonnie Weber, Kelly (MaryAnn) Baker and brother-in-law, Scott Wood.
He was predeceased by his parents Alma and Phyllis Baker and by his sister Debbie Wood.
As a young man, Lee served a two and a half year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to French Polynesia (Tahiti). This experience was a wonderful time for him and he often referred to it throughout his life.
After graduating from the University of Alberta, Lee started his teaching career in Vauxhall. He left teaching for a few years to go into business with his dad and brother in Toronto, but later returned to teaching in Grassy Lake and then Barnwell.
Lee served in many callings in the church and in later years served fourteen years with Shirley as a temple worker which was a special experience for him. He served his community on the Barnwell Village Council for twelve years including two terms as mayor.
Lee had a natural ability for building and fixing things. He added additions to the house and built many things inside. He even built the brick pillars at the entrance to the Barnwell Cemetery. After his retirement from teaching, Lee started a handyman service. He really enjoyed doing this until health issues forced him to stop.
Lee loved spending time with his family especially playing cards, making gingerbread houses or going fishing with his grandkids.
A private funeral service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. A private burial will take place at the Barnwell Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Lee’s family would like to thank so many who have given kind acts of service. They would also like to thank the many medical people who have cared for Lee especially during the past several months with special mention to the Taber Home Care and the Active Care hospital nurses. “We appreciate you all.”
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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URBAN, May URBAN MAY ELIZABETH URBAN, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the age of 81 years.
May is survived by her brother: Dean (Sue) Poch and sisters Darlene Poch, Fay Pelletier; and nephews: Keith (Sheena) Poch and Daryl (Terri) Dyck.
May was predeceased by her son Stacey; her parents Martha and Tony Poch; sister Lorraine Dyck; brother-in-law Ed Dyck; and niece Katrina Howe.
As per May’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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