July 31, 2020
By Obituaries on July 31, 2020.
1925 ~ VIOLA KESSLER ~ 2020
Viola Kessler of Medicine Hat passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at the age of 94 years, beloved wife of the late Al Kessler. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Glenn (Carol) Kessler, Debbie (Lyle) Garrecht and Dale Kessler; six grandchildren, Gregg (Lisa) Kessler, Bryan (Kristine) Kessler, Amanda (Donovan) Nunweiler, Aaron Ulrich, Erik Kessler and Christopher Kessler (Melissa Neurauter); five great grandchildren, Emerie and Harper Kessler, Josh, Kai, and Anna Nunweiler; two sisters, Doreen Macdonald and Florence (Joe) Preston; four sisters-in-law, Marion (Art) Rieger, Vicki Oberhammer, Annabelle (Phil) Marchant and Emily Kessler; one brother-in-law, Mel Oerlemans and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Christian and Bertha Deg; her husband Al on April 24, 2008; two sisters, Laura Day-Cooke and Ella McFarlane; one sister in infancy and other loving family members. Vi was born on August 9, 1925 at her parents’ farm in the Graburn area south of Walsh. She was the third child in a family of five girls. Her mom and dad did plenty of moving with stops in Irvine, Medicine Hat and finally to a farm in the Bowell district. She and Dad were married in a double ring ceremony along with her sister Ella (Gordon) McFarlane on August 14, 1948. During WW2 Mom and her dear friend Dora Brink worked at Medalta Potteries in the glaze room with artist Thomas Hulme. About 10 years ago Mom & Dora were interviewed by Ron Mason and he wrote a song (Colourful Years) about their friendship. She was very proud of that. She was a stay at home mom, never drove a car but was a pro on the transit system. She was a super mom, meticulous homemaker, and an excellent cook. Family gatherings were her specialty. Dad’s enormous garden added to her workload. Mom was an excellent seamstress. She sewed clothes and did alterations for her children, grandchildren and friends including Barbie outfits, baby clothes and bonnets. She also enjoyed knitting, spending many hours visiting with her mother in the evenings. Mom was also an avid reader until her eyesight began to fail. In her eighties she became a caregiver for Dad. When dad passed away in 2008, mom moved to Norwood Grande where she enjoyed 11 years of independent living. She was very happy to reunite with old friends and form new friendships. This past November she was fortunate to have an opportunity to live at Masterpiece Southlands where she resided until her passing. Our family would like to thank all the staff for the great care and love that they provided, especially in these last four months. Mom was so proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved visits and hugs from her family. Birthday, anniversary and Christmas cards always included a little spending money. She had an excellent memory right up to the end. Mom would always say “At least I still have all my marbles.” As per her wishes, a private graveside service will take place at a later date. Those who wish to remember Vi with a donation, may do so to the Ronald McDonald House in Medicine Hat (rmhcalberta.org/donation/financial-gifts/Select Medicine Hat House). To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Viola Kessler , 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
DOUG WYATT
1923-2020
Lest We Forget
Doug Wyatt, beloved husband of the late Irene Wyatt (nee Dahlstrom), passed away peacefully at River Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at the age of 96 years. Doug was born on November 6, 1923, in St. George, Bristol, England and immigrated to Canada with his parents, Francis and Alice Wyatt when Doug was five years old where they then made Medicine Hat their home. In 1942, Doug joined the Canadian Army. He was originally stationed at Suffield where he worked in the motor transit division and was then assigned to the 49th Regiment in Edmonton where he was sent overseas to serve as a soldier in World War II. Doug fought in the “Battle of Ortona, Italy,” a famous hand to hand battle combat with the German Army, where he was critically wounded by artillery fire and had to be sent home. He was honourably discharged with five service medals in 1944. Doug then started his career with the Royal Canadian Legion where he dedicated his life for 46 years. He also participated as a drummer in the Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band. During that time, he met and married Irene and together they had four children. Doug was an avid sports person. He loved hunting, fishing, biking, camping and was a life-time member of the Connaught Golf and Country Club. Doug was a dedicated weight lifter and worked out daily with his friend, Norman. Doug is survived by his three children: Doug (Deb), Kathy (Art) and Kim (Dave); eight grandchildren, Kelly, Sean, Jason, Jeremy, Ryan, Todd, Nicole and Brandi; fourteen great-grandchildren, two brothers, John (Louise) and Frank (Linda) as well as his brother-in-law, Irwin. Doug was predeceased by his wife, Irene and recently by his eldest daughter, Penny. It was Doug’s wish not to have a formal service. There will be a memorial at a later date. The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at River Ridge Retirement Home for treating Douglas like part of a family. (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”
