July 7, 2016
By Obituaries on July 7, 2016.
1924 ~ SOMMERSTAD ~ 2016
Wilma "Florence" Sommerstad of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late George Sommerstad, passed away on Saturday, July 2nd, 2016 at the age of 92 years. A Come and Go will be held at SAAMIS CREEKSIDE CENTRE, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Thursday, July 7th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran 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 ~ WARNE ~ 2016
Stuart Murray Warne died peacefully in his sleep at home on July 2, 2016, at 84 years of age. He is survived by his daughters Janis, Shirley, Patricia, and Carolyn; brothers Donald, Reginald (Sharon and family), Douglas (Marilyn and family); sisters Margaret Kuhl and family, Arlene Barker (Murray and family); sister-in-law, Laura; and his partner of 11 years, Doris Smethhurst. He is predeceased by his parents, Ida and James; his brother, Barclay; and his beloved wife of 47 years, Marilyn (neé Reesor).
Stuart was born March 1, 1932, in Calgary, Alberta, the son of a Canadian Pacific Railroad superintendent and roadmaster. His family eventually moved to Medicine Hat, and after attending Medicine Hat High School, Stuart hired on with CP as a steam locomotive fireman. Stuart loved steam engines, and often said being a fireman was the best job he ever had. When diesel replaced steam engines, he went to work at the Medicine Hat power plant. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Reesor, on September 5, 1953. Together they raised their four daughters, and Stuart always enjoyed taking them swimming, skating, camping and fishing.
He eventually changed careers and began working at the Medicine Hat News in 1970, where he ultimately became sales manager, retiring in 1992 after 22 years of service. He enjoyed his retirement years, relaxing at home and travelling with Marilyn, fishing, hunting and riding his horse, Skeeter, and making wine with his friend, George Wilcox. Before and after retirement, Stuart contributed to the community, notably as a member of the boards of the Cypress Club (where he served as President), the Alberta Motor Association and the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede.
Always adventurous, in 2002, at the age of 69, after Marilyn’s death, he went to New Zealand for three months, working as a farmhand on two cattle, sheep and deer stations, where he rounded up livestock from mountain tops, sheered sheep, and generally took part in every aspect of New Zealand country life. Just after his 70th birthday, while touring the country on his own, he went bungee jumping, rode a jet boat and went sky-diving, all in one day. Not long after returning from this trip, he met Doris, and they became close companions. On one of their trips to Cuba, for his 75th birthday he went swimming with dolphins, one of whom took him on a ride across the lagoon. Stu kept his composure and said that riding a dolphin was almost as fun as riding Skeeter.
Although he had slowed down in later years, Stu was still active, going to his “cowboy breakfasts” every Saturday morning, his Wednesday lunches with friends and out for dinner with Doris on a regular basis.
The Funeral Service will be held at FIFTH AVENUE MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH, 476 – 4 Street SE, on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Chelsea Masterman officiating. Interment will take place at St. Margaret’s Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Stuart’s memory may be made to the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation, Day Hospital Program, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6, or to the Alzheimer’s Society, #201, 770 – 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4J6. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Stuart Warne. 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
ANDREAS
Phillip “Phil” Peter Andreas, beloved husband of Victoria Andreas of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at the age of 83 years, with his family by his side. He also leaves to cherish his memory six children, Clara (Joe) Torscher, Marlene (Kieth) Heck, Paul (Laura) Andreas, Colleen (Gary) Getz, Lanette Andreas and Sharon (Dean) Burrows; his grandchildren, Nicole (Cody) and their children Alexis and Caden; Michael, Renee, Andrew, Brent (Megan), Trevor, Melissa, Angela, Tyler, Matthew (Valerie) and their children, Kadence and Hunter; Damon, Violet, Jennifer, Rebecca, Ryan, Ashley, as well as his brother-in-law Edward Friesen, six brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Cecilia and Joe Andreas and one sister Marie “Lorna” Friesen. Phillip was born on a farm near Lancer, Saskatchewan. He grew up on a ranch south of Glidden, Saskatchewan, bordering on the South Saskatchewan river. He married Victoria Schell on July 3, 1957. They lived on the ranch until 1963, when they and their two daughters moved to a farm near Madison, Saskatchewan. Here they added four more children to their family. They semi retired from farming in 1997, when they moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta where they lived for 19 years. While living in Medicine Hat they made many new friends besides the friends they already had. Phillip was a loving husband and father. He loved animals especially horses and his dogs. Although he farmed land, he was always adding to his herd of cattle. Due to the location of his farm, he was always willing to assist with roundup and keep a watchful eye on the herds at the PFRA (Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Association). He eventually sold thecattle and horses before he and Victoria moved to Medicine Hat. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Thursday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 12 noon – 12:55 p.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Thursday at 7:00p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Philip Le celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & NU, 100 – 119 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 . To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Phil Andreas, 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
