Vern Beck
1928 – 2019
Vernon Albert Beck, beloved husband of Mildred Beck, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at the age of 91 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 – 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. Burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Vern is survived by his wife Mildred Beck; daughter Deone (Peter) Zmurchyk; grandson John (Roanna) Zmurchyk; great grandsons Caleb, Dylan, Peter, Brody, John and Corby. He is also survived by his sister Evelyn Wutke and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Annette Beck; granddaughter Jennifer Zmurchyk; brothers Gaylord, Harold, Eugene, and Carl.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Vern’s name may be made directly to the Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Box 99, Lomond, Alberta T0L 1G0 (www.sabc.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
Thomas Getty
1921 – 2019
Mr. Thomas Getty of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Mabel Getty, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the age of 98 years. Tom served as an air force mechanic during the second world war from 1943 to 1945. He married his wife Mabel in 1945 and they enjoyed 74 happy years together prior to her passing in early 2019. They farmed in Pelly Saskatchewan for 28 years before moving to Alberta to tackle new adventures. They bought and operated a grocery store with daughter Janet and Tom continued to work on the farm with son Ken. Even after “retirement” it was a rare day that Tom wasn’t helping on the farm. He was able to fix just about anything and continued to be a valuable asset to the farming operation well into his 70’s. In their spare time Tom and Mabel enjoyed travelling in their motor home and camping with family. Tom and Mabel were also avid curlers in their younger years and enjoyed many bonspiels with family and friends. After retirement they were able to enjoy many trips to the Southern US. Tom will be deeply missed by his three children, Janet (Bill), Ken (Linda) and Shannon (Richard) as well as his five grandchildren, Rachel (Jamie), Jason (Tine), Julia (Lance), Torri and Kyler. Tom is also survived by 5 great grandchildren, Thomas, Emily, Colten, Makayla and Kaitlyn. A private family Graveside Service will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery, where Tom and Mabel will be laid to rest in the Field of Honour. Together Forever. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
KOLPAK
John Kolpak, wondrous human, husband, father, musician, photographer and gentle soul, passed away on December 26, 2019, peacefully and without pain.
Born on December 28, 1935 in Nowosiolki, Poland, John lived a loving, caring life centred on Lela, his adoring wife of 57 years, and his three daughters Diana, Kathie and Rita, to whom he passed on his artistic and musical talents. He deeply loved his grandchildren Jenna, Erin, Kieran and Veronica, sons-in-law Michael Melling, Scott Rasmussen and Patrick Leslie, siblings Leonard, Teresa and Henry, and his extended family.
A lover of forests, cars and music, John was a superbly talented accordionist and photographer. He loved to camp, fish, and hunt for mushrooms, especially in Westcastle. His barbecuing skills were second to none.
A proud member of the Lethbridge Polish-Canadian community, John served as president of the Polish-Canadian Association for four years. He and Lela helped countless Polish families who emigrated to Canada, welcoming them to their home, known as “little Poland,” and helping them adjust to lives in a new country.
John had no time for cruelty or inhumanity. He knew firsthand the suffering and horror of war and the wrenching hardships of poverty, displacement and emigration but never complained or sought pity for any of these things. Known as “The Professor,” he engaged in spirited discussions about history, politics and science, delivered regular weather updates and loved to tell goofy jokes.
John worked at the Lethbridge Research Station for over 31 years, beginning as a Technical Photographer and eventually becoming head of the Biographics Unit in 1979, retiring in 1991. In addition to his day job, he was a professional wedding photographer, taught accordion and played in the Rhythmaires at dances throughout Southern Alberta.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, December 29th at 4:00 p.m. at the Polish Hall, 745 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge. All are welcome.
Lela and family would like to thank the staff at Extendicare Fairmont Park for their exceptional care and compassion for John throughout his time there.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KRAUSE
Mar. 18, 1933 – Dec. 16, 2019
It is with the saddest of hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor JAMES “JIM” WAYNE KRAUSE, beloved husband of the late Jean Krause, beloved dad, grandpa, brother and friend to many. Jim passed away surrounded by family at the Milk River Health Centre on Monday, December 16, 2019 at the age of 86 years. After a courageous battle with cancer, Jim was taken home to be with his Lord and Saviour.
