November 1, 2023

By Obituaries on November 1, 2023.

MELVIN MUNRO

MELVIN MUNRO June 12, 1943 ~ October 24, 2023
Mr. Melvin ‘Mel’ Munro, beloved husband of Susan, passed away in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the age of 80 years. Along with Susan, his loving wife of over 42 years, Mel’s memory will be forever cherished by his family: Nine children, Donna Riley, Larry MacDonald, Audrey Hexter (Mark), Sharon Jackel, Lori MacDonald, Mark Jackel (Shelly), Michelle Wahl (Darren), Michael MacDonald and Brian Munro (Dyan); Twenty-one grandchildren, Christine (Travis), Dwayne (Eryn), Shaun (Savanna), Mark (Gen), Justin (Victoria), Jessica, Craig (Cassandra), Cody (Britoni), Mikala, Colby, Brandon, Logan (Kimberly), Emersyn, Alexis, Devynn, Carsen, Neleh, Easton, Thomas, Clara and Grayson; twenty-four great-grandchildren, Taye, Emily, Erik, Isabella, Lyra, Tyron, Gage, Ayden, Payton, Mila, Kali, Jade, Nicholas, Jack, Maci-Rae, Markus, Adel, Kenna, Kali, Kinslee, Keanna, Clyde, Kaden and Lake as well as numerous extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents John and Jessie Munro; four brothers; two sons, Steven and Christopher as well as twins in infancy. Mel started with CP Rail in 1973, retiring in 2002 after over 30 years of service. His retirement allowed him to enjoy what he loved most in life… time spent with his family. A Celebration of Mel’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Private Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a time of fellowship thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Mel’s celebration will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience his service may visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Family wish to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all of the CBI caregivers for their loving care and support. A very special thank-you is also extended to the doctors and nurses of 5 West for their wonderful care and support. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com. 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”

DENNIS MICHAEL WIRACHOWSKY

DENNIS MICHAEL WIRACHOWSKY April 17, 1946 ~ October 27, 2023
Mr. Dennis Wirachowsky, beloved husband of Shirley, passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the age of 77 years. He is survived by his children, Kyndra Gold and her sons, Taylor and Tanner; Tara Wirachowsky (Brian) and their children, Liam, Emily and Ayden; Ryan Wirachowsky and his son, Luke; Blake Wirachowsky (Dana) and their children, Quinn, Chloe and Kenzie and granddaughter/bonus-child, Heather Mackey (Chris) and their children, Zion and Juno. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, John and Annie; brothers, Michael (in infancy), Ed and John; sister-in-law, Jean; son, Tyler and son-in-law, Jeff Gold. Dennis was born in Wilkie, SK and grew up on the family farm near Leipzig, SK. After graduation, he spent a couple months in Ottawa taking a Meteorologist Technician course but he missed family and life on the prairies and moved back home. He soon found employment in Saskatoon at various garages and ended up working and managing Dumar Equipment. It was during this time that he met the love of his life Shirley, and they were married in November of 1969. Five children arrived between 1972 and 1982. They moved to Lloydminster in the spring of 1973, where he worked at a tire shop which he managed for several years. After taking a power engineering course at night classes, he embarked on a long career in the oil patch which started with Husky Oil. In 1988, they moved the family to Medicine Hat where he worked for Encana until his retirement. Dennis will be remembered as a kind, generous, intelligent, hard-working family man, who cared deeply for his wife, children and grandchildren. A true “Mr. Fix-it”, his family always joked about how, if Dennis built or fixed something, it would be so strong that it would never need another repair! Dennis could be counted on to bring a calm, lighthearted and quiet, yet humorous energy to any situation. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Father Roque Periera celebrant. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Dennis’ name may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 2P5. 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”

