April 29, 2023

By Obituaries on April 29, 2023.

JUDITH ANN YEMEN (FREEMAN)

JUDITH ANN YEMEN (FREEMAN) June 4, 1946 April 25, 2023 Passed away at the May Court Hospice in Ottawa, ON after contending with aggressive endometrial cancer and three harsh rounds of treatment since 2020.
A dearly loved wife and mother, she is mourned by her husband Bruce Yemen and sons John and Stewart. Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, she was the eldest daughter of the late Eldor and Margaret Freeman in a family of three girls and six boys. She is survived by sisters Linda (Don Anderson) and Deborah (Dale Bolton) and by brothers Dennis (Joan), Barry (late Mara), Ron (June), Glenn (Sandy), Randy (Pat) and Greg (Deborah).
The only member of her family to settle east of Alberta, she ventured east to Ottawa in 1964 to attend Carleton University, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. She went on to work as a reporter for the Calgary Herald, Ottawa Journal and Victoria Times. Later, while raising a family in Ottawa, she worked as a teacher’s aide and at Maple Tree Quilts on Bank Street. She pursued her newly-developed quilting passion as a dedicated, longstanding member of the QuiltCo guild. She was also an avid gardener and reader.
Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and support staff who did their best for Judith during a difficult time of pandemic. Thanks also for the kindness of good friends and neighbours, and special thanks to her quilting friends for their steadfast help and thoughtfulness over the past three years. At Judith’s request, there will be no service. Friends and family will share memories in their own ways. Donation in her memory to Hospice Care Ottawa or other charity of choice would be welcome.

KAY LESMEISTER (HAGER) (NEE IBAC

KAY LESMEISTER (HAGER) (NEE IBACH) June 2, 1927 ~ April 20, 2023

Katherine Marie Lesmeister, beloved wife of the late Jerry Hager, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at Good Sam’s on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the age of 95. Kay will be lovingly remembered by:  daughter, MARLENE Conibear of Donalda, AB., and her children, Terry Conibear, Karen (Dan Mulej) Conibear, Brad Barros and Lori (Earle) Brooks;  daughter, LINDA (Bob) Crockford of Dunmore, AB., and her children, Belinda (Joe Arneaud) Crockford and Shawn (Tracey) Crockford;  daughter-in-law, Laurie (CLINT † ) Lesmeister of Invermere, BC., and her children, Clay (Colleen) Lesmeister and Angelina (Danyo) Pagé;  daughter, JANET Wiebe of Calgary, AB., and her children, Tyson Wiebe and Joshua Wiebe;  23 great-grandchildren;  4 great-great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way.  Kay’s memory will be cherished by Jerry’s children, Barry (Joyce) Hager, Julie Stemman, Trish (Jim) Hirsekorn, Dan (Michele) Hager, Eve (Dave) Lantz, Rose (Dan) Cowan, Rita Hager (Jerry Edwards), Bonnie (Bernie) Cook, Laurie (Darby) Gagnon and Trina (Mike) Kobley as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John (Joan) Lesmeister; sisters-in-law, Marion Ibach, Clara Miller, Rose Lesmeister, Mildred Lesmeister, Frances Bell, Teresa Trevisan and Jerry’s sister, Caroline Knapik as well as many nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. Kay was predeceased by her first husband, Joe Lesmeister in 1987; second husband, Jerry Hager in 2022; son, Clint in 1999;  son-in-law, Jim Conibear in 2012; great-grandson, Bryson Barros in 2022; parents, Peter and Rose (Moser) Ibach; brothers, Henry, Tony (Kay) and Mike; sister, Irene (Joe) Lutz as well as Jerry’s son, Kelly Hager. Katherine Marie Ibach was born at Fox Valley, SK., on June 2, 1927, and was raised to be a hard working farm girl.  She left school at a young age to help her ailing mother take care of her home and younger children.  She met Joe when he was teaching at Blumenfeldt School and married him on May 27, 1946.  Together they had 4 children and shared 40 years of marriage.  Kay loved to take care of people.  She couldn’t sit down if something needed to be done.  She was a loving and supportive mother and went on to do numerous things in her 95 years.  She took care of many boarders, had a hairdressing salon, was a seamstress and sewed clothes for her family.  She enjoyed making crafts and loved to bake, becoming very adept at cake decorating.  Over her 35 year curling career, she became a very accomplished curler.  Through her senior years, Kay enjoyed bowling, golfing and even tried her hand at painting while living at St. Joseph’s Home.  In 2001, Kay married Jerry Hager and embraced his 11 children, treating them as her own for the next 22 years.  They both loved to dance, gamble a little and take short trips to visit their children.  Unfortunately, the last 2 years were not kind to them and health reasons forced them to live in separate senior homes.  This made them very upset, but Kay worked out a solution.  Every afternoon, she took the Special Transit and went to the Wellington to spend time sitting together, holding hands, napping and watching TV. She would then take Jerry to supper  before catching the bus back to St. Joseph’s.  Kay mothered everyone, both of her husbands, her many children and especially her grandchildren.  She loved cuddling all the babies.  Kay will be missed by all of her family, relatives and her many, many friends. WE LOVE YOU MOM!  Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to Vigil Prayers which will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Vigil Prayers will be live streamed.  Anyone who is not able to attend but wishes to be a part of the service can visit http://www.cooksouthland.com and select the view broadcast button on the home page at service time. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.  Those wishing to join the family virtually and experience the Funeral Mass via live stream are invited to watch by connecting to YouTube and searching: Medicine Hat Holy Family Church, then selecting the video link at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com)  If friends so desire, donations in Kay’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. 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”