Jim was the loving father of Michelle “Micki” (Mike) Pulsifer of Raymond, AB; Michael (Phyllis) Krause of St. Charles, Missouri; Marcie (Jay) Eagleson of Marshall, SK; and Melinda (Mindy) Prunkle of Milk River, AB. He was the loving grandfather of Jennifer Huber (Travis Townsend); Trish Huber; Craig (Vickie) Pulsifer; James Huber; Lisa (Chris) Martin; Nikki (Mike) Porter; Ryan Ewald; Kelly (Nathan) Weber; Kyle (Emily) Ewald; Leah Krause; Crystal Eagleson; Kimberly (Jason) King; Amanda (Steve) Popson; Jessie Prunkle, and Caitlin “Katie” Prunkle; the loving great-grandfather of Sheena, Samantha, Christopher, Shaunte, Savanna, Cortney, Jory, Tristin, Kavan, Colton, Ryann, Owyn, Blake; Eian, Zoie, Marley, Irene, Eric, Robyn, Regan, Jayne and Jade; and the loving great-great-grandfather of Austin, Evander, Kyler, Wylder, Kallie, and River. He is also survived by his brothers Donald Krause, Richard (Sandy) Krause and Jerry (Wendy) Krause as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim will also be missed by his many cherished friends.
Jim was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean Krause (nee Graves); infant daughter, Brenda Lynn Krause; mother, Elaine Weinerth (nee Ogg); father, Emil Krause; step-father, Lawrence Weinerth and sister-in-law, Arlene Krause.
Jim was born March 18, 1933 on a farm near Geneva, Nebraska. When he was 14 years old, the family moved to the state of Washington where he lived on a ranch for three years. He then joined the United States Air Force and was trained as an airplane mechanic.
After his discharge from the service at age 21, he lived in St. Louis, Missouri where he met and married the love of his life, Jean, on April 30, 1955. They moved to Geneva, Nebraska and lived there for a year. Jim worked drilling irrigation wells and in an auto body shop. Their first daughter, Michelle, was born in Nebraska.
The family moved to Seattle, Washington, where Jim was employed by the Boeing Airplane Company for four years. Three children were born in Washington – Brenda, Mike, and Marcie. Brenda passed away in her infancy.
The family returned to St. Louis where Jim found employment at the General Motors Assembly Plant and at Concordia Seminary. Mindy was born in St. Louis. It was also during this time that Jim met his Lord and became a Christian. Jim was baptized with his four children in June of 1961. (Jean was already baptized). Jim was inspired and called to become a Lutheran minister, worked full-time and studied part-time at a Junior College and at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.
Jim and his family came to Milk River as a “worker Priest” in the fall of 1975. He worked at the Prairie Rose Lodge and served as a minister at St. Matthews Church in Milk River.
Jim attended Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon and became an ordained Lutheran Minister in 1986. His first call was to Leader/Burstall, Saskatchewan. Jim served at a number of churches in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. He retired in 2000 when Jim and Jean moved back to Milk River. Jim continued to be involved with interim ministry positions until he fully retired.
Jim moved into the Prairie Rose Lodge in November of 2017. He so enjoyed the fellowship and friendships that he made with so many of the wonderful people that he met while there.
Dad enjoyed many hobbies over the years including photography, road trips, carpentry, gardening and researching family history. His favorite past time was to attend family gatherings and he loved visiting. Dad loved his ministry service and it was especially meaningful to have dad/grandpa perform family weddings and baptisms.
Our Dad taught us the value of hard work and perseverance; dad and mom decided early on that family came first; we always knew, without a doubt, that we were loved; they left a legacy of a loving, close knit family that included all who came to our family through love; we will continue to stand by each other through the joys and the sorrows of life.
Dad touched our lives, our hearts and was a blessing to many through his ministry and his gentle manner. He will be in our hearts forever. We will miss his smile; he always had such a warm smile and a great chuckle. Dad truly was well loved by many and will be deeply missed.
We would like to thank all of the caring and dedicated staff at the Prairie Rose Lodge in Milk River, the Milk River EMS, Milk River Home Care, Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge and the Palliative Care Team in Lethbridge.
We want to say a special thank you to Dr. Krog and all of the staff at the Milk River Health Centre. We appreciate your care and dedication in looking after dad/grandpa; you became a part of our family during this time and we will be forever grateful to you.
For those who would like to visit with the family, a time of Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Jim’s family would be honoured by your presence at a Memorial Service to celebrate his life at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street N.W., Milk River, AB on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. A time of fellowship will follow at the Milk River Civic Centre, 321 – 3 Avenue N.E.
