April 1, 2022
By Obituaries on April 1, 2022.
1921 – ETHEL 'MAY" SHERWIN – 2022 We sadly announce the passing of our mother May Sherwin beloved wife of the late Melville Sherwin, March 27, 2022, at the age of 101 years. She was born on the family farm in Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan on March 21, 1921. She leaves to cherish her memory son Dale Sherwin, daughters, Marilyn (Doug) Burke, Darlene (Vern) Hase, Hazel Maurer, and Dallas King, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, brother Richard (Doreen) Oakes, sisters, Grace Justus and Betty Panzer. She was predeceased by her husband Mel in 1994, daughter Velma McKay, daughter-in-law Louise Sherwin, son-in-law Rod King, granddaughter Daun Burke, parents Gladys and Gurley Oakes, brother Garrould Oakes and sister Dorothy Bloom. Mom enlisted in the Canadian Woman’s Army Core in 1942, serving four years including two in England and Holland during WWII, working first as a mechanic’s helper and then in a clerical position. She loved to share stories of her time in the army and made many lifelong friends during those years. She always looked forward to her Ex-Servicewomen’s reunions. On November 8, 1946, she married Melville Sherwin, a widower with three small children. Later they added three more daughters to the family. The family lived in Crane Valley, Saskatchewan where Mel taught school, moving to Wolseley, Saskatchewan in 1964 and finally to Medicine Hat in 1967. Over the years, Mom was active in many groups, including The Legion, Eastern Star, UCW, Explorer Leader, Sunday school teacher, MS Society, and Ex-Servicewomen among others. Mom enjoyed music, square-dancing, playing cards, curling, watching baseball, and playing bingo. She loved to travel and took many trips including those to Israel, Greece, Italy, England, France, an Alaskan Cruise, Canada’s east coast, many US states and to Holland in 2000 for the 55th Anniversary of VE Day. A special thank you to the caregivers at Good Samaritans. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu off flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: May Sherwin, 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
1928 ~ VIOLET ANHORN ~ 2022 Violet Anhorn of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, March 28th, 2022 at the age of 93 years. Violet leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Julie Anhorn of Coalhurst, AB; brother, Milton (Helen) Gill of British Columbia; grandchild, Kara Melgard of Edmonton; three nieces; and six nephews. Violet was predeceased by her parents, August and Emma Gill; daughter, Iona Melgard; sister, Ida Heeg; and nephew, Larry Heeg. Violet was born on May 6th, 1928 on a farm near Leader, SK. She was raised and attended school in Leader. Violet spent several years farming in the Leader area and working in Oyen. When Violet settled in Medicine Hat, she worked at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital until her retirement. Violet enjoyed puzzling, word search, gardening, cooking, and canning. A private family Graveside is taking place on Friday, April 1st, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Violet’s memorial page on the above date at 1:25 p.m. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Violet Anhorn. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
1932 ~ JOAN WIDMER ~ 2022 Joan Widmer (nee Wilson) passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on March 23rd, 2022, to be with her Lord, at the age of 90 years. Joan is lovingly remembered by her sons, Garth (Maureen) of Medicine Hat, Brent (Bernice) of Lamont, Warren (Debbie) of Sherwood Park, and Donald (Annette) of Medicine Hat; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Peterson of Edmonton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul, and numerous brothers and sisters in law. Joan was born to Herb and Marion Wilson on February 21, 1932 in Edmonton. She and her sister, Margaret, were raised on a farm near Killam. Joan went to school in Killam, high school in Sedgewick, and later went to McTavish Business College in Edmonton. While living in Edmonton, she met Paul Widmer. They were married January 6th, 1951 and settled on the Wilson Farm in Killam. In 1956, they moved to a farm west of Maple Creek. They then moved to Maple Creek in 1970 where Joan began working in the town’s office. Joan moved to Medicine Hat in 2009. She enjoyed her yard, the garden, her flowers, camping trips (especially in Cypress Hills Park). She loved her pets, socializing with her friends, going for lunch, Tim Horton’s runs, and going to dinner theatre. But mostly Joan loved her times with her grandchildren. Family and her faith were the most important things to her. A Celebration Joan’s life will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE T1A 1Z5 on Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Bob Church officiating. Family and friends that are unable to attend in person, are invited to join Joan’s service streamed live by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Joan’s memorial page on the above date at 1:55 pm. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Everyone is welcome to attend the interment that will take place at the Maple Creek Cemetery on Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Joan’s name can be made to the Maple Creek Salvation Army, 213 Jasper Street, Maple Creek, SK S0N 1N0. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Joan Widmer. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