FAY BEIERBACH

1924 ~ FAY BEIERBACH ~ 2023
Fay Delphine (Faulkner) Beierbach passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 at the age of 99 years at River Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat, AB. Fay was well loved and respected by all who knew her, she made everyone feel special and was an inspiration to many. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by family and friends.
She was the only child of Ray and Myrtle (Buchanan) Faulkner, born on September 7, 1924 in Regina, Saskatchewan. She grew up in the Cypress Hills on the Faulkner place 30 miles south of Walsh, Alberta. No matter where she lived, she always considered the ‘Hills’ her home.
Her school years began in 1933, first at Fox school for two years followed by staying with her Buchanan grandparents to attend school in Govenlock for another two years and finally attending high school in Havre, Montana first staying with her uncle, Lawrence Faulkner, and his family and then the Gudgal family, all the while working for her room and board. Fay went on to become a teacher, attending Normal School in Calgary in the summer of 1942. She completed the initial 8 weeks of training and began her first teaching job at Sentinel School in October of that year.
Fay married Johnny Beierbach of Walsh, Alberta on October 18, 1943. They started their life together ranching at the Lewis place a few miles west of the Graburn church, where Ronda and Keith currently live. Their first child, John Raymond, was born in May of 1948. Garland Roger was next in December of 1951 followed by Arlo Ross in April 1955. In March of 1957, their family was complete with the arrival of their daughter, Rondalyn.
In the spring of 1959, Johnny and Fay moved the family to the Kundert place at Elkwater, which they had purchased a few years earlier. They bought the Mitchell place on Battle Creek in 1967 and relocated their family and ranching operation to Battle Creek, Saskatchewan. After the loss of Raymond in 1974, Roger and Ross took over the operations of the ranch. In 1976, Fay and Johnny purchased their first race horse. They spent the next ten years racing quarter horses and thoroughbreds at 37 different tracks from Peace River, Alberta to Tucson, Arizona.
Johnny and Fay semi-retired on the Will place west of Irvine in 1986. After Johnny’s passing in October 1995, Fay spent time watching her grandkids and eventually great-grandkids at countless rodeos, 4-H shows and sporting events. She continued sewing, quilting, and writing well into her 80’s. Fay loved nothing better than to get out in the country for a drive, attend a branding, see the cattle and horses, the grass in the pasture and the hay crops, and have a good visit with whomever after she moved to Courtyards in Medicine Hat in 1999.
Fay and Johnny enjoyed travelling and enjoyed many trips with friends and family over the years. Fay continued to take many memorable trips as long as she was able.
It comes as no surprise that Fay’s family was her top priority. She cherished every moment spent with them throughout her life. Ranching was the other love of her life. She was incredibly proud that her children along with all of her grandchildren have continued on with the ranching way of life. It is an incredible legacy for her to leave behind.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughter in-law, Heather S. Beierbach; son, Ross Beierbach, and wife, Heather D.; daughter, Ronda Reesor, and husband, Keith; grandchildren and their families, John and Heidi Beierbach, Sarah and Jane; Eve Erickson, Casey, Shay and Rhett; Ryan and Tania Beierbach, Lara, Rana and Jace; William and Donna Beierbach, Tate and Kate; Mona Howe, Georgia and Hayes; Travis Reesor and Tanya Jangula, Griffin and Grace; Craig and Camille Reesor, Logan and Brody; Tara Reesor, Loch, Cain and Emily. She now joins in Heaven her father, Ray, and his wife, Alice; mother, Myrtle, and her husband, Jim Brown; her beloved husband, Johnny; cherished sons, Raymond and Roger, and precious grandson, Paul, along with many other relatives and close friends.
In lieu of flowers the family asks you to please spend a few moments of your time to commune with someone as Fay would have done. Those still wishing to may make a donation to the charity of their choice.
The Funeral Service will be held at Maple Creek Armories, 502 Marsh Street, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan S0N 1N0, on Friday, November 3rd, 2023 at 1:00 pm with Reverend Dr. Dave Manley officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Fay’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Interment will follow at Maple Creek Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Fay Beierbach. 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.

CZESŁAW “CHESTER” DUMANOWSKI

1928 – CZESŁAW “CHESTER” DUMANOWSKI – 2023

It is with deep sadness that the family of Czesław “Chester” Dumanowski announce his passing with his loving family by his side on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the age of 95 years. He was predeceased by his loving wife Zofia “Sophie” on March 22, 2020 after nearly 60 years of marriage. He was a devoted dad, “Tatus”, to their eight children, and especially loved as “Dziadziu” by his 27 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren: Bogusia (Wayne) Lust and their children, Derek (Stacey), Andrew and Joshua; Regina (Dean) Durst and their children, Nadine (Jonathon) Blackwell (Neve and Margot), Sabrina (Rory) Garrecht (Tatum and Daxton), Chelsey (Erik) Toews (Stevie and Sloane), Stephanie (Spencer) Kosolofski, and Abbey (Kross) Hepfner; Denise Cole (Don Pisoni) and her children, Matthew (Marina) Cole (Makayla, Maverick and Marshal) and Eric Cole (fiancée, Kali Sprott) and their son, Myren; Helena (Robert) Risling and their children, Amelia (Joel) Mackie (Olivia, Owen and Oaklen), Derrick (deceased), Isaac, and Isabella; Anna (Richard) Kappel and their children, Braden, Christopher and Daniel; Robert (Pamela) Dumanowski and their children, Kamiel, Zofia, Avaya and Roman; Mark (Jody) Dumanowski and their children, Luke (Emily), Adam (Brett), Samuel and Antonina; Bernadette (Jean-Paul) Cheret and their children, Wayland and Madison. Chester was born to his parents Adam and Stefania Dumanowski in Wesołówka, Poland on May 19, 1928. He was one of nine children; deceased siblings and their spouses include, Eleonora (Jozef) Stolarchuk, Franek (Doris) Dumanowski, Tadeusz (Irena) Dumanowski, Edward (Sabina) Dumanowski, Janina (Stanisław) Dubiel, Irena (Stanisław) Bryg and Władek Dumanowski (died in infancy), and all of Zofia’s siblings. Chester is survived by his youngest sister, Leokadia (the late Stanisław) Barwacz of Oyen, Alberta and brother-in-law, Tadeusz Dubiel of Róża, Poland.

