October 22, 2021
By Obituaries on October 22, 2021.
1927 ~ DANIEL GERNACK ~ 2021 Daniel Gernack of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Mary Gernack, passed away on Monday, October 18th, 2021 at the age of 94 years. Daniel leaves to cherish his memory his daughters and their families, Lynda (Glen) Schmolke and Joanne (Russell) Hope; four grandchildren, Andrea Hope (Dallas Chadney), Jason (Courtney) Hope, Shalon (Mark) Parsons and Derek (Brielle) Schmolke; as well as six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his loving wife, Mary, Daniel was predeceased by his parents; three brothers; and his two sisters. A private graveside service will be held at Lister, BC Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Daniel Gernack. Funeral arrangements are entrusted toSAAMIS 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.
1936 ~ BRUCE NELSON DIXON ~ 2021 Bruce Nelson Dixon of Medicine Hat passed away suddenly on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at the age of 85 years. Bruce was born on October 2nd, 1936 in Maple Creek, SK to Dr. Hugh and Laura Anne Dixon. He was raised and educated in Shaunavon, SK and spent his life mostly on the ranch at Val Marie, SK. His ranch and his Hereford cattle were his life! In 1958, he married Stella Lokken of Moose Jaw, SK and they went to live on the ranch permanently. The marriage was blessed with two children, Debbie and Brad. Over the years on the ranch, he accomplished many things. He was instrumental in developing the Mankota Stockmen Weight Company in Mankota and was president and director for many years. He was also a director for the Saskatchewan Stock Grower’s Association and a councillor for the RM at Val Marie, SK as well as a director of the Saskatchewan Flying Farmers. When his health started to deteriorate, Bruce and Stella retired to Medicine Hat where they have enjoyed making many new friends and enjoyed going to Tiger Hockey games and spending summer days fishing at Diefenbaker Lake in Saskatchewan. He also loved to go hunting in the fall months and cheer on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He enjoyed a good card game of cribbage Bruce leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 63 years, Stella; his daughter, Debbie (Gerald) Dumonceaux of Medicine Hat and son, Brad Dixon of Kalispell, Montana; grandchildren, DeLee Dumonceaux of Okotoks, AB, Darren (Paula) Dumonceaux of Redcliff, AB, Taylor Dixon (Brodee Caragan) of Gull Lake, SK, Nicole Dixon (Chris Van Stone) of Swift Current, SK, and Madison Edwards-Dixon of Carmel, CA and Mason Dixon of Carmel, CA; three great-grandchildren, Connor Singh of Okotoks, AB, Kaiden Dumonceaux of Redcliff, AB and Elliott Caragan of Gull Lake, SK; his two brothers, Chester Dixon of Milk River, AB and Dean Dixon of Vulcan, AB; as will as numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Hugh and Laura Anne Dixon; one brother, Bryan Dixon; two sisters, Mary Anne Dixon and Barbara Smith; nephew, Dawson Dixon; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mildred and Einar Lokken; brothers-in-law, Darrel Haubrich and Mike Smith; and sister-in-law, Joyce Dixon. Bruce will be sadly missed by his family and many wonderful friends and acquaintances. A celebration of life will be held at a later date back in Saskatchewan where his heart was. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bruce Dixon. 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.
BELVA LOUISE STUBER 1932 – 2021 Belva Stuber went to her heavenly home on Saturday, October 16th, 2021, at the age of 88 years. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and devoted Christian.
Belva leaves to cherish her memory her children, Sheryl, Dale (Ruby) Stuber and Cathy (Sonny) Page; six grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Marvin Stuber on January 19th, 2021; parents, Otto and Ora Mae Honig; and her six siblings.
Belva was born in Eastend, SK on November 28th, 1932 and was the youngest of seven children. She was raised on a dairy farm and helped deliver milk with her dad by horse and buggy. Belva also took piano lessons and had a few favorite tunes she would play for her family. Belva moved to Medicine Hat with her family at the age of 14 where she attended Alexander High School. She worked at Medalta office, Lang Brothers Gibson, Club Café and a restaurant in Banff during summers.
Belva met Marvin at a Whitla barn dance and they were married on October 18th, 1952. This is when she began her farm life with Marvin where they worked alongside each other and raised three children, Sheryl, Dale and Cathy in a loving home. Faith and family meant everything to Belva, her love and devotion will stay forever in the hearts of all who loved her.
When her children were grown, Belva went to work at Pritchard and Company as a legal secretary for 10 years. After working, Belva attended senior programs at the Veiner Center and was an active member with the UCW at Fifth Avenue United Church.