JIM SMITH

1949 ~ JIM SMITH ~ 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Smith announce his passing at the Riverview Care Centre, on April 21, 2023 at the age of 73 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 49 years, Dorothy Lee; his children, Andrew, Matthew (Jamie) and Suzy (Graham). Jim also leaves four beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Adam, Hannah and Henry. In addition he is survived by his brother, Dennis (Yvonne); sister, Leila (Brian); several nephews and great niece. Jim was born on November 4, 1949 in Brandon, Manitoba. After earning a Bachelor of Teaching degree from Brandon University, Jim spent one year in Northern Manitoba teaching Physical Education and English at the Junior High level. After that year, Jim commenced his career with the YMCA that would span 41 years. Jim had been a Y member ever since he was young. He advanced through the YMCA Leadership Programs throughout Junior and Senior High School, building skills that he would utilize throughout his career. Jim held various positions with the YMCA’s in Brandon (MB) and London (ON) until accepting the position of Executive Director with the Medicine Hat YMCA in 1981. Over the next 33 years, Jim worked along side the team at the YMCA, Board of Directors, the City of Medicine Hat, the Province of Alberta and other key stake holders in the community on a variety of initiatives. These included expanding the main facility, constructing a new facility in Southridge and setting up various community programs such as day cares, youth education and career development services. He also fulfilled interim management roles at the Fort McMurray and Lethbridge YMCA’s during his career. SCUBA diving was another important part of Jim’s life. Beginning in 1974, he was an avid diver, became an instructor and taught many students over the years. The Smith family would like to thank the staff at Masterpiece SL4D for providing a kind, caring and friendly environment for Jim over the last two years. The family would also like to thank the staff at Riverview’s Massey-Beaverbrook Unit for their loving care during his short stay at their facility. A family memorial service will be held this summer at Jim’s beloved Clear Lake (Riding Mountain National Park, MB), the place he always wanted to be. If so desired, a charitable donation can be made in Jim’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 201, 770 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4J6 or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jim Smith. 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.