HELENE TARNASKY
1935 ~ 2016
It is with sadness that the family of Helene Tarnasky announce her passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Sunday, July 3, 2016, at the age of 80 years. Helene was the beloved wife of Raymond Tarnasky; mother of Barry Tarnasky and Joyce (Rick) Hyde and grandmother to Cyndra. She is also survived by numerous extended family and many friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Elsie; father, Joe; brother, Joe and grandson, Richard. Helene was very involved in the 5 Pin Association and spent countless hours donating her time for them, something she enjoyed immensely. She was a real people person with a caring, fun-loving way about her. Helene was always a pillar of strength for her family and she loved spending time with them all, especially her granddaughter, Cyndra. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who knew her. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, July 7, 2016, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. A celebration of Helene’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Friday, July 8, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. A time of fellowship will follow immediately thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, donations in memory of Helene may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 124, 430 – 6 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
SAWATZKY
Joyce Adair Sawatzky passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016, at the age of 62 years, beloved wife of Dan Sawatzky of Redcliff. She also leaves to cherish her memory three children, Kelly (Tanya) Sawatzky of Sexsmith, Alberta, Tara (Paul) Walters and Kaylea Sheppard (Jason Soloman) all of Redcliff; six grandchildren, Bayden, Trenyn, Aiden, Daxtyn, Korri-Dawn and Gracee; her mother Lola Flexhaug of Raymond, Alberta; two brothers Chris (Cathy) Flexhaug and Kim (Sandy) Flexhaug as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Alvin Flexhaug and two sisters, Roxanne Sawatzky and Jennifer Hammel. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & NU, 100 – 119 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Medicine Hat and District Branch 102 73 7th Street SE, Medicine Hat. T1A 1J2. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Joyce Sawatzky, 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
SCHLENKER
Gladys (Rath) Schlenker of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Elmer Andrew Schlenker, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the age of 84 years. She will be dearly missed by her daughter Marilyn (Jim) Gill; son Gary (Jo) Schlenker, both of Medicine Hat; daughter Janice (Clay) Wilson of Cranbrook, B.C.; and daughter Carla (Reese) Klaiber of Medicine Hat; nine grandchildren, Kevin (Richelle) Gill, Amanda Schlenker (Robert Schmidt), Melissa Schlenker (Jason Schmidt), Lane, Taylor and Carlie Wilson, Morgan, Hayden and Autumn Klaiber; three great grandchildren, Brayden and Jayce Gill, Katie Schmidt; one sister Verna (William) Stuber; one brother Marvin (Ruth) Rath and one sister-in-law Jean (Lawrence) Pfeifer as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Fred and Emma (Rieger) Rath. Gladys was born on December 13, 1931 in Medicine Hat and was raised on the family farm in the Tothill area southeast of Medicine Hat. Gladys attended Gros Ventre School and worked very hard on the family farm. On November 30, 1951, Gladys married Elmer Schlenker. Together they farmed, ranched, and raised four children, and with hard work and determination expanded their place. Gladys took much pride in the farm and her home. She was well known for her delicious German cooking, huge branding meals, and baking thousands of Kuchen at the Irvine New Horizons Club. A big part of her life was bowling for 30 years in league, as well as being a long time member of the Co-op Women’s Guild, Women of Unifarm, the Elkwater Community Association, and Westminster United Church. Gladys and Elmer retired from farming to Medicine Hat in 1981. Together they enjoyed camping, travelling, and gardening. She always enjoyed her many coffee groups around town, and will forever be remembered by her grandchildren for her chocolate bar stash. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the Westminster United Church (101 6th Street SE) on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Chelsea Masterman officiating. A private family interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Gladys Schlenker, 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
VERBRUGGE
Gerald Verbrugge of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2016, at the age of 61 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Gerald Verbrugge, 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
WOELFLE
Emil Woelfle passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at the age of 82 years, beloved husband of Gertrud Woelfle of Medicine Hat. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Society “Day Program” c/o 550 Spruce Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4P1. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Emil Woelfle, 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