She was a great baker and enjoyed sharing her knowledge and techniques with her grandchildren. Many days were spent baking pies, canning and preparing food for her family.
In the later years when health issues restricted her from attending activities and gatherings, she looked forward to the visits from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Belva’s strength came from God and she found great comfort in spending her days with Marvin by her side while they reminisced about their life together. Although they were apart for a short time after Marvin’s passing, they are now reunited and will live together in the house of the Lord forever. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." Psalm 73:26 A private family graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 23rd with Dr. Shane Andrus officiating. 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
JOHN SPRENKELS 1958 – 2021 It is with an extremely heavy heart that Maria announces the sudden passing of her beloved husband, Johannes ‘John’ Petrus Sprenkels. He passed away at his home near Bow Island on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at the age of 62 years. John will be lovingly remembered by his children, Chalana (Dwayne), Samantha (Justin) and Darian; grandson, Reagan; mother, Toos Dingenout-Sprenkels; siblings, Mary Jacob-Sprenkels, Peter Jacobs and Peter Sprenkels and their families; mother-in-law: Jeanne (Sjan) van den Broek as well as his sister-in-law, Elsa de Craen and her family. John was predeceased by his father, Theo Sprenkels and his father-in-law, Cornelius van den Broek. John was born and raised in the Netherlands. He married Maria van den Broek on January 22, 1982, moving to Canada in May that same year. Canada was his home. John’s interests included watching Nascar and listening to music. One of his greatest achievements was being involved in the set up of the Blues at the Bow. John took pride in his work around the community and for Alberta Parks. He valued all of his customers and was eager to give a helping hand when needed. Living on his acreage was one of John’s greatest joys as he was an avid outdoorsman. But most of all, his family was his biggest pride as they were very important to him. A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2022. Details will be announced closer to the date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the SPCA or to the Bow Island and District Health Foundation. Cheques must be made out to the Bow Island and District Health Foundation Bag 3990, Bow Island, AB., T0K 0G0. 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"
LORNA LORRAINE SCHWABE 1933 ~ 2021
Lorna “Lorraine” Schwabe passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the age of 87 years, beloved wife of Leonard Schwabe of Medicine Hat. She also leaves to cherish her memory three children, Lorraine Mary Louise “Lou” Haag, Leonard Benjamin Sidney “Sid” Schwabe (Tracy Laubenstein), and Rhonoda Lee “Ronnie” (Taras) Melnyczuk; six grandchildren, Lindsey (Lonnie) Gebhart, Nikki (Denny) O’Connor, A.J. Schwabe, Melory (Matty) Byers, Megan Melnyczuk (Greg Heukshorst), and Wasyl Melnyczuk; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Myron (Helen) Smith as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Olga and Lorne Smith; and one son-in-law Dennis Haag. A private family funeral service will be held in Victory Lutheran Church (2793 Southview Drive SE) on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. James C. Bredeson officiating. The service will be live streamed, and family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to watch the service at https:/victorylutheran.ca/livestream. Those who wish to remember Lorraine with a donation, may do so to the Victory Lutheran Church c/o 2793 Southview Drive SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 2H1 or to the charity of your choice. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Lorna Lorraine Schwabe, 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
ROBERT (BOB) FREDERICK JOSEPH HICKERTY 1927 ~ 2021 Our dad peacefully passed away on the evening of October 16, 2021 just 3 months away from his 95th birthday. He relished every minute of his time on earth.
Born in Melaval, Saskatchewan to his parents Elizabeth and Fred Hickerty, dad was the 3rd of 5 children. He was the smallest of all his siblings and we’re told that one day his dad said “Bobby, you’re the runt of the litter. You’ll have to use your smarts”. He took that advice to heart, combined it with an incredible work ethic, and became a natural leader.
Dad told us many stories of growing up on a prairie farm, and his story began in the Dirty Thirties – that infamous decade prior to WWII characterized by economic hardship brought on by intense drought and exacerbated by the global Great Depression. He described months when he never saw a nickel in the house and everyone had to chip in to make ends meet. At age 6 he began running a trapline for sought after furs, and found it so profitable that he continued it for a number of years. At age 8 he accepted a 25 cent/month job of going to his country school early enough to fire up the pot belly stove and have the room warm for the students and teacher when they arrived.
He described in detail the fun memories as well – like winning the freckle contest and yodelling contest at the Moose Jaw County Fair. Dad had a tryout with the Moose Jaw Canucks hockey team and the coach told him he was smart, and fast, and to come back when he grew another 6 inches and gained 30 pounds. That ended any aspirations of a hockey career.