LORIE O’REILLY

LORIE O’REILLY January 12, 1955 ~ April 21, 2023 It is with extremely broken hearts that the family of Lorie Anne O’Reilly announce her passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the age of 68 years. Left to remember Lorie’s beautiful heart and soul are her loving husband, Tom; son, Tyler (Ashley) and their daughter, Everley; daughter, Nicole (Blair) Hann and their children, Rowan, Crue and Renly; mother, Olga Baumann; siblings, Gordon (Pauline) Baumann, Ken Baumann, Carol (Jim) Roseveare and Randy (Janine) Baumann as well as her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Lorie will forever be cherished for the sparkle in her smile, her contagious laugh and her unconditional love. Lorie married her best friend, Tom O’Reilly, on August 1, 1981, in Medicine Hat, AB. They shared almost 45 wonderful years together. With each other by their sides, they built a home full of love, a beautiful life and countless memories to cherish. After starting a family of their own, Lorie dedicated her life to her family. She selflessly let go of her career with the Alberta Government, in order to raise her children at home and offer support to Tom, wherever needed. Lorie was the pillar of the family; she had a way of ensuring the household ran smoothly, and everyone had what they needed. She did it with patience, grace and a smile on her face. Lorie’s true pride and joy has always been her children, Lorie was grateful to have witnessed all of their milestones in life. As much as Lorie valued being a mother, she was the most proud of becoming a grandmother. Lorie deeply treasured her grandchildren and the time she had with them; from watching their sports/activities, to going on adventures, and even participating in water fights in the backyard. Her grandkids would even tell you, their Grandma was the best cook – especially “Grandma’s Macaroni and Cheese!” Lorie had a passion for travelling and a desire to experience so much of the world. Most of all, Lorie always looked forward to road trips to the west coast, she enjoyed being in the mountains and visiting her family along the way. While Lorie always enjoyed going on trips, she was even more delighted to return home. God was always close by Lorie; never going to bed without reading biblical and inspirational literature, or saying a prayer before supper. Lorie was our angel with a heart of gold; her warmth, kindness and gentle spirit will be forever cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Lorie: Heaven is so lucky to have you, we hope “you’re dancing in the sky and singing in the angel’s choir”. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bratvold and staff, while in hospital, for their compassion and care for Lorie and our family. A private celebration honouring Lorie will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel. (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”

VERLA DIAMOND

~ VERLA DIAMOND ~ Family and friends gathered at Cook’s this past week to honour the life of this wonderful lady. A celebration filled with memories and laughter reflected the life of a beautiful soul who will be deeply missed.
Don’t remember me with sadness, Don’t remember me with tears, Remember all the laughter, We’ve shared throughout the years. Her Life Lived…
Her Life Cherished…
Her Life Honoured.
Courtesy of

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”

KEITH KRAUSS

KEITH KRAUSS 1962 2023 Keith Krauss, of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, April 27th, 2023. Keith was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Diane Krauss. He is survived by his sister, Cynthia (Graeme) Dennis; nephews, Carson and Austin; niece, Tamara (Chance) Rockabar; great niece, Katie and great nephew, Jameson.
Keith was born in Medicine Hat, AB on June 15th, 1961. He grew up on his family farm 14 miles north of Elkwater. In his earlier years, Keith enjoyed participating in wild horse racing and playing slow-pitch. He has always been an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams on tv, especially NFL football.
He took over the farm in 1990 and enjoyed the ranching lifestyle for the next 30 years. Keith loved his cows and was very proud of the great herd he had developed. He was respected by many in the industry for his cattle knowledge and keen eye. He also enjoyed working at Balog Auction Market for 10 years. A highlight for him during his time there was his trip to China. He enjoyed buying and selling yearlings and avidly watching the cattle markets.
Keith had a soft spot for his pets and a special place in his heart for his dog, “Bob”. Bob was his best friend and a huge part of his family right up to the end.
Keith retired to Medicine Hat in 2022. He was happy to spend the last few months with his family and close friends as they had become very important to him.
A private gathering in Keith’s memory will be held for his family and close friends.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to remember Keith may do so with a charitable contribution to Diabetes Canada, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the Medicine Hat Ronald MacDonald House.
A special thank you to the Doctors and staff at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice for their amazing care and compassion.
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

STUART MILLER

STUART MILLER 1964 ~ 2023 Stuart Wayne Miller passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the age of 58 years. Stuart was born in Medicine Hat on July 29, 1964. Stuart was predeceased by his partner, the love of his life, Eric Richard Bell. During Stuart’s lifetime he resided in numerous cities including Victoria, Kelowna, and finally settling in Medicine Hat. He was unapologetically himself, always living life to the fullest- happy, always smiling, laughing and dancing like no one was watching. With his calm demeanor and outgoing personality he was a natural for the hospitality industry in which he spent the majority of his career. He was the life of the party and enjoyed spending time with family and friends and liked to frequent the Local Patio. Stuart touched many lives and will forever leave a lasting impact on those who were blessed to cross his path. He will be remembered as a fighter for life and will be cherished by his brother, Kirk (Vicki, Rob and Paxton), his dear friends, Brunno (Isabelle, Tom), Rafael (Kaylei), Subham, Trudi, Jamie, Justin, Kim (Luca, Candy and Mel), Gerhard and Rene and of course, the best friend a man can ask for, his beloved dog, Athena. Stuart will be silently remembered by his family and friends. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cook southland.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”

JACK WATSON

1953 ~ JACK WATSON ~ 2023 Jack Thomas Dale Watson of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 at the age of 70 years. The Memorial Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5, on Thursday, May 4th, 2023 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jack Watson. 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.