1942 ~ LARRY DALEN ~ 2022 Larry Wayne Dalen of Fox Valley passed away on March 30, 2022 at the age of 79 years. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday morning at the church from 10:00 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. The funeral service will be held in the St. Paul Lutheran Church (515 Sprague Way SE) on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ken Edel officiating. Interment will follow in the Fox Valley Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Larry with a donation, may do so to TeleMiracle at: https://telemiracle.com/. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Larry Dalen, 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
1995 – BRIAN RIEGER – 2022 Brian James Rieger of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at the age of 26 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his parents Margaret and Floyd Rieger; his brother Blair Rieger (Brandy Halliwell) and their family. Brian was born in Brooks on April 17, 1995 and grew up Medicine Hat. He enjoyed playing hockey, travelling, camping, and he loved taking photos, but never of himself. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Monday, April 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, Pat Grisonich. The service will be live streamed, and family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to watch the service by searching for the Pattison Funeral Home Youtube page. The video will go live 10 minutes prior to service time and will remain on the youtube page for future viewing. Those who wish to remember Brian with a donation may do so to the local S.P.C.A. (55 Southwest Drive SW) or to “Halo” c/o Southern Alberta Medic Air Society (#12-1 Airport Drive SW – Please make cheques payable to Southern Alberta Medic Air Society). To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Brian Rieger, 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
DONALD VAIR July 3, 1948 – March 27, 2022
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Don on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Don enjoyed 41 plus years employed with various owners of Coca Cola in Medicine Hat. He started his career as a young boy sorting bottles, then on the truck delivering as he would say “the fine product of Coca Cola”, to Salesman and finally retiring as District Sales Manager. During this lengthy career he made many life long friends.
Don took to retirement, like a duck to water. It was then that he truly got value out of his golf membership. He looked forward every year to the two months during the winter that he and Dixie spent in Puerto Vallarta where he made many friends as well as his annual golf trip with the Wong families. Don would stop and talk to anyone whether it be around the pool, at a restaurant or on his daily walks. He enjoyed his “coffee groups both in Medicine Hat and Puerto Vallarta”. He use to tell everyone that if he didn’t know the answer, he would just make one up.
Don’s greatest joy was on the birth of his son Cody in 1988, and granddaughter Olivia in 2020. Anyone in his email address book received many pictures of Olivia, he was a such proud grandpa.
Don was predeceased by his parents Marie and Norman Vair; Dixie’s parents Ted and Irene Herman; sisters, Lillian Vair and Peggy Dase; brothers, Frank Vair, Ken Vair and Jim Vair; sisters-in-law Antonia Herman and Kathy (Odland) Herman, brother-in-law Bob Franzen.
Don will be dearly missed by his wife Dixie, his son and daughter-in-law Cody and Courtney Vair and his granddaughters Olivia and Brianna. Also left to mourn his passing are his siblings, Pat Franzen, Gloria Vair, Elaine Vair, Mike Dase, Tom and Diane Vair, Sue and Henry Seifried, Vicki and Tony Steidel; sisters and brothers-in-law; Dennis and Kathi Herman, Tom Herman, Bonnie Hartung, Jim and Renee Herman, Nolan Herman, Lois and Randy Beck; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Funeral Services will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. As Friday is opening day at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, the wishes of the family are that everyone wear golf and/or casual wear, as that was Don’s clothing of choice. The service will be live streamed, and family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to watch the service by searching for the Pattison Funeral Home Youtube page. The video will go live 10 minutes prior to service time and will remain on the youtube page for future viewing.
Anyone wishing to can make a donation to a very worthy organization: Covenant Health, St. Joseph’s Home, Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street NE, Medicine Hat T1A 5M1. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Don Vair, 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
GERALDINE SCHNIEDER OPALKA 1932 – 2022
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Geraldine Alice Schneider Opalka. Gerry passed away quietly on the morning of March 28th, 2022, leaving her family and friends with a wealth of wonderful memories. She was predeceased by her first husband Chesley Schneider and second husband William Opalka. Born April 16, 1932, in Gull Lake Saskatchewan to Florence and Harry Allen. Geraldine is survived by her sister Mary Louise Turgeon (Gerry Turgeon), son Brennan Schneider (Susan Schneider) and daughter Cindy Roberts (Tom Roberts); grandchildren, Jennifer Roberts, Jason Roberts, Zoë Schneider (Jonathan Vaughn), and Nickolas Schneider, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Bill’s nephew Darren, Rose Anne, and Hannah Rud, and niece Pam and Mike Hole.
Gerry’s kind smile and twinkling blue eyes were the first thing you would notice about her, followed by her deep kindness and affable nature. Gerry was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; taking joy in the moments spent with her family. Gerry was an artist and gardener; cultivating and creating beauty in everything she touched.
