July 23, 2025

By Obituaries on July 23, 2025.

LILLIAN HERN

LILLIAN HERN October 8th, 1927 ~ July 10th, 2025 Lillian Doris Hern, beloved wife of the late Elmer Hern, passed away on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 at the age of 97 years. Lillian leaves to cherish her memory her children, Rita (Gary) Duren, Betty Lou (Lynn) Fowlie, Judy (Roger) Colbe, Lorrie Fowlie, Eileen (Randy) Rath and Lloyd Hern; 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Elaine Ferguson, Darlene Hern and Marie Steinley. Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Edward Steinley Sr. and Caroline Kovitch. Siblings, Edward Jr., Harold, Walter, Bernice, Gladys and Allen.
Lillian was born in Empress, AB and attended school at Mayfield. Lillian became a caregiver in her teenage years for her mother and siblings and was unable to pursue her dreams of a higher education. Fortunately, her path led her to a field day at Waynefleet School where a handsome young man caught her eye. Her life would never be the same as a spark was ignited that would not be extinguished for the next 62 years of their life together. Despite having nothing but their bare hands and a burning desire to create a thriving farming operation, they worked tirelessly deriving much joy along the way knowing that they were slowly achieving the success that they had envisioned.
Lillian’s generous welcoming spirit along with her well known cooking and baking skills drew many people to their home. Lillian learned from generations of family gardeners how to nurture gorgeous flowers that bloomed season after season. She could often be found outdoors early in the morning among her pine trees and beloved “island” flower garden tending her precious flowers.
Lillian was very artistic and created a commemorative pin for the village of Empress. She was always more than willing to jump in and rescue any school art or sewing projects that came along. Lillian possessed a wonderful sense of observational humour that remained with her until the end, even giving her caregivers many good laughs.
Mom possessed an undeniable quiet strength. She was the glue that held the family together through the many extreme hardships and challenges that the family faced. She was our rock. Though your smile is gone forever and your hand we can not touch, still we have so many memories of the one we loved so much. No matter where mother lived, Empress was always her home. You finally made it home mom. Home to Empress. Home to the loving arms of your husband in heaven. Home to the loving arms of your heavenly Father.
The Funeral Service will be held at Victory Lutheran Church, 2793 Southview Dr. SE, Medicine Hat on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. Lillian will be taken home where interment will take place at the Empress Cemetery following the service and luncheon.
If friends & family so desire, memorial tributes can be made in Lillian Hern’s name in the form of donations directly to the Brown Bag Lunch Program, 40 Maple Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0L3. (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”

WILLIAM DONALD BENGERT

WILLIAM DONALD BENGERT Passed away at Belleville General Hospital on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in his 84th year. Don was the beloved husband of Mary and the proud and loving father of Beth (Aaron), Don (Cindy), and Brian (Heather). He was the proud grandfather of Joe, Tom, Danny, Sam, Owen, and Nathaniel. He will be greatly missed by his siblings John (Donna), Jim (Peggy), Helen (Harvey), Tom (Germaine), and Gerry (Kelly), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Predeceased by his parents John and Kay Bengert, Don was born in Holdfast, Saskatchewan, and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Don joined the RCAF as a Radio Officer in 1961 and earned his Wings as a long range navigator in 1969. He enjoyed 35 years of service to the RCAF and upon retirement he began an equally long involvement with the National Air Force Museum of Canada and served as President of the local chapter of the FSNA for ten years. As a navigator Don travelled the world and in retirement he continued to enjoy travelling but with family and friends. He was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed golf and the camaraderie of both. A Celebration of Life will be held at the National Air Force Museum, in Trenton, on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Two O’clock. If desired, donations may be made to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation (Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Cancer Fund) or the National Air Force Museum of Canada.

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