After migrating to Eastern Poland (now part of Ukraine) to farm, WWII broke out where chaos, displacement and fight for survival ensued. Stalin ordered Poles living in this area forcibly removed by train to camps in Siberia where they endured extreme hardship, starvation and a fight to survive. The family endured extreme conditions and ate whatever they could find or catch, often going many days at a time without food. After nearly two years, the family was able to move to neighbouring Kazakstan where conditions were slightly better. As a young teenager, Chester and his dad worked side by side as blacksmiths, affording the family the ability to make enough to at least eat by making horseshoes and other items for the local people. After a few years and the end of WWII, the family slowly worked their way back to their original homestead in Róża, Poland. They returned to rebuild their life on the farm where there was so much destruction as a result of the war.

In time, Chester met his beloved Zofia and they were married on October 29, 1960. Their first two daughters, Bogusia and Regina, were born in Poland. They then had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in 1964 (along with Chester’s mom Stefania) where their next six children were born. Chester quickly proved his talent and the very next day, after arrival to Canada, was hired to work as a welder at the Massey Ferguson shop in Oyen, Alberta. The family later settled in Medicine Hat, in 1972, where he continued to work as a welder until a critical accident ended his career and very nearly his life in 1986.

Dad and Mom worked tirelessly to earn a living to take care of their family. They always felt so blessed to be so close with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Even though they did not always have much, they always felt they had everything that was important in life. They continuously looked at their family as a gift from God and lived this out in how they raised their children and shared their faith in God and dedication to the Roman Catholic church. How appropriate that his name, Czesław, in Polish means Glory and Honour. Dad and Mom were very proud of their Polish roots, teaching their family all the traditions including food, song, stories and many jokes. Dad had a great sense of humour and was always sharing something funny and loved to laugh. He was a great gardener, growing beautiful flowers, vegetables and fruit trees. His love and talent for welding expanded later in life into a hobby, making unique gates, tables, quilt racks, candle and wine holders for his children. He just loved to spend time tinkering in his garage. Dad and Mom enjoyed the simple moments in life, sitting on the porch, visiting with their family, sharing meals and talking about their life in Poland. Dad had a number of incidents over the years that nearly ended his life, but he always persevered to live. He knew that God had a plan for him to fulfill. Dad’s life was full of many blessings; a truly remarkable life that was well lived. His most beautiful smile and zest for life will be forever cherished in our hearts and memories. He was ready to journey home to be with our Lord Jesus and family. May the heavenly angels and saints surround you and God bless you Tatus and Dziadziu with eternal rest. As said by patron St. John Paul II, whom dad had a strong spiritual bond with, “Be not afraid.” Kocham cię, lubię cię, nie dam cię nikomu! Kocham!

Our family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to all of Dad’s caregivers: Becky Markie (who became like another member of the family and who’s love will be cherished), Jay Lee “Lloyd” & Jay Lynn Bohnet and Marg VanderSpruit, and Dr. Jeff Bratvold whose special care and friendship with our family will never be forgotten. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Thursday, November 2 at 7:00 PM and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH on Friday, November 3 at 11:00 AM with Father Roque Pereira as celebrant and Deacon Robert Risling. A private interment to follow in the Roman Catholic section at Hillside Cemetery. Family and friends are also welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.youtube.com and joining the live webcast on Medicine Hat Holy Family Church on November 3 at 10:50 AM. Donations in Chester’s memory may be made to Holy Family Parish Building Fund, 1451 Strachan Road SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3 or Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Czesław “Chester” Dumanowski. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

HARVEY MUHLBEIER

HARVEY MUHLBEIER
Harvey Alvin Muhlbeier passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the age of 81 years, beloved husband of Marie Muhlbeier of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Rita (David) Stengler of Medicine Hat and Colleen Boyd (Todd Fylypiuk) of Edmonton; four grandchildren, Robby and Andrew Hartman (Monica Hager) and Danica and Justin Boyd; one brother Ivan Muhlbeier (Donna) of Calgary and one sister Viola; two great granddaughters, Emma Bowers and Violet Hartman. He was predeceased by his parents Alvin and Stella Muhlbeier and an infant son Terrance Harvey Muhlbeier. Harvey was born on July 13, 1942, in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan to Alvin and Stella Muhlbeier. On January 27, 1962, Harvey married Marie Schwab in Medicine Hat where they resided for one year. In 1963, they moved to a farm in the Golden Prairie area where they lived until they moved to the family homestead in the same area. Together they continued to farm until 2006, moving to Medicine Hat in 2007. Harvey was a farmer by heart and loved it. He took great pride in his farming, machinery and cattle. They travelled to Arizona every winter for 30 years. While in Arizona, Harvey loved to play pool every day. He will be forever remembered for his contagious smile. The family would like to send a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. An extra special thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospice for the exceptional care he received. Also, our deep appreciation to Pastor Bob Findley for his visits, prayers and songs. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the youtube (arrow). Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Harvey with a donation, may do so to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Medicine Hat c/o Alberta Cancer Foundation 710 – 10123 99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 or online at albertacancer.ca/in-memory. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

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