November 18, 2014

By Obituaries on November 18, 2014.

.1920 ~ EDWARDS ~ 2014
Dr. Jack Edwards of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Margaret Edwards, passed away on Sunday, November 9th, 2014 at the age of 93 years. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Canon D. Gene Packwood officiating. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.1932 ~ FRANKO ~ 2014
Walter Orest Franko, beloved husband of Doris Franko of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, November 16th, 2014 at the age of 81 years. Walter leaves to cherish his memory two children, Dale (Cindi) Franko and Diane (Murray) Morton and their families. The Funeral Service will be held at VICTORY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2793 Southview Drive SE, on Friday, November 21st, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Diaconal Minister Lila deWaal officiating. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Walter Franko. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.1935 ~ JOHNSON ~ 2014
Robert Gordon Johnson, beloved husband of Loretta Johnson of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12th, 2014 at the age of 79 years. A Celebration of Bob’s Life was held yesterday at the SAAMIS CREEKSIDE CENTRE with Gary W. Goran officiating. Memorial gifts in Bob’s memory may be made to The Arthritis Society or to the Charity of One’s Choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bob Johnson. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.1942 ~ HAGEL ~ 2014
Francis “Frank” Hagel of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Judy Hagel, passed away on Saturday, November 15th, 2014 at the age of 72 years. Frank leaves to cherish his memory his son, Darrel (Melissa) Hagel of Penticton, British Columbia; three grandsons, Emmanuel, Henry and Elliott; four brothers, Clarence (Arlene) Hagel, Tony (Bea) Hagel, Ben (Elaine) Hagel and Patrick (Kim) Hagel; three sisters, Frances (Bill) Chevrier, Marie Myerchin, and Sister Victoria Hagel; along with many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Judy, Frank was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Lena Hagel; two brothers, Father Paul Hagel and Father Len Hagel; and two sisters, Millie Lynch and Sister Virginia Hagel. Frank was born on August 16th, 1942 in Schuler, Alberta. He was raised on the farm until the age of 14 when his parents moved into Medicine Hat. In the late 70’s he married Judy after returning from years of world travels. They settled in Redcliff before moving to Medicine Hat. Frank apprenticed as an electrician and refrigeration mechanic and over his career worked across Alberta on many chemical and power plants. In his spare time Frank was an avid skier, handy man and assisted his brother farming in Schuler. Frank was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Redcliff and later St. Patrick’s in Medicine Hat. He also did a great deal of volunteer work as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Wednesday, November 19th, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 238 – 2nd Avenue NW on Thursday, November 20th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Friends are invited to a Reception in the Parish Hall following the interment service. Memorial gifts in Frank’s memory may be made out to the Alzheimer Society (Palliser Region), 401D – 3rd Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0G8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Frank Hagel. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Wednesday around 11:35 a.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.1989 ~ LUST ~ 2014
Kirby Austin Lust passed away Saturday, November 8th, 2014 at the age of 25 years. He used every ounce of his bullfighter strength to try to come back to his family and friends after the accident. Kirby is survived by the pride of his life, his son, Ryder Oczkowski; his parents, Kim and Shelly Lust; brother, Tyrone Lust (fiancé, Ava Stasiuk); girlfriend, Amber Hartman; grandfather, Glen Lust (Shirley Vossler); grandmother, Shirley Traxel; aunts, Gail (Marty) Eastman, Rochelle Traxel; uncle, Darcy Traxel; god parent, Elaine Erb; Amber’s mom, Rose (Tommy) Harbison; and Amber’s brother, Cody Hartman. Kirby will also be missed by a multitude of friends and extended family. Kirby was greeted in Heaven by his grandmother, Bonita (Bonnie) Lust; grandfather, Gordon Traxel; cousin, Jason Webber; godparent, Ralph Erb; and amigos, Blaine Nittel and Dallas “Hillbilly” Hillman. Kirby attended Seven Persons School from ECS to grade 9, and graduated from Eagle Butte High School in 2007 (with the help of some very special people – you know who you are!). Kirby was involved in the Seven Persons 4-H Club and Karate club in his youth. He was always involved in the farm with the animals and doing chores. He worked for several people including Bill Watson, TLC Farms, Fort MacLeod Auction, Pincher Creek area farmers, and in the oil patch at Norris Cat Services, Savana Drilling, Baron Oilfields, Tornado Projects Ltd, BYZ and at the time of his death Cactus Well Service. Kirby’s interests were hanging with his friends, helping when asked, hunting, riding and roping, and of course his passion, the rodeo and bulls; either riding or fighting them. He was excited and proud to be part of the rodeo family. Respect is earned and Kirby did just that with whomever and whatever he did. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Kirby’s memory may be made at the Servus Credit Union, Member #11914512, in trust for his son, Ryder. The Funeral Service will be held at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Grounds, Pavilion (use Field House Entrance), 2055 – 21st Avenue SE, on Thursday, November 20th, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Barrett Scheske officiating. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Kirby Lust. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Wednesday around 11:35 a.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.BRUCE WIDDIS
June 18, 1933 ~ November 15, 2014
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bruce Widdis, beloved husband of the late Elaina Widdis, at the St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Saturday, November 15, 2014. His memory will be forever cherished by his son, Don Widdis; daughters, Deb Widdis and Bonnie (Kirk) Ewasechko; six grandchildren: Jaubron and Broyce Widdis, Katarina, Kari, Krista and Kate Ewasechko; sisters, Doris (Gordon) Dunn and Marlene Barrie; mother-in-law, Hazel Boylan; in-laws, Janet Sharpe, Rodger (Marj) Boylan, Gwen (Ed) Hammel, Patti (Carl) Jaindl and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Iona; father-in-law, Roy Boylan; brother, Gordon and brother-in-law, Phil Barrie. Bruce was born and raised in the Sceptre area, where he also met and married his loving wife of 51 years. While raising a family, he farmed and worked for Boylan Electric until 1972 when they relocated to Burstall. He bought grain for Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and he and Elaina taught dance lessons in the surrounding area. In 1997, they moved to Medicine Hat in order to enjoy more time with their grandchildren. Working at the Lawn Shop fulfilled a need to “fix things” and became the hub of his social life, as well as his regular meetings with his “coffee buddies”. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. A special thank you to Dr. Tom Mohanraj and staff for their compassionate care and friendship. A Celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 20, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Bruce’s name may be made directly to Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation (Palliative Care Unit), 666 – 5th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6 or to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

