September 30, 2021

1926 – BEN REINHELLER – 2021

 

Benny (Ben) Reinheller, beloved husband of Esther Reinheller for 74 years, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Friday September 24th at the age of 94 years. He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Wes (Janice) Reinheller, David (Sheila) Reinheller, Wayne (Denise) Reinheller, and Dale Reinheller (Dave Whiteside) all of Medicine Hat; six grandchildren, Renee (Matt) Rood of Medicine Hat, Ryan (Andrea) Reinheller of Fairbanks Alaska, Aliesha (Kelly) Kurpjuweit, Amanda (Michael) Schneider, Michael (Jessica) Reinheller and Melissa (Tyler) Davidson all of Medicine Hat, and 23 great grandchildren.

 

Ben was born on November 22nd, 1926, on his family farm near Richmond Saskatchewan to Martin and Sophie Reinheller. He was the eldest of six siblings including four sisters, Julia Haberlack, (late Fred), Katie Lutz (late Nelson), Irene Cote (late Ray) Levina (Bill) and his late brother Albert (Eileen) Reinheller.

 

Ben left home in 1944 at the age of 18 to work in Taber, Alberta as a farm hand, and then moved to Medicine Hat to work at Medalta Potteries. Ben met the love of his life Esther Croissant in Medicine Hat and they married on October 26th 1946, the same year he started working for Canadian Pacific Railway. He remained there for almost 40 years until his retirement in 1986. In his last years with the railroad, Ben worked as a conductor on the passenger train and was so proud to take his grandchildren along for train rides to Field, B.C. Ben loved to keep busy, so after his retirement he worked the next 20 years for his son’s business Medican Construction in the wood shop. During Ben’s post retirement job, laughter could always be heard from the break room where Ben enjoyed extended coffee breaks with staff, and friends who would often stop by.

 

Ben’s relationship with Christ was the foundation for his life, and he was an active and devoted parishioner and board member of various churches in Medicine Hat over the years, including Grace Baptist, Temple Baptist, First Assembly and most recently River Park Community Church. Ben was also heavily involved in the early planning and development of both Eagles Nest Ranch and Pinecrest Baptist Bible Camp where he served on both boards for many years. Ben had the biggest heart, and along with his wife Esther spent years ministering at both the Lethbridge and Medicine Hat Remand Centres. ‘Gentle Ben’ was not one to judge others and had a heart for those who were down and out. In the last five years of his life he also supported the Oasis Centre feeding program (The Mustard Seed) where he loved to spend time and talk with anyone who needed support or comfort.

 

The family would like to say a special thank you to all the residents of South Country Villa where Ben and Esther enjoyed the company of so many wonderful friends, who would often check in with fresh muffins in hand. Thank you also to all the homecare nurses and care aides who made it possible for Ben to live independently at home in his final years. Ben enjoyed and appreciated the tender love and care he received from the home care team, and would always send them home with a chocolate and say, “Take One for each Cheek”.

 

Our family will cherish forever how genuine, positive and upbeat Dad always was with a perfect dash of humour mixed in, we think that is what drew so many people towards him. We will forever be grateful for the legacy that he has left us.

We are so proud of you Dad. Thanks for showing us how it’s done!

 

A private funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Borrows officiating. Due to the restrictions brought forward by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, indoor public gatherings are to be kept to 50 people. Masks are mandatory. For family and friends who are unable to attend, the service will be live streamed, and you are invited to watch by searching Youtube for the Pattison Funeral Home Youtube page. The video will go live 10 minutes prior to service time and will remain on the youtube page for future viewing. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Ben with a donation may do so to The Mustard Seed: theseed.ca/medicine-hat. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Ben Reinheller, 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

