June 23, 2016

By Obituaries on June 23, 2016.

1926 ~ TSCHRITTER ~ 2016

Otto Tschritter of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Adeline Tschritter, passed away on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 at the age of 89 years. Otto leaves to cherish his memory four children, Donna (David) Green, Linda (Loran) Irving, Glenn (Debbie) Tschritter and Terry (Debbie) Tschritter and their families. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Otto Tschritter. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed by
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

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1935 ~ PIEHL ~ 2016

Edna Mae Piehl (nee Brown) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Wednesday, June 15th, 2016 at the age of 80 years. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at FIFTH AVENU MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH. Memorial gifts in Edna's memory may be made to St. Joseph's Home Carmel Hospice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Edna Piehl. 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

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ALOYSIUS 'AL' DIRK

June 3, 1932 ~ June 21, 2016

Understanding of Al’s decision to let his chronic illness follow through to its conclusion, and with gratitude, the family of Aloysius “Al” Barnabas Charles Dirk announce his passing at the St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at the age of 84 years. Like so many Medicine Hatter’s, Al was born in Saskatchewan on June 3, 1932, at Prelate to be exact, to John and Ermelia “Erma” (nee Volk). Though moving with his family to various small towns in that province as well as a staying a short time in Kelowna, British Columbia, Al eventually came to call Medicine Hat in South Eastern Alberta his hometown. Sixth of eight siblings, Al was born after five sisters: Mary (Frank) Rissling, Katherine “Kay” (Frank) Tarnoczi, Anne (Jack) Marshall, Rose (Arnie) Hall and Theresa “Terry” (Mike) Wickenheiser. Even so, they all came to look up to him as their big brother with his well loved sister, Kay continuing to hold him in that regard. Lorraine (Cameron “Cob”) Bliss, his one younger sister, predeceased him. Jerome (Dianne) Dirk, his only and younger brother, also survives him. Having so many sisters and brothers who married and started their own families meant Al also became an uncle to a plethora of nieces and nephews; many, we daresay, coming to regard him as their favourite. Al met Jeanne (nee Svihura) and they were married on May 3, 1958, thus celebrating their fifty-eighth Anniversary together. In addition to all those wonderful years, their marriage meant Al gained a brother-in-law, Ed Svihura, and a sister-in-law Mary Ann ”Merc” (Peter) Weigel, the latter becoming especially cherished, owing to her evolving friendship and assistance as his health declined. Al not only had a partner for life in Jeanne, but with such a large number of relations, all of whom loved to play cards, ready competitors for a pastime he loved most dearly. Foursomes met at one another's houses nearly every weekend to enjoy all sorts of games. However, Al came to enjoy Bridge the most, finding all aspects stimulating though relishing even more the camaraderie. He especially enjoyed annual New Year's Eve tournaments, begrudgingly interrupted at midnight for a short celebration and then eagerly resumed until the wee hours of the morning. Al and Jeanne were also blessed to become parents to five children: Marcel (Andrea) Dirk, Douglas “Doug” (Bonnie) Dirk, Roger (Carol) Dirk, Kathleen “Kathy” Dirk, and Lynnette (Bruce Downie) Dirk. To all of them, he was a wonderful father and father-in-law, earning their respect for instilling and demonstrating strong, liberal values; allowing their own choices in life and accepting them, and more than anything else, possessing and passing on a wide ranging sense of humour, whether it be delivering jokes or unleashing good natured joshings. Al and Jeanne also became grandparents to two grandchildren; Emmalee Dirk and Pierson Dirk. For the former, grandpa extended his lunch hour or shortened his work day on Mondays and Fridays to babysit her along with Jeanne. For the latter, Papa Al crafted rocking horses and other toys as well as providing woodworking tools to encourage a young fellow's hammering, nailing, screwing and sawing. Largely on account of his approval of providing opportunities and experiences for his own children, Al always volunteered to instruct and encourage many others. Perhaps the highlight was his leading involvement in the Cub car races. Not only did he assist young builders to craft cars out of blocks of wood but he also constructed the track they raced on and officiated, with the help of his wife and daughters, the annual rally. Though he never sought any sort of credit for efforts, he undoubtedly deserved some for the inspiration and joy provided over the years to all those youngsters. Al also was a volunteer at St. Mary's Catholic Church, singing in the choir and serving on its Building Committee, and with the Knights of Columbus, assisting at Bingo’s and penny carnivals. In his later years, he undertook delivering Meals On Wheels, a volunteer activity combined with his enjoyment of driving. Habitat for Humanity also benefited from his willingness to help as he employed his carpentry skills to contribute to more than one of their projects. Those self-acquired skills as an exceptional finishing carpenter were the hallmarks of his working life. Starting in the trade before there was any notion of pre-fabs, he was an expert cabinet maker. Very few could eye a four-by-eight sheet and without measuring twice, but only cutting once turn it into the necessary components for a set of kitchen cupboards or a bathroom vanity. Many of Medicine Hat homes likely still contain Al Dirk’s handiwork as it was built to last. Al also was an exceptionally quick worker. Without braggadocio, he could complete a house's interior long before his contemporaries. That work ethic led many construction firms and homebuilders to seek him out as their finish carpenter of choice, not just for the houses they were building for the market but also as their dream homes. The appreciation from them for a job well done meant a lot to Al; the friendships established with folks who wanted him for their projects meant even more. Though he often complained about the aches and pains created by a career in sawdust and bemoaned how much he detested renovations, he always said putting in the smallest upgrade would inevitably lead to a complete makeover. When he finished any job, he was truly proud of the great work he had done. Indeed, in his retirement, though he thought he was done with his tools, he could not stop using the band saw and sander in his garage, making those wooden toys and now puzzles for his own grandchildren and many others for relatives and friends children with the same attention to detail. This summation of his life's activities would likely leave Al uncomfortable for he always thought of himself as just an average guy. However, we, the surviving wife, sons, and daughters of Al Dirk, want to leave this short, written record of the truly wonderful accomplishments of a big brother, devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather, unselfish volunteer and hardworking man. Let history recognize more of his sort. Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, June 24, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Father Albert Sayson celebrant. The interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Al may do so through a donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2H 0G5. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at 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