The end of the decade brought another global event front and center – WWII. At 14 he was given a driver’s license because the economy needed to roll and most of the young men were at war. That same year – 1941 – he bought a 1928 Model A Ford, left home and worked at his uncle Joe Walter’s garage in Melaval, coming home on the weekends to help on the farm.
Dad was accepted into the College of Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon), and graduated in 1952 with Great Distinction. Simultaneous to college he became a Cadet on the HMCS Unicorn for the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. By the time college had ended dad was appointed Sub-Lieutenant and was awarded the Department of National Defence Sword, an honour given annually for outstanding performance to only one cadet in all of Canada. Post graduation he was offered a career in the military and scholarships to Ivy League Colleges – one of which was Harvard. He turned down all of these opportunities in favor of marrying our mom, Beverley Kaye (Holmes), and in 1954 they moved to the beautiful town of Eastend, Saskatchewan, starting his own drugstore business as a pharmacist. He fell in love with the Cypress Hills and instilled that “love of the hills” to his 6 children and his numerous grand-children and great grand-children.
Our dad could do anything he set his mind to. He was a founder, player and coach for men’s hockey, baseball and softball in Eastend. He, mom and their friends played in a band, curled, and simply became outstanding community members. He obtained his pilot’s license and bought his own Luscombe airplane. He and mom built our house and moved their growing family into our new home in 1956. In the late 60’s dad built a cabin at Cypress Park. As a pharmacist he was considered a member of the medical community, and accepted the position of Coroner. He brought in and kept all key veterinary supplies in stock, and was on 24 hour call for all the ranchers within a 50 mile radius. We’ve accompanied him to ranches and witnessed him pull calves, perform c-sections on livestock, and administer new vaccines and medicines.
His love of the Cypress Hills combined perfectly with his passion for hunting and fishing, and on the walls of his hallway he proudly displays three Saskatchewan certificates for the largest Walleye, Brook Trout and Brown Trout of the year – all caught within 25 minutes of his doorstep.
Dad sent all six children to college, feeling at the time that post-secondary education was a must. He fostered within us key principals: we needed to be able to take care of ourselves, and everything was black and white, right and wrong, and that we were responsible for our actions.
He sold his drugstore in the 1970’s, and started a Pharmacist’s Relief Consulting business which allowed for drugstore entrepreneurs to keep their business open while going for vacation – dad took over the store’s operations. This gave him the flexibility for both him and mom to travel. During this time he worked in the NWT, initially so that he could become a resident and hunt buffalo. Mom always accompanied him on these work adventures, and they loved what they discovered along the way.
In the early 1980’s dad, mom and their youngest daughter Bobbi Jo decided to move to Medicine Hat – it was still close to his beloved Hills, yet closer to all of his children who by then had embarked on their own careers. They eventually moved to an acreage on the outskirts of Medicine Hat. He and mom built a house connected to the home of their youngest daughter and her growing family.
We lost mom in 2013, but dad was fortunate in that he was surrounded by so many children, grandchildren and great grand-children who always made him feel comforted. In dad’s words, he said “I miss your mom, but I’m never lonely”.
In his final 20 years he chose to first slow down, and then to quit hunting. Instead he scattered grain daily at the back of his acreage for his pheasants, which he adopted as his personal responsibility to foster. To his last breath though, he loved hearing our hunting and fishing stories.
Dad stayed healthy and vibrant for most of his elderly years – he hiked every day, read voraciously, and took an active role in looking after his family. Undoubtedly his love of life contributed to his longevity. He became tired the last month of his life, and like the great patriarch he was, he began to prepare us in subtle ways. When one of his grand-children told him they wished he’d live to be 100, he replied “I don’t want to. I’m too tired”. He told us he was not afraid to join our mom and see his family and friends. He said he would miss us, and we replied to him that he’d still be busy watching over us.
He was able to walk the Hills he loved and enjoyed up to his last breath. Dad is survived by his 6 children: Heather (Byron Robb), Kim (Pat Hagel), Cindi (Ken Holland), Scott (Jo-Anne), Tanys (Murray Kush) and Bobbi Jo (Dave Sim). He is also survived by numerous grand-children and great grand-children, and has often told us that the family tree he and mom planted has grown to 50 people.
Dad’s legacy is a wonderful, successful story and it is now his surviving family’s responsibility to ensure that this incredible individual will never be forgotten. He will be missed, but our memories we will hold dear to our hearts.
A Private Family service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel with Father Roque Periera officiating. (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"
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