1941 ~ NORMAN GLASS ~ 2021

It is with deepest sadness we announce the passing of Norman Howard Glass on Monday, September 29, 2021 at the age of 80 years and 12 days. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife for 51 1/2 years, Loretta; three sons and five grandchildren, Shawn (Caroline) and their daughter Gabrielle; Troy (Renee) and their sons, Hunter, Hudson and Harrison; Tyson-Lee (Danielle) an their son Tyce; two brothers, Art (Frieda) of Victoria and Robert of Saskatoon; one brother-in-law Gordon (Joanne) Smeland of Victoria; two sisters-in-law, Beverley Ann Crawford and Cynthia Krassman as well as many nieces and nephews. Norman grain farmed and raised Black Angus registered cattle, which he loved to see calving and then his rewards at the Rancher’s Choice Bull Sales. Norman enjoyed life and people. He loved to tell stories and each story got more elaborate the more he told it. He loved to shoot gophers in the spring and hunt mule Deer, Moose and Elk. He also stocked two dugouts with fingerling Trout, fed them daily and when big enough he and his sons would real them in. This was special family time. Norman rarely left a stone unturned. He was a member of the Fox Valley School Board and the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. At the entrance to our yard he put up a large sign “Five Corners Black Angus” to represent the five family members and the cattle he loved. A job well done. In 2005, Norman was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. Due to his declining health, he had to give up farm life and in 2008, the farm was sold. In January of 2016, he entered the Masterpiece Southlands Meadows. Although his dementia worsened he knew his wife and their families to the last day. At Norman’s final request, cremation will take place and a private funeral service for immediate family will be held at Ingelbright Cemetery at a later date. He will join his parents, grandparents two brothers and one sister. His wife, sons and their families wish him farewell, “Until We Meet Again!” We love and will miss you. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Norman Glass, 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

1946 ~ LEONARD OULETTE ~ 2021

Leonard Howard Oulette passed away peacefully with family at his side on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the age of 74 years. He leaves behind the love of his life, Louise Oulette of Dunmore. He also leaves to cherish his memory three children, Rene Oulette, Brad (Stefanie) Oulette and Jessica (Jeff) French, and his pride and joy, his six grandchildren, Travis, Sean, Ella, Waylon, Gunnar and Hank; two brothers, Vern ‘Big Eyes’ (Melody) Johnson and Ronnie (Olga) Oulette; and one sister, Arlene Fitzpatrick (Richard Dunklee); special mention to two of his numerous cousins, Joanie (Ron) Hays and Sam (Wendy) Oulette as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents. A private family service by invitation, will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. Masks are mandatory. The service will be live streamed, and family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to watch the service by searching for the Pattison Funeral Home Youtube page. The video will go live 10 minutes prior to service time and will remain on the youtube page for future viewing. Interment will take place at later date. Those who wish to remember Leonard with a donation, may do so to Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation online at http://www.InYour Community.ca or cheques can be made payable to MH&D Health Foundation (specify funds to be allocated to the ICU) 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6 or . To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Leonard Oulette , 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

1949 ~ RONALD SCHAUFELE ~ 2021

Ronald Wayne Schaufele passed away, with his family by his side, on September 27th, 2021. He leaves his wife, Leila; children, Ronelle (Nigel), Clark (Katherine), Laurence (Monique), Alexander, Graham, and son-in-law, Joel; grandchildren, Elijah, Katie, Ethan Nickel, Theodore and Frederica Boehm; siblings, Bonita and Fred (Shannon); a large extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Reuben and Catherine; siblings, Larry and Debbie; and his beloved daughter, Beth. He was born September 22nd, 1949, in Calgary AB, and spent his formative years in many places as part of an Air Force family. He lived and farmed in the Bow Island area for 55 years.

He loved all aspects of athletics and was delighted in his children’s musical and athletic endeavours. He was a devoted member of Bow Island Evangelical Free Church, and a faithful supporter of the Rolling Pin Bakery Cafe! He was loved by his community and will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank his home care team, the Bow Island and Medicine Hat hospitals for their compassion and care. A private interment will be held. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ron Schaufele. 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.

1971 ~ TRACY THORNE ~ 2021

Tracy Marlaine Thorne of Medicine Hat passed away on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021 at the age of 50 years. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Tracy Thorne. Funeral arrangements 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.

JOHN HILDEBRAND

1932 – 2021

 

John Gerhard Hildebrand, beloved husband of the late Ellen Hildebrand (nee Wiens), passed away in Medicine Hat on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the burial service at the Bow Island Cemetery on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 12:30 P.M.

As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19 and the government recommendations, a private funeral service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 – 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.

Due to the fact that in person attendance at the service is limited and by invitation only, those who wish to view the service online may do so by visiting http://www.bowislandefc.com and choosing the ‘live’ link on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2:00 P.M.

