March 11, 2022

By Obituaries on March 11, 2022.

1926 ~ JESSIE HEIDEBRECHT ~ 2022

Jessie Heidebrecht (nee Funk) passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat on March 8th, 2022, to be with her Lord, at the age of 95 years. Jessie is lovingly remembered by her three children, Gerry (Henry) Funk of Medicine Hat, Greg (Debbie) Heidebrecht of Medicine Hat, and Wendy (William) Jossa of Calgary; daughter-in-law, Colleen of Weyburn, SK; grandchildren, Jody (Jeff) Pfeifer of Weyburn, SK, Kim Heidebrecht of Regina, SK, Jackie (Gary) Georgeson of Regina, SK, Geoffry (Nicki) Heidebrecht of Medicine Hat, Shane (Natasha) Heidebrecht of Medicine Hat, Dallis (Kacey) Jossa of Calgary; great grandchildren, Randy Pfeifer, Katia (Benjamin) Georgeson, Kearstin (Aidan) Bailey, and Wendel Georgeson. She was predeceased by her husband, Harvey, as well as her sons, Steve and Grant. Jessie was orphaned at an early age and grew up with her special foster family. She met and married her handsome soldier, making their life at farming and raising their family near Main Centre, SK. Mom was known for her seamstress skills, keeping the family clothed as well as making many barbie doll outfits. She enjoyed hosting and preparing wonderful meals for family and friends. Together, with others in the community, Jessie and her husband were instrumental in forming a special class for special needs children in the Herbert area. After retiring to Medicine Hat, they enjoyed many years spending time with family and friends, new and old. We will miss her. A family Graveside Service will be held later in Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Jessie’s name can be made to Alzheimer Society, 201, 770 – 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4J6. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jessie Heidebrecht. 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.

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1935 ~ DOREEN FILGAS ~2022

Doreen May Filgas (nee Curry) passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice on March 8th 2022 at the age of 86 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 55 years, Walter Filgas; son, Lorne-Michael Filgas: daughter, Cheryl (Lyle) Rebmann, stepchildren, Greg (Kenna) Filgas; Dale (Gloria) Filgas, Bev Filgas, Brad (Anne) Filgas; brother, Don (Ceicle) Curry; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her father, Lawrence Curry; mother, Ruby Besner; brother, Bob Curry; sisters, Laurene Blake, Irene Hoover, Opal Felzien; and granddaughter, Kimberley Nicole Rebmann. Mom was a loving and devoted wife. She was a very supportive and caring mother to her family and a friend to all who knew her. She was happy sharing life’s joys and wonders with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Heartfelt thanks to Ryan Filgas, Kristen Rebmann, and Kaitlyn Rebmann for being there for your “Nanny”. Special thanks to the wonderful caring staff of St. Joseph’s, Dr. Benke, Dr. Jonker, and Pastor Bob. She so appreciated all of you. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Saturday, March 12th, 2022 or Sunday, March 13th, 2022 from 7: 00 pm to 9:00 pm. A private family memorial service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Doreen’s name may be made to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Doreen Filgas. 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.

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1943 ~ SANDRA FLAWS ~ 2022

Sandra Marilyn Flaws of Cypress County, AB, beloved wife of George Flaws, passed away on Monday, March 7th, 2022 at the age of 78 years. Sandra also eaves to cherish her memory her children, Bradley, Alan (Roxanne), Denise (Steve), and Jason (Andrea); 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; as well as her sister, Gilda (John) Fode and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Jessie Schneider. Sandy worked at Woolworths and as a telephone Operator at CFB Suffield. Sandy and George farmed in Hays for many years, they moved to Medicine Hat in 2021. Sandy enjoyed sewing, quilting, and she was an avid reader. She traveled to England, Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Jakarta and attended many sewing retreats with her friends and daughter. She loved to spend time with family and friends. She will be missed by all that knew her. There will be no formal service at this time. Memorial gifts in Sandra's memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Sandra Flaws. 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.

