August 10, 2024
By Obituaries on August 10, 2024.
BETTY RINKER
BETTY RINKER April 9, 1927 ~ May 2, 2024
Betty Jane Rinker (nee Wendt) of Buffalo, AB passed away at St. Marguerite Manor in Calgary at the very ripe age of 97!
Betty was born April 9th, 1927, near Burstall, SK (but on the Alberta side, LOL) in the middle of a horrific snowstorm to parents, Arthur and Lydia (nee Wolfer) Wendt. Her father, Art, set out by horse and buggy to fetch the doctor but by the time they returned, Betty had already made her entrance…a tough little survivor from day one.
She was the oldest of eight children and so became the designated outdoor helper for her father as the first boy, Jim, did not come along until much later. Betty attended school at Social Plains, left school after grade 9 and later lived and worked with her sister, Loretta in Medicine Hat.
Betty met her future husband, Clarence Rinker while working as a housekeeper for Clarence’s widowed aunt, Kay Keinick (nee Standish). Kay had five young children which kept Betty busy and amused!
Clarence and Betty were married November 9th, 1946 and settled in the Buffalo district where Clarence had land. On August 25, 1956, their only child, Debbie was born…quite a shock after 10 years of marriage. Betty loved all animals, especially horses and dogs. She loved to ride and be outside. Betty and Clarence worked hard with their farm and purebred Hereford cattle. They were blessed to prosper, however, holidays were rare or non-existent. Later years were challenging as Clarence developed Parkinson’s disease and Betty faithfully looked after him until he passed away in 2002.
Betty suffered a very bad fall at age 75 and had to be airlifted to Foothills Hospital to repair a broken hip and leg. After that, her balance was severely impacted and later suffered a stroke and multiple broken bones along the way. Much to her chagrin, Betty had to leave the farm at age 86, moved to Newbrook Lodge and then to Orchard Manor in Brooks. Since 2015, she resided at St. Marguerite Manor in Calgary until her passing. She was much loved and cared for by wonderful staff and the family can’t thank them enough for treating her as a treasure.
Betty leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jerry Schimpf; granddaughter, Kristal Derbyshire; great-granddaughters, Hannah, Nyah and Elie Riddick as well as their dog, Ollie who Betty loved dearly and he loved her back! She is also survived by her sisters, Lilly Rinker and Linda Becker; brother, Wayne (Myna) Wendt as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Lydia Wendt; sister, Loretta (Walter) Fisher; brother, James Wendt; sister, Helen (Ray) Davis; sister, Alma Wendt; brother-in-law, Henry (Lorein) Rinker; as well as brothers-in-law, Leonard Rinker and Roy Becker.
Betty loved her family members dearly and was very generous, never missing a special occasion with a card and a cheque. Her faith in God was unwavering and she always trusted in the Lord.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at the Buffalo Community Hall on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Shane Andrus officiating. Betty always wanted to go home and we are honouring her final wish. Thank you to all the friends and neighbours who helped during her time in the community. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at 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”
FAY BOSCH
FAY BOSCH 1923 ~ 2024
With heavy hearts the family of Fay Bosch, wife of the late Jack Bosch, announces her peaceful passing in Medicine Hat on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the age of 100 years. A private celebration of Fay’s life was held in Taber on August 10, 2024.
She leaves to mourn her children: Shirley (Dale) Grant, Blair (Laurie) Lowry, Gail (Blair) Valgardson, and Kent (Lilian) Lowry and their families. She also leaves Jack’s children, (who also call her Mom), Lorraine Bitz, Molly (Garry) Weiss, and Rodney (Chris) Bosch and their families. Fay loved her family unconditionally and lived her life to the fullest. Everyone who met her loved her. Thanks to the health care workers at the Medicine Hat Hospital for their commendable, compassionate care in Fay’s last days. (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”
CHRISTINA “CHRIS” POCSIK
CHRISTINA “CHRIS” POCSIK November 23rd, 1928 – August 8th, 2024
Chris passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 8th, 2024, at the age of 95 years. She was the beloved wife of the late Alex POCSIK and leaves to cherish her memory her two children, Robert (Leslie) POCSIK and Suzanne (Ken) BOND; six grandchildren, Jason (Melanie) POCSIK, Marnie TWEED, Charles (Leslie) POCSIK, Natasha (Sean) KOSTENUK, Allison (Nick) BAIRD and Jessica (Craig) NICHOLSON; as well as numerous great grandchildren. Besides Alex, Chris was predeceased by her parents, Joseph & Helen STEIGEL; brother, Ray STEIGEL; sister & brother-in-law, Bertha & Bill KINNEY; nephew, Alex STEIGEL. On Alex’s side, Chris was predeceased by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Helen & Charles POCSIK; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Ann & William POCSIK.
