September 25, 2013

By Obituaries on September 25, 2013.

.1951 ~ PLUNKETT ~ 2013
Mrs. Shirley Ann Plunkett, beloved wife of Mr. Daniel Plunkett of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, September 18th, 2013 at the age of 61 years. Shirley also leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Brandie (Mark) Lucas; one step-son, Chad Collins; three grandchildren, Garrett, Jaden, and Chayse; five brothers, Norman Scherer, Robert “Fuzzy” Both, David (Betty) Both, Roy Both, and Harvey (Leia) Turner; three sisters, Sharon Adams (Ron), Maxine Darbel, and Lori Turner (Rolly); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her father, Frank Both; her mother, Viola Turner; her step-father, Harold Turner; and one sister, Judy “Tootsie” Both. Shirley lived and worked in Medicine Hat all of her life. At the age of 14, she began working for her mother’s restaurant in the Assiniboia Inn. Anyone who remembers Shirley knows she was a friendly, loving person and will be missed by her many family and friends in Canada and England. The Funeral Service will be held in SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Friday, September 27th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Interment will follow in the Family Plot at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or http://www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Shirley Plunkett. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Thursday around 12:35 p.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.ANDREW MICHAEL WAGMAN
It is with sad hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Andrew Wagman at the age of 90 years.
Andy was born November 10, 1922 on the family farm near Burstall, Saskatchewan and passed away September 18, 2013 at the Western Senior Citizens Home in Leader.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years Monica, in 2006, son Patrick in 1975, sister Vera Deringer, brother Raymond, three siblings in infancy and sons-in law Malcom Cocks, and Delmer Eckert.
Andy leaves behind 10 children: Sylvia (George) Steinke, Gene (Debbie), Annabelle (Brian) Wenzel, Roberta (Wayne) Windrum, Don (Pat), Inez Cocks, Vic (Karen), Dave (Karri), Marion (Randy) Ausmus, Andy Lee, and numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren; three sisters, Kay Deringer, Rose Schmidt, Nellie Bitz; sisters-in-law Jean Russell, Antoinette James, Edith Marte, Anne Marte, Grace Marte, and brother-in-law Ted Marte.
Andrew was a historian, a lover of auction sales and a collector of antiques; he enjoyed conversing with people and was a great story teller. He loved to travel the country side and would share in great detail his knowledge of days gone by, giving information on the families who farmed the vast landscape over the years. Andrew, otherwise known as Dad, Papa, Great Papa, Brother, Uncle, and friend will be greatly missed.
The funeral service was held Monday, Sept 23rd at Little Flower Catholic Church in Leader with Fr. Hoang Nguyen and Deacon Bob Williston officiating. Prayers were said Sunday evening with Deacon Bob Williston officiating. The Cross Bearer was Colton Wagman. Pallbearers were Cory Wenzel, Kent Steinke, Chance Cocks, Brady Wagman, Dustin Wenzel and Nicholas Wagman. The eulogy was read by Roberta Windrum and Andylee Wagman. Readings and prayers were presented and led buy Zane Ausmus, Kris Keast, Holly Wagman and Jody Eckert. Offeratory Gifts were presented by Lacy Strutt, Brandi Peterson and Jill Windrum. Special music, “The Three Bells”, was sung by Clarabell Wenzel.
Andy was taken to his final resting place in Leader Cemetery and placed beside Monica aboard his wagon pulled by his Oliver Cleat Track in a private family ceremony.
Binkley’s Funeral Service Maple Creek & Leader in charge of arrangements 306-662-2292