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1960 – NELS NELSON – 2022

Nels Brad Nelson passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the age of 61 years, beloved husband of Karen Nelson of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory two children, Brad Nelson and Shawn Nelson; his mother Bessie Nelson of Medicine Hat; one brother, Daniel (Sylvia) Nelson of Medicine Hat, three sisters, Lorinda “Lynn” (Lorne) Bremner of Oxbow, Saskatchewan, Bev (Darcy) Maier and Ronda (Calvin) Giofu all of Medicine Hat; Karen’s family: her mother Elma Carlson of Winnipeg; her siblings, Ardyth (Bryan) Line, Greg Carlson, Shirley Wright, Don (Glenda) Carlson and Bruce Carlson as well as numerous nieces, nephews and in-law’s that loved him. He was predeceased by his father Vernon Nelson; one brother Vernon Nelson, one brother-in-law Roy Doerksen and two nephews Clinton Nelson and Mike Line. Due to family health concerns, anyone who is unvaccinated is requested to wear a mask or view the service online. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. 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 in Manitoba at a later date. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Nels Nelson , 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

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ADRIANA GERRY STIGTER

(JENNY)
1937 ~ 2022

Adriana (Jenny) Gerry Stigter was born on April 28, 1937, in Maasdijk, Netherlands to Huibert and Maria Prins. Shortly after WWII in 1948, at the age of 11 years, the family immigrated to Canada. They arrived in Turin, Alberta and later moved to Lethbridge and then Taber. Jenny met the love of her life in 1956, Casey Stigter and moved to Medicine Hat where they were married on June 12, 1957. She worked for several years at Safeway until moving to Redcliff in 1961 where they started their own Greenhouse operation, working together for the next 29 years. Following retirement, Jenny enjoyed her time sewing, baking and travelling, especially going down south as well as the many cruises. She will be greatly missed by all. Jenny is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Casey Stigter; sons, Harry and Audrey Stigter and Don and Ingrid Stigter; seven grandchildren as well as nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Mary Vander Kwaak and Rene Thompson including brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Jenny was predeceased by a newborn son in 1962; five brothers, Huibert, Janus, Casey, Arnold, Martin; sisters-in-law, Audrey Hazelaar, Martha Jans, Ina Prins, Toni Prins, Ank Prins, Flo Stigter and brother-in-law, Lane Stigter. The Funeral Service will be celebrated at the Christian Reformed Church, 300 Primrose Drive S.E., Medicine Hat, on Monday, March 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor George Koopmans officiating. Private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. (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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DOWNEY (nee COLE)

Shirley Anne Downey passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 7, 2022. Shirley will be deeply missed by her daughter-in-law Gerri Downey, grandchildren; Chris Schneider (Holly), Leanne Lapierre (Chad), Mike Downey (Alyssa), Jarret Downey (Amber), great grandchildren; Ashlynn, Colton, Jaida, Cameron, Emery and Henry. Sister-in-law Peggy Cole, nieces; Nancy Cole (John+), Nickia Dick (Barry), and many great nieces and nephews. As well numerous brother and sister-in- laws, nieces and nephews in the Downey family. She was born August 31, 1938 in Oakville, Ontario to parents Bert and Lucy “Olive” Cole (nee Scarrow). Shirley was predeceased by her parents, husband Paul, son Don, daughter Linda, son -in-law Glen, brother Carl, an infant sister, granddaughter Jenine, and nephew Terry. Shirley met her husband Paul in Ontario and ventured west with him in 1954, settling in Medicine Hat. Shortly after moving Don was born, Linda 11 months later, their family was complete. Shirley was a homemaker but also enjoyed spending time with Paul on some of his road trips; he was part owner of a moving company. She also enjoyed playing bingo, going to a casino with Paul and later with her girlfriends. She loved time spent with family, going out for lunches, receiving mail, exchanging cards, photos, and letters from relatives afar. She was thrilled to attend her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events and activities, they called her GG. Shirley was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion 60+ years. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with Fr. Roque Pereira officiating. The chapel 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 follow in the Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Royal Canadian Legion 17, 702 – 2nd St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0E1. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Shirley Downey, 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

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FREDERICK ‘FRED’ PEARS

1934 ~ 2022

Frederick ‘Fred’ Pears, beloved husband of the late Evelyn Pears, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the age of 87 years. A time of visitation will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. (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"