In memory of Jim, donations may be made to AHS, Milk River Health Centre; Milk River Tree of Hope, PO Box 90, Milk River, AB T0K 2M0. This year’s Tree of Hope campaign, running to January 6, 2020, is going towards purchasing an ECG machine and ceiling lifts at the Milk River Health Centre.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25 – 26a
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Margaret Lovin
1929 – 2019
Margaret E Ogilvie/Lovin of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. William Lovin, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at the age of 90 years. Marg was born on November 25, 1929 in Edmonton, AB. She married Glenn Ogilvie on October 8, 1948, had 4 children, Wayne, Brian, Colin and Wendy. She was a very strong woman and lived life to the max. She played ball on the Stettler Men’s team in the 1950’s. She was an avid bowler, water sports, golfer, camper and loved her own motorcycle. She was a hockey Mom, a dance Mom and a great cook. She was predeceased by Glenn on November 22, 1982 and then joined Bill Lovin and his two teenage children, Debbie and Mark. She again lived life to the fullest raising kids and being a Mom and Grandma, motor homing, going South with all their friends from Taber and Lethbridge. Bill passed away on November 23, 2013. She is survived by her children Wayne (Marilyn), Brian (Kimberly), Colin (Debbie), Wendy (Dwight) and her stepchildren Debbie (Pierre) and Mark (Rieko); 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Marg’s family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at the Golden Acres Nursing Home in Lethbridge for their great care in the past four years. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Stettler, Alberta. At that time, Marg will be laid to rest beside her husband Glenn. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SAZALSKI
MR. DAVID SAZALSKI, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Bev Sazalski, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital following a long battle, on Monday, December 23, 2019 at the age of 62 years.
He was surrounded by his loving wife, Bev, brother Jim Sazalski and sister-in-law Sabina Sazalski. He had a brave fight for over 18 years, but the last month was too taxing for him. He went on his own terms and is now free from his prison.
Dave is predeceased by his father, Ignac “Chris” Sazalski and mother Patti Edwards.
He is survived by his brother, Jim (Sabina) Sazalski, nephew Jason (Tara) Sazalski, niece, Kim (Scott) Stubbings, great-nieces Kourtney and Ashley Sazalski and Kayla Stubbings as well as by Hunter and Quinn. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Before his accident, Dave was a longtime employee of Atco Gas. Dave had many friends that were with him on this 18 year journey and he wanted to say good-bye and their friendship was very much enjoyed and appreciated.
Special thanks to all the doctors and nurses in ICU. They cared for him like family, making his last days comforting.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. Following the Mass, Dave will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery, with a Reception held at St. Basil’s Basement Hall.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Evelyn Sutton
1957 – 2019
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Evelyn Marie Sutton on Monday December 23, 2019, at the age of 62. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of over 39 years, Terry Sutton, Daughter Megan and John Tsadilas (Alexis and Evan), son Mathew and Lindsay Sutton (Emily and Benjamin), and son Jordan and Danielle Sutton (expecting in March). Remembered by her brothers and sisters, George (Valentina), Darlene (Ian), Carolyn, Greg, Pamela (Jamie), Jacalin (Larry), Lesley (Arezou) and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Ted and Alice Plastow, and sister Patricia. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Ev will be remembered for her courage, strength, positive attitude, and generosity. She took great pride in providing a happy, loving home that was welcoming to all. Her beautiful perspective on life was one of her many cherished qualities and her ability to listen coupled with patience and understanding will be missed dearly. Ev acquired a dental assisting certificate from NAIT, and enjoyed working at the Health Unit and private practice in Lethbridge, AB, as well as at The Golden Dental Center in Golden, BC. When she wasn’t working, she spent time with her Plastow family, keeping her kids busy with activities, gardening, doing puzzles, reading, enjoying games, and cross-country skiing. She built many lasting friendships along the way, including through quilting guilds and her walking club. Ev’s greatest talent was quilting and she spent much of her time in her sewing room that Terry helped build. Nothing made her happier than to give out her handmade baby and wedding quilts to family members; these will be treasured forever. Ev and Terry enjoyed camping and exploring the outdoors through various activities, many led by Terry. Ev loved bringing her family together and was quite knowledgeable about her family tree. She hosted many international students over the years and welcomed them as family. She was a proud Nana to her grandchildren, playing with Emily and Ben, watching Alexis dance and Evan play hockey. Ev was a true inspiration and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Her Celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Monday January 6, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. A tribute event will be held in Golden, BC this spring (TBA). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lupus Society of Alberta (Lupus.ab.ca). Thank you to staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital Intensive Care Unit and the many other medical care professionals who were a part of Evelyn’s life.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