.GWEN ANNE FRASER (LEWIS)
January 25, 1958 – September 18, 2013
On September 18, 2013 Gwen Fraser passed away peacefully at the St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice
in Medicine Hat, AB at the age of 55. Beloved wife of Art Fraser, Gwen leaves to cherish her memory three children: Matthew (Jackie), Lisa (Chris), and Joseph (Brandy); and five grandchildren: KC, Jasmine, Avaya, Alyssa, Maximus and one on the way. Gwen is also survived by her sister, Wendy (Dwayne) Cobler; and brother, Eric Lewis; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Phyllis Lewis. Gwen was born in Fredericton, NB, and moved with her family to Swift Current, SK in 1974, where she met Art in 1977. In 1978 they embarked on a journey to Medicine Hat where she had spent her last 35 years. She had many interests including figure skating, snowmobiling, skiing, scuba diving, bowling, ceramics and collecting antiques. She loved taking photos, fishing, camping, music, dancing and the company of her family and friends. Gwen had a special love for her grandchildren who brought her much joy. She will be truly missed by all those who loved and knew her. Gwen’s family invites you to celebrate her life at Temple Baptist Church, 606 – 7th Street SW, on Tuesday, October 1st, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Marcel Mitchell officiating. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8. Condolences may be sent to http://www.saamis.com or http://www.gonebutnotfogotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading: Gwen Fraser. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.IRENE FRIESZ
1934 ~ 2013
Mrs. Irene Pauline Friesz, beloved wife of the late Mr. Walter Friesz, passed away peacefully at the Carmel Hospice, St. Joseph’s Home in Medicine Hat on Sunday, September 22, 2013, at the age of 79 years. Irene was born February 5, 1934, in rural Saskatchewan, a daughter to John and Jacobina Bauer. She was raised on the family farm and attended a little country school called Newport School. Once she finished school, Irene briefly moved to Medicine Hat where she worked for a short time in produce. She met Walter Friesz and were later married on November 29, 1952. They started their lives together working with each on the family farm west of Golden Prairie. Life on the farm would span over thirty years before retiring to Medicine Hat in 1987. Irene enjoyed gardening, playing cards and was an excellent cook. She also enjoyed the company of her family – especially the grandkids! Not long ago, Irene basked in the company of new great-grandbabies and she beamed with pride. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and will be cherished in the hearts of her children: Larry (Barb), Wayne (Jacque), Sandy (Kelly) and Barry; special friend, Edward Stock; 12 grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren; 2 sisters, Hertha and Maggie and a brother, Ken (Elaine) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again one hour prior to the service. The Funeral Service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 26, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Barrett Scheske officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Irene’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8. Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.

.JOHN BACHMEIER
1925 ~ 2013
John Joseph Bachmeier passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the age of 88 years, peacefully in his residential bed in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He was born on May 11, 1925 on the Leader, Saskatchewan homestead. John will be sorrowfully missed by his children, Shirley (Brian) of Kootenay Lake, B.C., Pamela Jean (Dan) of Kootenay Lake, B.C., Wayne (Lana) of Medicine Hat, Connie (Darrell) of Medicine Hat, Kelly (Lynn) of Medicine Hat as well as 10 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren. John was predeceased by his wife, Mary in 1993 and son Neil in 2013. Throughout John’s life, he was known as a hardworking, successful farmer in Saskatchewan and Alberta and was gainfully employed in other careers. In John’s later life, even though he endured much bodily pain, he chose to be compassionate and loving towards those around him. A Celebration of John’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 St. S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with the Very Reverend Father Long Vu officiating. A time of fellowship will follow in the Cook Southland Reception Center. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.

.SIMON
Kelly Blake Simon of Bow Island passed away suddenly near Bow Island on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at the age of 50 years, beloved son of Dorothy and Louis Simon. Kelly was predeceased by his brothers Terry and David Simon, grandparents Julia and Albert Renschler and Emilia and Louis Simon, Aunts Joan Mezei, Joan Renschler and Uncle Doug Renschler. Kelly is survived by three sisters and four brothers, Karen (Martin) LePrieur of Medicine Hat, Curtis Simon of Edmonton, Tamara (Stephen) Lewis of Edmonton, Lori Simon of Edmonton, Lorne “Buddy” Simon of Whitla, Robin (Maggie) Simon of Medicine Hat, Ron (Shanon) Simon of Dunmore; nieces and nephews, Amy Jo (Kurt) Johnson, Louis LePrieur, Kelsey, Marissa and Nicholas Lewis and Devin, Jaxson and Kian Simon; his great niece and nephew, Ariyanna and Keatyn Johnson. Kelly was a gentle giant. Farming was his life. From the age of two he was with dad on the tractor, every day, all day. Kelly graduated from Lethbridge Community College with a diploma in Agriculture and then came back to the farm to try to show dad how to farm! Kelly loved teasing his nieces and nephews and was always playing a trick on someone. He loved a good water fight, especially with his mom. Kelly was always ordering the latest “gotta have it item” off the internet and of course would always order an extra one for mom. Kelly loved stopping in to rest, nap or chat with mom and dad aka (the big boss, as referred to by Kelly). Kelly loved “coffee” with his friends. On any given morning you could find him at Bobby’s Bar, The Co-op Bulk Fuel Store or Whiskey Creek. He appreciated a good game of poker and played weekly for the past 30 years with the same group offriends. He recently found enthusiasm for bingo and has always had a passion for golf. If you were his friend, or his neighbor or family the Gentle Giant would always be there if you needed him. He would drop anything and make sure he would do whatever he could for you at any time. Please feel free to come to the funeral dressed casual. Kelly would appreciate that. A United Church Funeral Service, with Pastor Sheila McLeod, will be held in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A private family interment service will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT and Nunavut #124 – 430 6th Ave. SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2S8. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Kelly Simon,or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence. Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2