.FREDERICK DEE
1932 ~ 2014
With sadness the family of Mr. Frederick Melvin Dee, beloved husband of Mrs. Lillian Dee, announce his passing while at the St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice on Sunday, November 16, 2014, at the age of 82 years. Further announcements will follow upon completion of the arrangements. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

.GEORGE KLEIN

November 3, 1914 ~ November 15, 2014

Mr. George Klein, beloved husband of 70 years to Mrs. Josephine Klein, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the remarkable age of 100 years. George was born November 3, 1914 on the farm near Krupp, Saskatchewan. He was the fourth of nine children born to proud parents, George and Elizabeth (nee Reiger) Klein. A strong work ethic was instilled in him at a young age as he began working on the family farm until he married the love of his life, Josephine Hellman on October 23, 1944. It was then that George left the family farm and took over the Hicke farm at Linacre. A short time later, they purchased the existing farm near Liebenthal. He was well known in the surrounding communities and his help was always available. George was Mr. Fix-it and the local welder if you needed anything done. He had a passion for life and dearly loved his wife, family and friends, ensuring the door was always open to welcome anyone who came. George especially enjoyed music as it was a part of thier family life from a young age. He taught himself how to play the violin, accordion and piano, and even played for local dances in his early years. There was always music in the house. If George wasn’t playing an instrument himself, he would be listening to an album from his huge collection. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, watching the daily televised Mass and special times spent with family and friends. In 1970, they made the move to Medicine Hat where they have resided ever since. As a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, he was involved with the church choir and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Family was of the utmost importance to him and he felt blessed to celebrate his 100th birthday with his immediate family! Along with his loving wife, Josephine, left to cherish George’s memory are his children: Diana (Joe) Reeves, Dennis (Bev) Klein, Peggy Klein, Marilyn (Harj) Hari, Gerard (Lori) Klein; grandchildren: Greg (Tani) Klein, Josh Hari, Bretton Hari, Amanda Klein, Cameron Klein; great-grandchildren: Mila Klein, Oscar Klein; sister, Anne (Joe) Cox as well as sister-in-law, Kati Klein. He was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth (1937) and father, George (1951); sisters: Julia (Ben) Hicke, Theresa (Frank) Kambeitz, Margaret (Wendell) Laturnus; brothers: Ben (Elizabeth), Linus (Kati), Tony (Rose) and Father Kasper OMI. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to Vigil Prayers which will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, November 20, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be offered at the church starting one hour prior to the Funeral Mass which will be concelebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 238 – 2 Avenue N.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, November 21, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Philip Le and Father Tomy Manjaly celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in George’s name may be made directly to the Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic, c/o 666 – 5th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6 or to the charity of your choice. Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.

.HANK SLOFSTRA
1937 ~ 2014
Mr. Hank Slofstra, beloved husband of Mrs. Lena Slofstra, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the age of 76 years. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, November 20, 2014, between 11:00 a.m. and 12 Noon with interment following at Hillside Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to attend. The Funeral Service will be held at the Christian Reformed Church, 300 Primrose Drive S.E., Medicine Hat on Thursday, November 20, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor George Koopmans officiating. (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.

.NANCY SMART
1951 ~ 2014
With heavy hearts the family of Nancy Anne Smart announce her peaceful passing at the St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the age of 63 years. Nancy will be remembered by her daughter, Paula (Glenn) Bromley and the grandchildren she admired and cherished, Matt and Dawson; a sister, Arlene (Ed) Yee of Swift Current, Sask.; step-mother, Esther Dahl of Swift Current and her children. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Helen Dahl. As per Nancy’s wishes, no formal servide will be held. Her life will be honoured on a bright, sunny day in the spring with a gathering of family, friends and furry pets and will be announced accordingly. Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Nancy’s name may be made directly to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive, S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

.SHELLEY BURR
1962 ~ 2014
Shelley Burr, beloved wife of Gary Burr, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the age of 52 years. Further announcements will follow upon completion of the arrangements. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

.WOODMAN
Debbie Ann Woodman passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at the age of 56 years, beloved wife of Deryk Woodman of Medicine Hat. She also leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Alecia (Vaughn) Marshall and their children, Parker, Paiten and Penley; Courtnie (Jared) Brusky; Chelsie (Jordan) Gobin. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre (Medicine Hat Regional Hospital) c/o 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Debbie Woodman, 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