Her passion for nature led her and Ches to find a cabin in the Shuswaps of B.C. in 1975. The cabin was a place for her family and friends to join and connect with each other and nature. After Ches passed away and Gerry married William, the cabin welcomed him and his family as well. So many great memories were created there, with Gerry as the catalyst.
Gerry’s love of travel led her and Ches to Maui and Mexico, as well as countless road trips. Gerry and Bill explored Portugal and made many return trips to Arizona. She had a love of the plants and style of the Southwest. One of her favorite places to be was in her garden in the early morning, listening to the birds.
With her friends from knitting club, Gerry co-founded an artisan shop called Creative Hands in Medicine Hat in the 1980’s. Gerry loved her watercolour friends at the Strathcona Arts Studio. Her family cherishes her many watercolour paintings and cards. She was a long-time member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School and Explorer’s. Gerry’s quiet and strong faith saw her through life’s many ups and downs. She loved the quiet beauty of this world. We would like to thank the staff at River Ridge for the compassionate care Gerry received.
A private celebration of Gerry’s life will take place on her birthday at St. John’s Presbyterian church. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Geraldine Opalka, 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
PATRICIA KLATT Patricia “Pat” Ruth Klatt of Medicine Hat passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the age of 83 years. She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Lorraine (Miles) Constable, Dennis (Nancy) Beaupre, and Barbara Beaupre; two step children, Corrine (Mark) Watson and Shane (Jenn) Klatt; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Paul) and their children, Isabelle and Ewan; Heather, Krysta (Scott), Jessica, Stephanie, Justin, Caitlin and Greyson; one brother, David (Helen) Gulley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband David Doupe and her husband, Kenny Klatt; her parents, Violet and Arthur Gulley; and one brother, James Gulley. The funeral service will be announced in June. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Patricia Klatt, 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
SHIRLEY GUTFREUND
March 26, 1940 ~ March 27, 2022
Shirley Emily Gutfreund passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Good Samaritan Society in Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the age of 82 years. Shirley’s memory will be forever remembered in the hearts of her four children: John (Sherrie) Gutfreund and their children, Stefan (Kenzie) (and their children, Harlan and Oliver), Jerahmiah (Chey) and Matyna (Nicole); Jim (Holly) Gutfreund and their children, Emilymae and Owen; Susan (Benjamin) Sherburne and their furbabies, LT and Hoshi; and Valerie (Brian) Tobler and their children, Chelsea (Joel) (and their children, Charlie and Brynn), Branden and Tabetha; sister, Grace (Bill) Moore as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, John and her parents, Bill and Barbaretta Chisholm. Shirley was a member of the Maple Creek CWL for many years and attended Mass faithfully. She loved gardening and crafting but most of all, time spent with both friends family was very important to her. Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Prayers will be live streamed. Anyone wishing to experience the Vigil Prayers can visit http://www.cooksouthland.com and select the View Broadcast Button on the homepage at service time. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat, on Monday, April 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. Those wishing to join the family virtually and experience the Funeral Mass are invited to watch via live-stream by connecting to YouTube and searching: Medicine Hat Holy Family Church and selecting the video link. Private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery with a time of fellowship to be held thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation, 39 Somerset Dale S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 0G9. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com
"Locally owned & directed"
STANICE MARTIN
January 30, 1963 ~ March 29, 2022 It is with a heavy heart that Roger announces the passing of his beloved wife, Stanice Lynne Martin, who passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at the age of 59 years. She was born and raised in Maple Creek, SK., where she graduated high school. Stanice attended Wascana Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences for Dental Assisting and worked as a Dental Assistant for 37 years, retiring last year. Stanice married the love of her life, Roger Allen Martin in Maple Creek on October 5, 1984. Her funny, kind, giving and nurturing disposition has made her the most caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all those who knew her. Stanice enjoyed camping with the family and skating in her youth. She loved to spoil the family with her cooking, baking and crafting, especially for the grandchildren. She was a proud and supportive mother to her boys through all their sports and drama activities. Stanice’s greatest accomplishment was becoming a mother and she especially loved being a grandmother as family was the most important part of her life. Along with Roger, Stanice will be lovingly remembered in the hearts of her sons, Branden (Serina) and their son, Miles; Tyler (Christina) and their children, Everleigh, Hayes and Gracelyn as well as her mother, Evelyn Sanderson. Stanice was predeceased by her father, Stan Sanderson; step-father, Jack Phare and brothers, Randy Sanderson and Bradley Sanderson. A Celebration of Stanice’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com). If friends so desire memorial tributes in Stanice’s name may be made payable to The Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation; (notation: Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre), 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4H6 or to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 5M1. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com
"Locally owned & directed"
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