Chris will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
Those wishing to join in the Celebration of Life may do so on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, at ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (504 2nd St SE) at 1:00pm. Donations in Christina’s memory may be made to the Cancer Society. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
Grace Memorial Affordable
Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
http://www.gracememorial.com
403-905-0440
LAURIE NORLIE
LAURIE NORLIE 1950 – 2024
Laurie Margaret Norlie born July 8, 1950, in Hanna, Alberta passed away August 7, 2024, at the age of 74 years.
Laurie will be forever missed by her husband Chuck Norlie, sons Bryce Norlie (Fralei) and Brandon Norlie (Ashley) as well as her grandchildren (Adelyn and Emmy) whom she loved dearly; Laurie’s brothers Stan Stout of Christchurch, New Zealand, Ron Stout of lnnisfail, Alberta, Robert (Bob) Stout (Diane) Sooke of British Columbia, Dale Stout (Claude) Lennoxville, Quebec, and Wade Stout (Janice) of Calgary, Alberta; her sisters-in-law Jean Stenhouse of Calgary and Melba (Fred) Fabick of Okotoks as well as many nieces and nephews. Laurie was employed at the Medicine Hat College as a registration clerk for many years where she gained many lifelong friends. She was very good at paper tole art and known for her sewing and crafts, making many items for her grandchildren. Special thank you to the ICU unit on the 4th floor for their compassionate care. Donations in Laurie’s memory can be made 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. A private family graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery. 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
TYLER GECHTER
TYLER GECHTER 1984 – 2024
Tyler William Gechter, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the age of 40 years, beloved son of Cheryl (Stewart) Poole and Mark Gechter. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. 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
PETER HALKO
PETER HALKO 1942 – 2024
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Peter Halko on August 2, 2024, in his home with family at his side just five days short of his 82nd birthday. He will be missed by his loving wife Merle, daughter Debbie, her husband Glenn Pottle; and his son Ward Halko. Peter enjoyed time with his granddaughter Jessica, her husband Ray-Al Hochman, grandson Jordan Hood and his wife Carlyn, also great grandchildren, Arrow Hochman, Decker, Cabela, and Titan Hood. Peter’s career spanned over 60 years in the construction industry, starting out as a carpenter, a foreman and became a superintendent for Graham Construction. Local projects included the Medicine Hat Courthouse, City Hall, Bus Barn, Parkade, and the water treatment plant as well as other industrial projects such as bridges, overpasses, and wind turbines. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, playing ball and hockey. He also loved camping, boating, and teaching his kids to water ski. Later as he was thinking about retirement his hobby of choice was golf. He loved the game and spent many hours playing with his table six buddies. Winter months were spent traveling south meeting friends and golfing. When he finally retired from Graham Construction he was gifted a golf trip of a lifetime. He and Merle were off to Scotland golfing at The Saint Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, The Castel Course and the Kittocks Course. Peter’s home course was Connaught Golf Club where you could find him with his buddies five days a week. He was proud to have earned the title of senior men’s club champion in 2009. He also enjoyed a yearly golf trip with his two brothers Scott and Pat. He was predeceased by his parents Joe and Maryann Halko; sister Deb Davis, nephew Dallas Halko and sister-in-law Jody Lanctot; brothers-in-law Garry Jesse and Ivan Jessse. He is survived by brothers Scott, Pat (Judy), brother-in-law Bill Davis, step-sisters Karen (Jerry) Pinchbeck, Sandy (Hubie) Comeau, and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Pat Grisonich officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Peter’s obituary page on our website for the link. 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
PAUL DERNIER
PAUL DERNIER 1956 ~ 2024 With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Paul Dernier, who left us on August 5, 2024 at the age of 68 years. Paul was born on July 27, 1956, in Moncton, New Brunswick, to Floyd and Phyllis Dernier. His journey, which began in the maritime beauty of Moncton, ended peacefully in Medicine Hat, Alberta, a place he had called home for many decades. Paul worked as a handyman most of his life. His skills and dedication were known by many, and he took immense pride in his ability to fix, build, and create. In the early 1980s, Paul moved to Medicine Hat, where he built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. He loved his yard; friends could find him spending countless hours planting flowers and tending to his garden. Camping trips were frequent and beloved, but nothing compared to his passion for gathering around open fires with family and friends. It was in these simple moments, surrounded by the warmth and glow of the fire, that Paul’s spirit truly shone. Paul was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Dernier; brother-in-law, Jim Graham; and niece, Alicia Dernier. He is survived by his devoted spouse, Phyllis Worrall; mother, Phyllis Dernier; children, Tabitha (Trevor) Nichols, Candice Worrall, and Derek Worrall; grandchildren, Raven Nichols, Kittanna Clark, and Kamea Clark. He cherished every moment spent with them. Paul also leaves behind his brother, Steve Dernier; sister, Cynthia Graham; and niece, Danielle (Matt) Daigle and their children, Jaxson, Mason and Jase. Paul’s departure leaves a void that will never be filled, but his memory will live on in the stories we tell and the laughter we share. A private family Memorial Service will be held. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Paul Dernier. Rest in peace, Paul. You will be forever missed but always remembered. Funeral arrangements by
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.