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ELIZARDO

It is with great sadness, that we the family of Maria Anna Elizardo, announce the passing of our sweet Mother and Grandmother on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at the age of 88 years, beloved wife of the late Antonio Elizardo. She will be greatly missed by her six children, Grace (Manuel) Botelho of Medicine Hat, Tony (Bev) Elizardo of Calgary, Walter (Sherry) Elizardo , Alzira (Paul) Goodberry all of Medicine Hat, Margaret Walker (Daryl Work) of Nanaimo and Elaine (James) Getz of Medicine Hat; twelve grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, one brother, two sisters as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Maria and Manuel do Rego; her husband Antonio on July 23, 1976; four brothers and sisters and one granddaughter Tina Maria Elizardo on December 9, 2005. Maria was born on October 30, 1927 in Furnas, Sao Miguel Azores, Portugal. She married Antonio Elizardo in Portugal in 1948. Father immigrated to Canada in 1954, and Mother followed with three children, in 1959. Family was everything to our Mother and her love shone through in all that she did. Mother maintained her Portuguese heritage through her cooking and baking, working through many long nights preparing her Masa (sweet bread) that she took pride in preparing, especially at Christmas and Easter, passing these traditions on to her daughters so that they may never be forgotten. Mother was a devoted Catholic to her last breath. She was a courageous spirit, full of love, life and laughter. She loved to tell stories about her homeland, many of them being very animated and humorous. Mother loved to dance and play cards with her friends and family; she loved to garden and work in her flower beds; she never sat still, right to the end. Many beautiful crochetedain doilies were created by her until her vision no longer allowed it. Family was her life and we will miss her immensely until we meet again. 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 9:30 – 10:25 a.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 2nd Ave N.E.) on Friday, June 24, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Tomy Manjaly celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation, 39 Somerset Dale SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 0G9. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Maria Elizardo, 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

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HIRCH

Lilli Hirch (nee Ochsner) went to meet her savior and be reunited with loved ones on June 17, 2016. Lilli, born on March 25, 1929 in Sarighol, Romania, was the eldest child of Oskar and Lydia Ochsner. She married her husband Otto on May 3, 1952, settling in Bow Island, where they farmed and raised a family together. Lilli was active in church, particularly in educational settings such as teaching Sunday school and Pioneer Girls. In her later years, she volunteered at the hospital by leading hymn sings. She was a witness to everyone who met her, leading others to Christ, and being an example of how a Christian should live, serve, and love others.
Lilli is predeceased by her parents, Oskar and Lydia, her husband Otto, one daughter Eva, a grandson Jesse, and sister Hildegard Bauer. She is survived by her children Dan (Cindy), Norris (Kristene), Loralee (Randy) and Roz; seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; three brothers, Harry (Sheila) Ochsner, Helmut (Ruth) Ochsner and Erwin (Sylvia) Ochsner; one brother-in-law Marvin Bauer as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held in the Bow Island Evangelical Free Church (214 4th Ave West) on Friday, June 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Bow Island Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the South Country Village 1720 Bell Street SW, Medicine Hat, T1A 5G1. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Lilli Hirch, 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

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