John is survived by his daughter Geraldine Hildebrand-Chernezky of Redcliff; four grandchildren Staci Chernezky, Robert (Angela) Chernezky, Ryan (Clara) Chernezky and grandson-in-law Paul Coon; great grandchildren Kelton, Kendra, Myron, Taryn, Mason, Keely and Jayda Lynn.

He was predeceased by his wife Ellen Hildebrand (2007); son-in-law Nick Chernezky (2015); granddaughter Nicole Coon (2011); brothers Victor, Alex and Jack Hildebrand.

John was born the last boy in the line up of brothers, Victor Jacob, Alexander Gerhard, George Gerhard and Jacob Gerhard and then he was followed by two sisters, Mary Agatha (Hansen) and Elizabeth Hildebrand, all born to Russian parents Gerhard J. Hildebrand (1893-1935) and Maria Hildebrand (1895-1985). John’s parents along with baby brother Victor, sailed on the Melita from Russia, arriving in Halifax in 1925 and eventually settled, homesteading land and farming in the Grassy Lake area.

John understood the concept of stewardship, that all he had belonged to the Lord. His lifetime of generosity demonstrated that he internalized this truth and that he offered all that he had to further the Kingdom of God.

John contributed his coming to a saving knowledge of trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, with a view for eternity and thus sacrificing to give to missions, to his early years of attending the Southern Alberta Bible Camp (SABC). In the early days, SABC was located at the Grassy Lake forks and one had to drive all the supplies (tents and all) and people, across the river by citing a certain tree and keeping the course to get there. Certainly, that may have played a part in his investigative curiosity and love to explore and see around. Even at the last, he loved to go for a drive and ‘check things out’.

During his final days while hospitalized for a couple days, he decided to remove the supporting oxygen, smiling and waving goodbye before passing shortly thereafter.

It looked like John could see the finish line, and he ran for it! Yes it appeared like he jumped over the line in his jovial way, waving good bye as he crossed the line!

SABC brought hope to John as a child and during the years that followed. For this reason, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in John’s name may be made directly to the Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Box 99, Lomond, Alberta T0L 1G0 (www.sabc.ca). Please designate the donation to the “All Aboard Fund” so that less fortunate children may have the opportunity to attend camp.

The family would like to thank those that ‘adopted’ John as family, including his companion care person, so even while in the Lodge, they were his watchful eyes and gave him family close by. These individuals include Mary and Isack Hamm and their delightful children and Roger and Cheryl Lobb and their family, who were there for him to the end, taking his instructions and not leaving him alone. They did so much more for him, to reassure him, make sure his wishes were understood and followed, while still allowing him to continue to engage in the farming that he so enjoyed. Also, thank you to the Pleasant View Lodge in Bow Island where John resided after he gave up his home. They made living alone so much more fun, with meals and room service being taken care of and providing a beautiful community and caring staff. Last but definitely not least, to two of the fellas, John Wikkerink and Ben Reimer at the Pleasant View Lodge, that together with John formed the three Mouseketeers or three Stooges – we don’t know which, but we do know that together they just kept life exciting for everybody and gave John’s life a zest. As well to so many others, to numerous to mention, thank you.

MURIEL KUNTZ

1928 ~ 2021

 

Muriel Constance Kuntz (nee Lannan) passed peacefully in her hometown of Maple Creek on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at the age of 93 years. Muriel was born in Maple Creek on March 24, 1928, and was the sixth of eight children born to Rose and George Lannan. She grew up in Richmound, SK and moved to Success after marrying her husband, Jack Roy Kuntz in 1948. Muriel and Jack moved to Maple Creek in 1956 where they raised their three sons, Keith, Reid and Kim. Along with being a busy mom, she also worked dispatching trucks for JR Kuntz Livestock and was a substitute teacher for many years. Muriel was a devout member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church and could be found singing in the choir every Sunday. She loved to travel, read and spend time with family. Curling and playing bridge or card games with her grandchildren were also ways she liked to spend her time. Muriel’s memory will be forever cherished by Keith’s children, Erin and Hayley; sons, Reid (Jeannie Weiss) and his children, Stacey and Laine; Kim (Carolyn) and their children, Kelsi, Kale and Kendra as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack in 1988 and her oldest son, Keith, in 2002. A private family mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Maple Creek on Friday, October 1, 2021. (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”