JUNE KNODEL
JUNE KNODEL 1933 – 2024 It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of June Knodel (nee Mitchler). She was Lawrence’s wife and best friend for 67 years, mother of Lance and Pam, and grandmother of Nathan. She passed away peacefully with her family at her side in the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. As a woman of tremendous faith, she went to be with her Lord and Saviour at the age of 91 years. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Alice (Ray) Magnes and their sons, Kevin (Angela) and Rob (Heather); her brother, Allan (Pat) Mitchler and his children, Allison (Brad) Holben, Scott (Jolene) and Brent (Jodi) each of Edmonton and their families; her brothers-in-law, Albert (Gladys) Knodel, Jimmie(Val) Knodel of Oregon; sisters-in-law, Mary (Bill) Knodel and Eleanor (Clarence) Knodel; as well as many nieces and nephews.
June was predeceased by her parents, George and Rosina Mitchler; Lawrence’s parents, Andrew and Elizabeth Knodel; brothers-in-law, Ray (Alice) Magnes, Bill (Mary) Knodel, Fred (Gladys) Knodel, Ben (Wynn) Knodel, Clarence (Eleanor) Knodel; sisters-in-law, Rose (Art) Lehr, and Marion (Del) Hadler; niece, Marjorie (Leroy) Scheffelmeier; and nephew, Darrell (Diane) Hadler.
June was born in Three Hills, Alberta. She grew up there until the family moved to Drumheller. She enjoyed all kinds of activities like skating and swimming. At 18 she moved to Calgary and took schooling, leading to her job as a Certified Nursing Aid at Calgary General Hospital in the special surgery ward. In 1955, she enrolled in Hillcrest Christian College, where she met Lawrence, and in 1956, they were married. Once they settled in Medicine Hat, she found a job at The Brick and Tile Co. June really loved Lawrence’s big family. They had many big gatherings in those days. In 1966 they had their first and only addition to their family (son Lance). Not long after, they moved to the farm just west of the city, close to Echo Dale. June worked very hard as a farmer/rancher’s wife. Somehow getting a superhuman effort from a very tiny body. In 1979, the family retired to the city and slowed down on the heavy workload. With more spare time on her hands, June composed a wonderful history book about the Knodel family. It was quite an accomplishment in the days way before the internet and computers were available. In 1987, Lawrence and June began their 22-year stint as “Snowbirds” flocking to Yuma, Arizona. June really enjoyed this new experience both socially and with her newfound “pool shark” and shuffleboard skills. In 1989 June and Lawrence moved back to the farm near Seven Persons to help their kids get started in farming. Lance and Pam were married in 1992 and June was so happy to finally have a daughter she loved dearly. June couldn’t have been happier when her only grandson, Nathan, was born in 1993. She spent a lot of time with him when she lived close by on the farm. After just a few years at the farm, they returned to the city and moved into Fairway Village. June enjoyed her new surroundings, with more people to visit. She also served as secretary/treasurer for the condo and attended to the flowers she helped plant outside the building. Unfortunately, the last few years were challenging for June. She struggled with numerous health issues. Her faith in God carried her along when she needed help. She spent an incredible amount of time reading her Bible and writing verses and quotes that were very special to her. Lawrence really stepped up and became her caregiver. She earned that with years of taking such meticulous care of her family. June will be remembered for her sweet personality, her unselfishness, her unbelievable attention to detail, and her incredible cooking skills, just to name a few of her best attributes. The most important of all was her dedication to Jesus. She is now enjoying Heaven’s bliss with her Saviour and Lord,
Jesus Christ.
A special thanks go out to the staff at 5 East for being so helpful and kind during our last hours with our wife and mother. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB, on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, from 10:00 to 10:55 am. The Funeral Service will follow at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, at 11:00 am, with Pastor Maury McNeil officiating. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com, subject heading June Knodel. 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.
VIRGINIA SCHNEIDER
VIRGINIA SCHNEIDER 1939 2024 Virginia Schneider passed away peacefully on August 3rd, 2024, at the age of 85 years. A private family graveside service was held yesterday at the Redcliff Cemetery. Family and friends gathered after the graveside, at the Redcliff Legion, to celebrate Virginia’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to the Redcliff Legion. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Virginia Schneider. 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.
BRADEN PUDDICOMBE
BRADEN PUDDICOMBE 1992 ~ 2024 Braden Amadaus Chadwick Puddicombe passed away on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at the age of 31 years. The Graveside Service was held yesterday at the Redcliff Cemetery with Rev. Dave Pollard officiating. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Braden Puddicombe. 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.
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