TAYLOR
H. Jocelyn Taylor (née McDonald) died peacefully at home on December 22, 2019, at age 71 after a year of health complications. Jocelyn was born on April 16, 1948, to Madge and Jack McDonald in Melfort, SK. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr Wesley G. Taylor, her parents, Jack and Madge McDonald, and sister Laurie Lowndes. Jocelyn married the love of her life, Wes, on August 2, 1969. They spent 47 happy years together until his death in 2017. Jocelyn received her teaching degree from the UofS and was a passionate resource teacher where she shared her love of learning over her 30-year career. In 1989, Jocelyn and Wes spent a year’s sabbatical in Australia where their daughter Whitney was born. Jocelyn and Wes spent some of the best years of their life in Lethbridge, working and making lifelong friends. They returned to Saskatoon in 1997 to be closer to family and spent their remaining years there. Jocelyn loved spending her summers golfing and at their fishing lodge – her winters curling and swimming. In retirement, she enjoyed RV-ing, painting, cooking and spoiling her cats and daughter. Jocelyn leaves behind Whitney as well as an extended family and wide circle of friends. Her celebration of life will take place at 3 PM on Monday, December 30 at Hillcrest Funeral Home in Saskatoon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SCAT Street Cat Rescue. Special thanks to Seniors First, Homecare, and Sam, for making her last year more comfortable.
Arrangements entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home, Saskatoon, SK 306-477-4400.
Condolences may be left for the family at ww.hillcrestmemorial.ca
VISSER
Oct. 14, 1936 – Dec. 19, 2019
JACOBA VISSER, beloved wife of Nicolaas Visser, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre in Lethbridge, on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at the age of 83 years.
Besides her husband, Cobi is survived by her children: Dini, Kees and Mary (Paul); grandchildren: April (Brett), Carly (Ken) Ashley, Malcolm and Matthew; and great-grandchildren: Elise and Blake as well as nieces, Diny and Willy and their families.
Cobi was born in Amsterdam, Nederland, survived the WWII starvation of the city and was forever grateful to the Canadian soldiers that liberated the city. She immigrated to Canada in 1967 with her husband and young family to start a new life. She enjoyed sewing, singing and volunteering. She was part of the Dutch-Canadian choir of Calgary and the Airdrie Community Choir and was very proud to have sung in the 1988 Calgary Olympic ceremonies.
She was part of the Airdrie Lioness and enjoyed volunteering with them, especially at the food bank. She moved to Lethbridge to enjoy retirement with her husband and a quieter life.
As per her wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honour to the Veterans Food Bank (#1, 4619 – 6 Street N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 7C3) or a food bank of your choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WOLF PLUME
SAMUEL WOLF PLUME “Utsiimii” passed away in Fort Macleod on December 14, 2019 at the age of 54 years. He was born on September 4, 1965 to the late Sam Rider & the late Josephine Wolf Plume.
Samuel and his special companion, Karen Williams, were blessed with three beautiful children – sons Ryan & Kenton and daughter Lacey. (all deceased) He also has three grandchildren and special auntie Ida (taken as his mother) to mourn his passing.
Samuel graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Blood Reserve. He worked at numerous places on and off the Reserve. His favorite past times were fishing, playing board games, going to Casino and in his younger years he played ice & ground hockey with his bros. Elliot, Dion, Dino, Orson, Edwin, Franklin (deceased) & Kenny (dec.). He was always joking around. He greets his younger cousins like “Hello, my favorite nephew” or niece. He always had that big smile that we’re going to miss greatly.
He loved his kids and beamed with pride at their accomplishments. Unfortunately, we saw the change in him as they all passed away. Samuel was also predeceased by his sister Joyce Wolf Plume; grandparents Bob & May Rider; uncles William Rider and Joseph Crow Spreads His Wings; aunties Louise and Margaret Rider. Other relatives include the Stabs Down, Crow Chief, Wolf Plume, Shade, Across T. Mtn, Crow S H Wings, Black Water, Big Sorrel Horse, Crane Chief, Weasel Moccasin, Scout, Rides A T Door, MacDonald families. The family apologizes to anyone missed.
A Family Service will be at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at the White Calf Hall, Standoff from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be at the White Calf Hall on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
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