April 7, 2026

By Obituaries on April 7, 2026.

RON BENDER

RON BENDER Oct. 22, 1942 Dec. 14, 2025 Ronald “Ron” Bender, passed away on December 14, 2025, in Medicine Hat, AB, at the age of 83 years. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Hilda Community Centre, 114 2 Ave, Hilda, AB T0J 1R0. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ron Bender. 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.

DOREEN ROSE FLEMMER

DOREEN ROSE FLEMMER
1931 2026 Doreen Rose Flemmer of Medicine Hat, Alberta, beloved wife of Theodore “Ted” Flemmer, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 94 years. Doreen is lovingly remembered by her sons, Alan (Cathy) and Robert (Carole). She will be dearly missed by her eight grandchildren, David Flemmer (Rachelle), Amanda Byron, Lindsay Flemmer, Robert Flemmer Jr., Ryan Flemmer, Ashley Bowlen and her son, Orion, Breigh-Ana Bowlen, and Scott Bowlen; and her 11 great-grandchildren, including Garet, Kavin, Ben, Lily, Reuben, Riley, Orion, Jaxon, Keaton, Wyatt, and Finn. She was predeceased by her son, Kevin (1978); her parents, Stan and Doris Baldry; her parents-in-law, Jacob and Sarah Flemmer; her sisters-in-law, Ida Schultz (Fode) and Evelyn Moysey. Doreen was born and raised in Redcliff, Alberta. Following her education at Garbutt Business College, she began her career at Dominion Glass in Redcliff and later worked as an Executive Secretary to Military Captain Wyers at DRB Suffield. She continued working outside the home until the birth of her first son, Alan, after which she devoted herself fully to her family. Doreen took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home. She was an exceptional homemaker, a talented cook, and was often found in the kitchen preparing meals and baking for family gatherings. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and lasting memories. As a devoted grandmother, she delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, often joining them on the floor for play and ensuring there was always a supply of treats waiting for them. Known for her warmth and engaging personality, Doreen was a gifted conversationalist who appreciated good company, a sense of style, and a love for music especially the songs of Patsy Cline. Doreen and Ted shared many meaningful friendships throughout their lives, often through their involvement in community organizations. She was a longtime and devoted member of St. Ambrose Anglican Church, where she contributed to the choir and Ladies Aid Guild. She was also actively involved with the Ladies of the Shrine and the Daughters of the Nile. Her commitment to community service was evident through her volunteer work with the Heart and Stroke Foundation Golf Tournament, the Medicine Hat Shrine Club, and the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Parade Committee. Alongside Ted, she played an important role in the Shrine Club’s entertainment committee, helping organize countless events. In later years, Doreen and Ted enjoyed their time as long-time members of Connaught Golf Club, where they spent many happy hours golfing together and enjoying the outdoors. Doreen will be forever remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her generosity of spirit, and her quiet yet impactful contributions to her community. In keeping with Doreen’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A private family graveside service will take place at Hillside Cemetery at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Doreen’s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation (hsfdonation.heartandstroke.ca). Flowers may also be sent to Masterpiece Southland Meadows, 4401 Southlands Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 0S1. The family extends their sincere gratitude to all who supported Doreen during her transition to assisted living at Masterpiece, and for the ongoing care provided by staff, healthcare professionals, family, and friends. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Doreen Flemmer. 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.

SHIRLEY ERESMAN

SHIRLEY ERESMAN 1938 ~ 2026 Shirley May Eresman, beloved wife of the late Alvin Eresman, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the age of 88 years.
She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her as a kind and devoted friend to those who shared in her life.
Shirley began her career working at the old hospital, before joining Dominion Glass as a secretary from 1958 to 1962. On April 9, 1961, she married Alvin and embraced life as a farm wife on the family farm near Fox Valley, where they raised their two children, Cory and Sherree.
During seeding and harvest season, Shirley was always by Alvin’s side, driving the grain truck, combine or tractor doing whatever needed to be done to keep the farm running smoothly. She had a deep love for the outdoors and a special fondness for the farm animals.
In 1983, Shirley and Alvin moved back to Medicine Hat, where Alvin continued to farm while living in the city. Shirley was a seamstress who sewed beautiful curtains for many households. Shirley’s dedication to her hardworking spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Shirley Kirby and niece, Tanya Kirby of Swift Current, and the family members of her late husband, Alvin. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Rose Kirby, her son, Corey in 1981, her brother, Charles in 2008, her husband Alvin in 2016, and her daughter, Sherree in 2025.
Thank you to all her family and friends who helped her until her passing. Shirley loved all animals, especially her beloved cat, Emmy! The graveside service will be held in the HILLSIDE CEMETERY on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. Those who wish to attend should meet at the Hillside Cemetery gates at 2:15 p.m. Those who wish to remember Shirley with a donation may do so to APARC, SPCA or Persian Dreams animal rescues. 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

CAROL-LYN RETELBACH

CAROL-LYN RETELBACH May 11, 1964 March 31, 2026 It is with deep love and gratitude for a well-lived life that we announce the passing of Carol-Lyn “Carol” Retelbach on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 61 years. Carol was a gift to this earth, born in Medicine Hat, raised in Hilda and schooled in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. For every one of her, almost 62 years, she defied the “experts of 1964” who suggested to her parents that she should be institutionalized. Our immediate and extended family, along with our community in Hilda and Medicine Hat, embraced her and lifted her up when the inevitable insults and injustices of the world touched her. She was the happiest person we have ever known, aside from the difficult last few years, when her body and mind began to fail her. In a world that denies people with disabilities so much, Carol lived a full life she went to school, lived independently in her own apartment, held a steady job at the Medicine Hat College cafeteria, played piano, sang, attended church, bowled and swam regularly, and even represented Canada in the Special Olympics in many competitions, including in Ireland. Carol had a strong circle of friends and enjoyed their weekly social outings. Her fierce, successful independence was possible because of the unwavering dedication, grit, determination, and infinite love of mom, Dorothy, as well as incredible organizations like REDI Enterprises, Special Olympics and CORE Association, which gave her the training and skills she needed to feel secure in this world. In her last years, she was loved and supported by the amazing staff at CORE 13th Street (Rita’s Cottage), a care facility that happened to be in her school building from when she was younger. Our family was her rock, and she was ours. She relied on family and loved them deeply: her parents and sisters, her aunts and uncles, grandparents, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews, not to mention friends that felt like family. Extremely social, Carol kept everyone close through her special “Rolodex phone call” rotation, always making time to stay in touch. At every gathering, she was the warm, welcoming presence who greeted everyone with genuine joy. We are heartbroken that she is gone, but are grateful that she is no longer in pain and is now likely manning a guestbook table in heaven, with beautifully painted nails, well-done hair, and matching clothes. Carol is lovingly remembered by her mom, Dorothy Bender; stepfather, Marvin; sisters, Laurel (Steve) Van Dam and Jodi (Bruce) MacKay; her nieces and nephews, Aidan (Alexia), Megan, Josh, Norah and Noelle; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Carol was predeceased by her father, Laverne Retelbach; uncle, Richard Krause; grandparents, Gust and Melita Krause, and Albert and Augusta Retelbach. The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Ken Edel at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH – 515 Sprague Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4A7 on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging in to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Carol’s memorial page on the above date and time. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the Saamis Memorial Funeral Home – 1 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3N9 on Thursday, April 9, from 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. or at St. Paul Lutheran church from 12:00 pm to 12:50 p.m. on April 10, 2026. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Carol with a donation may do so to the Alberta Special Olympics -https://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/donate, CORE Association – 412 3rd St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0H1 or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Carol-Lyn Retelbach. 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.

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