LEE FRANCIS
December 6, 1940 ~ March 1, 2020
Leila “Lee” Elizabeth Francis passed away on March 1, 2020. She leaves to cherish her memory her son James Russell Quiding as well as her stepchildren, Leonard (Lisa) Francis, their children Kaitlyn and Matthew; Gordon (Evett) Francis, their children Jessica and Jeremy; Judith (Blake) Gertner, her children Brittney and Dalton. Lee is also survived by her brother Leighton (Jonnette) Smith, brothers-in-law, Frank Francis and Norman Francis as well as numerous nieces and one nephew. Lee was predeceased by her parents John Smith (1999) and Wilma Smith (2019); her mother-in-law Marle Francis (1982), father-in-law John Francis (1996) as well as her beloved husband Barry Francis (2006). Lee graduated as an RN from the Moose Jaw Union Hospital in 1962, and continued her career in the ICU in Edmonton, the Drumheller Penitentiary, Continuing Care in Medicine Hat, finally retiring from Day Surgery in Medicine Hat in February of 2013. Lee was independent and hard working letting nothing hold her back including breast cancer over three decades ago. Lee enjoyed adventure and over the course of her life achieved many of those goals such as getting her single engine pilots license (1976). She had a long list of hobbies and activities. She enjoyed life to the fullest, was creative accomplishing beautiful work with her crafting, knitting and crocheting as well as many other projects. Lee played league darts making a lot of friends at tournaments in both Canada and the U.S.A. Camping, travelling, motorcycles, cribbage and throwing on a meal for family or friends brought her great joy. She made the best homemade soups. Lee was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 37 years, the Moose Lodge for 30 years and the Eagles Club. When you think of Lee you think about her being thoughtful, kind, giving and always willing to lend a helping hand. It is the family’s wish to reunite Lee with Barry on what would have been their 40th wedding anniversary. The graveside reunion will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the main gate to the cemetery at 1:45 p.m. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Lee Francis, 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
SHAWN DAVID SCHAEFFER
April 30, 1974 – July 7, 2020
It is with heavy hearts the family announce the passing of Shawn at the MHRH. Left to mourn him are is children Tristin Preston and Tanner Preston and grandson Hayden Preston. His partner Tanya Weppler and her children Mikayla Weppler, McKenzie and Shayne Blasing; his father Robert (Carol) Czech Schaeffer, four sisters Misty Diamant, Megan (Mike) Meyer, Kaitlyn Perreault and Jeana (Chris) Baker and two brothers Tim and Landon Czech Schaeffer. Along with two grandmothers , numerous nieces nephews Aunts Uncles and cousins. Shawn was predeceased by his mother Joanne Perreault in 2011.
Shawn was born and raised in Medicine Hat AB, although he had a troubled childhood he turned his life around in adulthood. He enjoyed spending time with family whether it was going for coffee or camping. He enjoyed going to the mountains with “the boys” snowboarding in winter and more recently dirt biking in summer. Going for motorcycle rides was a favourite past time. Going to grandpa Shawns was one of Haydens favourite places. Shawn will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The Preston family would like to thank everyone for their condolences.
There will be a celebration of life for Shawn at Strathcona Park on Aug 8,2020 between 1-4pm
SYLVIA TOKAREK
1940 ~ 2020
Beloved mother and grandmother, Sylvia Zonia Tokarek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, in Medicine Hat at the age of 80 years. To the very end she was generous, selfless, and devoted to her children and grandchildren. Sylvia was born on April 20, 1940 in Radway, Alberta. She always had a passion to help others and decided to pursue a career in nursing. Sylvia received her associates degree in nursing from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton and worked there until she started a family. During that time, she was driven to continue her education and received her B.Sc Nursing degree from the U of A. She raised four children as a single mother and returned to work as a nurse at the U of A Hospital. Sylvia would do everything in her power to provide for her children and would make any sacrifice for them. At work, everyone wanted to work with Sylvia as she not only tried to help every patient, but was a teacher and role model for new nurses. Sylvia is survived by her children: Carl, David, Paul and Karynne; grandchildren, Alex, Anna, Mila, Mason, Madison, Jackson, and Lexie as well as her loving partner, Don Ruckman. She is smiling down, telling us not to worry about her with her parents, Paul and Stella Holubisky and her brother, Ron. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one prior to the celebration of Sylvia’s life which will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. with Murray Jaster officiating. Interment will follow at Prairie View Cemetery. (Condolences maybe expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sylvia’s name may be made directly to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, Bay 4 – 602A Clay Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 3K2. 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”