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HELMUT SCHLENKER

August 8, 1933 ~ March 9, 2022

Helmut Schlenker, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Schlenker, passed away in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at the age of 88 years. Helmut leaves to cherish his memory: three sons, Hubert (Anita), Roland (Andrea) and Jurgen (Gayleen); seven grandchildren, Jordan (Breanna), Emily, Brian (Jennifer), Leanne (Mavrick), Holly (Martin), Jared (Carly) and Devin (Danielle) as well as twelve great-grandchildren. Helmut was born to Henry and Elsie Schlenker in Sofiewka, Bessarabia in 1933, where he spent his formative years. His family eventually moved back to Germany from Bessarabia where he learned the trade of blacksmith and then welding. After some time, his job took him to Cologne where he met his future bride, Elizabeth. In 1958, the whole Schlenker family immigrated to Canada. They settled in Medicine Hat where he worked at the Brick and Tile and then Knight Schmidt Industries. He farmed 110 acres just west of the airport before becoming a finish carpenter. He continued to farm for many more years on two quarters of dry land just south of Rattlesnake Lake. After Elizabeth’s passing in 2012, he lived at Chinook Village for a number of years before he finally came to stay at Masterpiece Southland Meadows four years ago. There, he quickly became the favourite resident because of his gentle and kind nature. He will be remembered for his ardent love of Jesus and he was a committed member of the Memorial Evangelical Church where he faithfully served at from 1958 until he could no longer attend. Some of his yearly highlights were the Bruderfest meetings with the Calgary and Edmonton German congregations. The family wish to extend their appreciation to the nursing staff of Masterpiece for so lovingly caring for him in the last years of his life. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 13, 2022, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Visitation will also be offered starting one hour prior to the celebration of Helmut’s life which will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Monday, March 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a time of fellowship thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Helmut’s service will be live streamed. Anyone wishing to experience the celebration of Helmut’s life can visit http://www.cooksouthland.com and select the View Broadcast Button on the homepage at service time. (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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JUDY SORRELL

July 11, 1958- March 2, 2022
Judy Sorrell was born on July 11, 1958 to Margret & Allen Sorrell n Brandon, MB. The family moved to Redcliff, AB in the spring of 1959. Judy married the love of her life, Robert Dockrell on May 20, 1977. Judy and Robert had a daughter, Stephanie who the welcomed on October 29, 1982.
Judy was widowed on October 9, 2003. Judy leaves behind her daughter, Stephanie Koch (Cameron), her beloved grandsons, Jordan and Hayden Koch. She also leaves behind her brother Wayne Sorrell (Mary); sisters, Wendy Sorrell, Gwenda Baldie (Duncan), and Carmen Baker; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Judy was pre-deceased by both parents, as well as brother-in-law, Brad Ward. Judy loved animals and was pre- deceased by her beloved horse, Jackamoe, and dog, Trigger.
As per Judy's wishes, there will be no service. Immediate family will be invited for the spreading of her ashes at a later date. In memory: give to the Canadian Cancer Society, SPCA or Canadian Mental Health Association.

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RONALD JEROME BENGSTON

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March 19, 1945 – March 3, 2022

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Jerome Bengtson. Ron passed away peacefully at St Joseph’s Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on March 3rd, 2022 at the age of 76 years. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, uncle as well as a good friend to many. Ron is survived by his five children; Randy, Greg, Cindy, Michele (Ian) Hogan and Tanya (Ed) Gordon; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Leona Humphrey, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Eldon and Clara Bengtson; brother, Kirby Bengtson; and the love of his life, his wife, Jean Bengtson (Rance).
Ron worked on the family farm in Eastend, Saskatchewan, along side his father, Eldon, in the business of crop spraying for the local farmers during his years at home. After he graduated from High School in Eastend, Saskatchewan he continued his education at SAIT in Calgary where he qualified as a draftsman in 1964. Once qualified, he gained employment as a surveyor for DRES (Defence Research Establishment Suffield) (now DRDC) at CFB Suffield where he was involved in many field trials over the years until his retirement 35 years later in 2000. It was during this time when he met the love of his life, Jeannie, and they were married in 1971. Ron and Jeannie were together for 49 years until her passing in 2020.
Ron had many passions over the years which included hunting, fishing, curling, rodeos, horticulture and woodwork. He was an avid member in several curling bonspiels for many years, winning several trophies in various bonspiels across Alberta. Ron was an enthusiastic volunteer at the Jenner, Ralston and Patricia Rodeos over a 30-year span where he worked as the chute operator. It was during this time his passion for rodeos grew and he started going to many of the Canadian Final Rodeos (CFR) in Edmonton and many of the National Rodeo Finals (NFR) in Las Vegas with close family and friends for many years, always purchasing a belt buckle each time. Ron was also very talented with carpentry/woodwork and over the years he made many decorative pieces for family and close friends, from cedar swing benches to decorative wall carvings. Ron even made and donated one of his cedar swing benches to Duck’s Unlimited which was auctioned at a fundraiser dinner in Medicine Hat many years ago. Ron was also known for his love of creating beautiful flowers over the years which he planted from seed in his greenhouse, many of which were displayed in hanging baskets and flower beds around his property. So popular were his displays that friends and neighbours would ask him to arrange baskets for them and this kept him very busy during the spring over many years.
A celebration of Ronald’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s name can be made to the Medicine Hat Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ronald Bengtson. 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.

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