DAN HUDEC

1924 ~ DAN HUDEC ~ 2023
Uncle Dan Hudec was born on October 9th, 1924 at the original homestead of his parents, Thomas and Kristina Hudec. Dan was the fourth child of 11 in the family. He attended Bowden School, east of Fox Valley, shortly before turning seven years old and continued in school until completion of grade 10. During the long winter months when weather interfered with travel to school, he kept up his studies with correspondence courses. Being the oldest son, Dan withdrew from school after grade 10 to farm with his father. For most of his life, other than for brief work stints in a slaughterhouse and picking sugar beets near Lethbridge, Alberta, Dan worked on the family farm, southeast of Fox Valley, raising cattle and growing crops on their sandy land. Dan farmed for most of his adult life with his brother, Tim. He and Tim were wonderful mechanics and inventors, keeping old equipment running for years beyond their expected life, always creating new ways to make the machines better. He and Tim were early innovators in soil preservation, turning to continuous cropping in the 1970’s, seeding into stubble to limit erosion.
Dan was a benevolent, gentle man, with a wonderful sense of humor, deep devotion to his Roman Catholic faith, and a great love of God. He was generous with his time given to his siblings, his many nieces and nephews and neighbours. Dan was community minded, sitting for a time on the Community Pasture Committee, the R.M. Council, Credit Union Board, and St. Mary’s R.C. Church Parish Council. In December of 1990, Uncle Dan left the farm and entered the new adventure of his life with marriage to Blanche Lerner, acquiring a whole new group of children and grandchildren. Uncle Dan and Aunt Blanche were happily together for nearly 33 years, residing in Medicine Hat until his death on April 25th, 2023. Dan is survived by his wife of nearly 33 years, Blanche; Blanche’s children and grandchildren; his siblings; sisters, Anne (Felixa), Katherine, Rita, and brother, David (Lise); sister-in-law, Delores; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his siblings, Dorothy, Bertha, Anselma, Gabriella, Tim, and George; and brother-in-law, John P.Hudec. Dan married Blanche Lerner on December 8, 1990. Dan and Blanche resided in Medicine Hat for 33 years. With this marriage Dan welcomed a family of eight children, Grace (Fred) Sehn, Bruce (Tracy – predeceased) Lerner, Hazel (Cameron) Schmaltz, Beatrice (Amos) Sehn, Beverly (Larry) Hudec , Steven (Anne) Lerner, Joan (James) Chisholm, Paulette Al (Schneider). With these children Dan gained 31 grandchildren and 64+ great-grandchildren. Dan had a great respect for his own extended family and the family he married into. Dan modelled a deep faith by living a prayerful, simple life. We all witnessed his dedication to daily mass, to the blessed Virgin Mary, and to scripture reading. He brought an encompassing gentle, kind and encouraging spirit to this family. We all grew to love him as a father and grandfather. We will all miss him dearly. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5, on Monday, May 1st, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 6:50 pm, and at HOLY FAMILY PARISH on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 from 9:30 am to 10:20 am. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Monday, May 1st, 2023 at 7:00 pm with Father Iqbal Khurshid, Celebrant. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 1451 Strachan Road SE MEDICINE HAT, AB T1B 4V3, on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at 10:30 am with Father Iqbal Khurshid, Celebrant. Family and friends are also welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.youtube.com and joining the live webcast on Medicine Hat Holy Family Church on the above date and time. Memorial gifts in Dan’s memory may be made to the charity of ones choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Dan Hudec. 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.

CHRISTIE BRODIE

CHRISTIE BRODIE 1983 – 2023 Christina Hope Brodie, of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2023, at the age of 39 years. Christina spent the last ten years battling cancer; at the end, she was surrounded by friends and family, and she was smiling. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the youtube (arrow). To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

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