August 19, 2022
By Obituaries on August 19, 2022.
1932 – HENRY STRAUSS – 2022 Celebrating the life of Henry Gustav Strauss, we as a family announce that at the age of 90 years, Henry passed away peacefully on Saturday August 13, 2022, with family at his side in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He was predeceased by Loretta, his loving wife of 65 years, who passed away in 2019. He is survived by four of his five children: Neil (Judy) Strauss, Brian (Cheryl) Strauss, Kathy (Ralph) Korner and Karla (Gerrit) Vermeer. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lynnetta, in 2012. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews – all who brought love and joy to his life. He valued God’s faithfulness to his family and their desire to follow God in footsteps of faith. Henry is survived by his loving sister, Ella Binder of Langley, BC. and her children Arlene (Roland) Poehlke and Rodney (Leanne) Binder and families. Henry was born July 4, 1932, to Ed and Selma Strauss at Sandy Point, Alberta, near Burstall, Saskatchewan, where he was raised on the farm with his sister, Ella. He was predeceased by his parents and stepmother’s Lydia and Inge., which expanded our family with the blessing of even more siblings and relatives. Henry accepted Jesus as his personal Savior at the age of 12. He attended the one room school at Sandy Point. He continued with junior schooling in Medicine Hat and advanced studies at CTI (Christian Training Institute) in Edmonton. It was at CTI that Dad met and married his life partner, Loretta. They worked in Edmonton for one year before moving to the farm at Sandy Point where they developed their farming enterprise. In 1977, they moved into Medicine Hat to pursue other employment while continuing involvement with the expanding farm business. Many have experienced Henry’s gift of leadership in the community and church families that he served both in Hilda and Medicine Hat. He was a friend and mentor to many. He was not one to sit still. He loved to travel with Loretta. Their adventures took them across Canada, many parts of the USA, Africa, Cuba, Israel, Mexico, Panama Canal, Alaska, and Hawaii. He and Loretta so enjoyed living their last years with the condo community at Heritage Heights. He was a loving and faithful husband to Loretta. Henry was a solid Christian example as a father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He invested in his family and was committed to encouraging each one to become their very best. Henry was a kind, steady, thoughtful, humorous, and committed man. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed, but his influence lives on. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A celebration of Henry’s life will take place at Temple Baptist Church (606 7th Street SW) on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Ed Lehman officiating. Private interment will take place at Prairie View Cemetery. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually please go to https://templebaptist.ca/calendar. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to ShareWord Global Canada (formerly known as Gideons International) https://sharewordglobal.com/ca/give/today or to South Country Village, 1720 Bell Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 5G1. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.Funeral Arrangements are by the
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
1936 – BEN SCHAFER – 2022 Benedict “Ben” Schafer passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at the age of 86 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 62 years, Lillian; two daughters, Terry (Bill) Fitterer and Sandra (Mark) Crane; three grandchildren, Shane (Kailegh) Fitterer, Baily Matulin and Ashton (Brydon) Lutz; two beautiful great grandchildren, Branko and Sebastian Matulin; five brothers and two sisters as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers and one sister. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the apple of his eye. Ben worked at Goodyear in Medicine Hat as a Journeyman Boiler Room Engineer for 30 years, retiring in 1998. Ben enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and teaching his daughters how to water ski; together they enjoyed numerous family trips. Ben enjoyed his last years spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Monday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to watch the prayer service and the funeral mass virtually. To access the live stream for prayers please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then selectyoutube (arrow). Access to the live stream for the funeral mass is http://www.youtube.com/Medicine Hat Holy Family Church or follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6zK-XzuXdDHj79rV6ut_Q. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
1936 ~ JACK AKERSTROM ~ 2022 Jack Akerstrom of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, August 11th, 2022 at the age of 85 years. Jack leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Randy and Darcy; grandchildren, Kyle (Kayla), Chantel, Alex and Steven; great grandson, Samuel Bourlon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Gunnard and Violet Akerstrom; and his wife, Shirley Akerstrom. Jack worked in the oilfield industry. He was a avid fisherman and hunter but most of all loved being a grandpa. Jack and Shirley enjoyed there time as snow birds traveling to Arizona. The Funeral Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5, on Saturday, August 20th, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Deacon Robert Risling officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jack Akerstrom. 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.
GERALD MARTIN December 8, 1942 – July 30, 2022
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing on Saturday, July 30, 2022 of Gerald Martin, husband of Andrea, his loving wife of 57.5 years, and father of his beloved and precious daughters, Sherrylin (Jeff), and Carolanne (Chris). Jerry is also survived by his 5 grandchildren Erin, Jazmin, Nigel, Gerry, Elizabeth, his great-grandson Luca, his sister Linda (Ralph), brother George (Peggy) and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his parents Donald and Hilda Martin (Medicine Hat, AB), his twin Joanne, sister Hilda, brother Andrew and his young nephew George. Jerry was known as a Great Guy with a quiet manner, a man who treasured his many relatives and friends, a man who will be sadly and greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest Gently, Sweet Man. We hope that you are in Bowling and Golf Heaven, and that your Handicap is Low!
JOSEPH L. COMEAU
Feb. 3, 1942 ~ Aug. 15, 2022 Joe is survived by his wife, Josie; children, John, Lorraine, Tina (Steve), Joey (Charlene) Gerald (Christine); sisters, Lena Showner and Sheila Dawn as well as brothers, Bert, Johnny and Henry Comeau. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Keandra, Bradley, Ethan, Nick (Kristie), Mason, Cody, Marissa (Jessie), Ryan and Alanna; great-grandchildren, Alexi, Myah, Nikko, Kapri and Evert as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joe’s life will be honoured by the family at a future date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com). Those wishing to remember Joe may do so through a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 220, 6223 – 2 Street S.E., Calgary, AB., T2H 1J5. 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"
ROY WALLIS 1951 ~ 2022 Mr. Roy Allan Wallis passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at the age of 71 years. Roy was born in London, ON., on January 4, 1951, to Clarence and Nora Wallis. He worked as a Custodian for the Public School Division for many years. Roy was kind, generous and loved a good laugh. He enjoyed his pets and was an avid golfer. Roy will be forever remembered in the hearts of his life partner, Ruby Middleton; her children, Ken (Joan) Steinley and Alan (Candace) Middleton; grandchildren, Donald, Matthew, Jason, Rusty and Brandt (Daniella) Borthwick; Justine (Wes O’Hara) Olson, Alex Olson, Francesca, Brogan and Carver Middleton; siblings, Helen Breton, Hazel West, Donald, Robert and Richard Wallis; as well as a special nephew, Wayne and numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Wally Jewer, Clayton Orge and Tamny Borthwick. Roy was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Nora Wallis; brothers, Raymond and Kenneth. A Celebration of Roy’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Roy’s name may be made directly to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8E8 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, Suite 220, 6223 – 2 Street S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2H 1J5 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 119 – 14 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6. (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"
THOMAS HAMMEL September 18, 1969 ~ August 10, 2022 As the last star was fading into the light in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 10, 2022, Thomas Robert Hammel passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat, AB., at the age of 52 years. Tom touched the hearts of everyone he knew by making them feel important in his own special way. Each of us will remember and celebrate his life with both a tear and a smile. Tom was born on September 18, 1969, in the Cabri Hospital. As a child he had no fear and was often seen riding a bicycle or later, a dirt bike and would catch everyone’s attention as he preferred to ride on one wheel! He was a dare devil and became known as “Uncle Danger” and now as “Grandpa Danger”.
Tom’s parents owned and operated the Hammel Store in Abbey, SK., in which the Hammel children all “did time”. Tom began working at the store at a very young age and would always greet the customers with a happy face and they would get a chuckle out of watching him try to reach the till. He was grateful for his time in the store and attributed his life skills to working there in those early years. After high school, he followed his brother-in-law to Medicine Hat and started his floor installation career. Tom was very talented at everything that he did and he explored many different career paths, some of which included, farming, backhoe operating and landscaping.
Tom’s pride and joy was his daughter, Jessica (whom he referred to as “Bird”), who entered his life in September of 1998. He shared much of his knowledge and expertise with her in their time together. Tom was always proud to adjust her golf swing, help her learn to sing a new song, or just share some words of wisdom to guide her through a bad day. Tom’s love for music carried him throughout his whole life. He began playing guitar and drums at a young age and was soon playing in live bands. Tom’s passion for music had a positive influence on others who loved to watch him play.
Tom took pleasure in the simple things in life and always had the utmost positivity… he took life in stride and was always ready to enjoy a beer or two with his family and friends. He was a natural at any sport he tried – hockey, golf, baseball and skiing were some of his favorites. The family farm was important to Tom which he referred to it as his “Little Mexico”. Many hours were spent enjoying bonfires, skeet shooting, riding sleds and spending time with his family. More recently, he could be found tending his lawn, watching SportsCenter in his garage, spending quality time with his fiancée, Heather, and proudly playing trucks with his grandson, Kasher.
Tom is survived by his fiancée, Heather; daughter, Jessica (Keagan) and grandchildren, Brantley, Kasher and Kassidy; mother, Bertha; brothers, Lloyd (Jamie) and Bill (Lissa) and sister, Sandra (Larry); his nieces and nephews, Teela (Matt), Tristan, Devyn, Destiny (Trey), Ashley and Taylor; great-nephews, Dylon, Liam, Tatum and Steele including his countless friends and co-workers. He was predeceased by his father, Meinrad.
A special thank you to Heather and to the doctors and staff who helped Tom and his family through this difficult battle. With much gratitude to the staff at St. Joseph’s Home-Carmel Hospice for making his final days comfortable.
A Come and Go Celebration of Life to share memories and stories of Tom, will be held at Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, Fireside Room, 2055 – 21 Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Friday, September 16, 2022, starting at 3:00 p.m.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Tom’s memory may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation, 39 Somerset Dale S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 0C9. (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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