March 23, 2024

By Obituaries on March 23, 2024.

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MARLENE KNODEL

MARLENE KNODEL July 16, 1938 ~ March 19, 2024
Marlene Ann Knodel, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully with family by her side at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the age of 85 years. Marlene was born on July 16, 1938, in Medicine Hat. She was an only child of proud parents, Harry and Juliette Baker. Marlene grew up in Medicine Hat where she completed her schooling and was a graduate of the first graduating class of Medicine Hat High School. Marlene married her husband, Marvin Knodel at St. Peter Lutheran Church on May 9, 1992. Along with being a devoted wife, she was dedicated to her career as she was the lead of a major security company for many years. In her spare time, Marlene could be found in her garden doing what she loved… she had a real green thumb! Above everything else, Marlene absolutely loved her family; family was her world. She especially enjoyed celebrating the birthdays of her family members, particularly her grandchildren. Her family also included her adorable fur babies: dogs, Schatzie, Keesha, and Myka, all three of which she loved so very much. Marlene enjoyed the outdoors and mother nature. Summers meant time spent with family going camping and many winters were spent with Marvin in the warmth of Arizona. She was the most kind, caring and gentle lady who will be forever remembered by her husband, Marvin Knodel; children: Penny (Leonard) Heilman, Bob Chapman and Bob Francis; two grandchildren: Jenna (Nick) Rose and their children, Nixon, Blakely and Boden; and Landon (Esther) Heilman along with numerous cousins and extended family. Marlene was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Juliette Baker. A Celebration of Marlene’s life will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 758 – 8 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery at a future date. The service will be live streamed by the church. Those who wish to watch the celebration may go to YouTube and search for St. Peter Lutheran Medicine Hat. Memorial donations in Marlene’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE #200, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 2P5 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 119 14 Street NW #100, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6. (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”

RITA BESSANT

~ RITA BESSANT ~
It’s been just over a week since family and friends gathered in Cook’s Chapel to bid farewell to a beautiful lady. Rita’s thoughtfulness and dedicated years of hard work will never be forgotten by her community.

In difficulty you had courage
And a smiling face each day
What miracles you did
What a role your life’s work played!

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”

MAURICE NEDERHOFF

MAURICE NEDERHOFF October 24, 1954 ~ March 20, 2024
Maurice B. Nederhoff passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the age of 69 years. He was born on October 24, 1954 in Regina, SK, to Orville and Hazel Nederhoff. Maurice married Joan Pitre on November 5, 1988, in Regina. He proudly farmed on the family’s land south of Rouleau, SK and raised his family before moving to Redcliff, AB where he worked in the oilfield before retiring. Maruice was a hard-working, selfless, witty and a gentle soul who will forever be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Shannon (Carla) Nederhoff of Pickardville, AB and their children Macy and Ian; son, Joseph Nederhoff, of Devon, AB, and his son, Dyllan and daughter, Diane (Tanner Mashinter) of Airdie, AB, and their children, Cohen and Toni.
Maurice will be silently remembered with no formal funeral service and he will continue to be honoured and remembered by his family and friends with a private celebration that will be meaningful to Maurice.
The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful help and care given by the doctors and nurses at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com). In lieu of flowers, donations in Maurice’s memory can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. 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”

PATRICIA COLEMAN

~ PATRICIA COLEMAN ~
A private graveside service was held this past week to honour Patricia’s life. Her beautiful soul will be missed by those who loved her most and she will always be remembered as ‘The Little English Lady.’

You gave us years of happiness
Then came sorrow and tears.
But you left us beautiful memories,
We will treasure through 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”

JOSE CRUZ

1933 ~ JOSE CRUZ ~ 2024
Jose Cruz of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of Maria Cruz, passed away on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, at the age of 91 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Maria Cruz; sons, Joe (Nancy) Cruz and John Cruz; grandchildren, Zachary, Jack, Rosalind, Katie, David, CJ, and Jamie; brother, Manuel Cruz; sister, Frances Carvalho; sisters-in-law, Lucia Cruz, Angelina Lasqunha, and Eduarda Cruz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Jose was predeceased by his parents, Manuel and Maria Cruz; brothers, Antonio Cruz, Jose Lasqunha, and Augustino Cruz. Jose was born in the town of Furnas in the Azores, Portugal to parents, Manuel and Maria. He worked with his father as a dairy farmer until immigrating to Canada in 1964. Upon arriving in Canada, he began working at CP Rail. Jose later worked with IXL, then joined the Labourers Union working on various industrial projects in southern Alberta. His final project was working to complete the Canadian Fertilizer Plant, after which he went on to join the maintenance crew at CF before retiring. He was a very hardworking man who always put his family first. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He also always had time for his nieces and nephews and looked forward to spending time with them. Jose enjoyed fishing, watching sports, and maintaining his lavish vegetable garden. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel on Monday, March 25th, 2024, at 7:00 pm. The Funeral will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB, on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, at 1:00 pm with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid, Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Roman Catholic Section at Hillside Cemetery. If unable to attend the Vigil Rites (Prayers) or the Funeral, family, and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Jose’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jose Cruz. 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.

JAMES TREKOFSKI

JAMES TREKOFSKI March 25, 1959 ~ March 17, 2024

James Trekofski passed away in Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the age of 64 years. He leaves to cherish his memory six children and their families: Kim (Mike) Short and their children, Hannah and Lucas; Cassie Trekofski (Michael) and their children, Kya, Kyler, Jenna and Jocelyn; Jenny (Tyler) Mossey and her children, Daquotah-Lynn (Aiden), Quin-Tanah (Brady), Treyden and Bree-Anne; Dave Kidd (Shannon) and their children, Tayler, Kaleea, Randy, Bentley and Blake; Kelsie Trekofski (Brad) and their children, Jayden, Chase, Sophie, Daphne and Cashius; Derec Trekofski (Erica) and their child, Kage. He will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Lois; two sisters, Bert (Randy) Oster and Mickey Both (Bill) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Kenneth. James was born and raised in Medicine Hat. Most of his working days were spent in the oilfield as a driller. After he retired, he started his own I.T. company which he retired from in 2019. James enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially hockey and baseball, but sports didn’t hold a candle to time spent with his children and grandchildren. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, March 25, 2024, between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. A Celebration of James’ life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with a time of fellowship immediately thereafter in the Ortona Room at the Royal Canadian Legion, 702 – 2 Street S.E., Medicine Hat. The Chapel Celebration will be livestreamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience James’ service should visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting the Cook Southland Funeral Chapel website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Those who wish to make a donation in memory of James may do so through a donation to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, care of the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. 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”

DONNA RUFF

1953 ~ DONNA RUFF ~ 2024 With profound sadness – yet celebrating a life fully and beautifully lived – the family of Donna Ruff announces her passing into the arms of the Lord on March 9th, 2024. Born to Fred and Irene Mehrer in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on October 19, 1953, Donna’s journey was one of love, devotion, and faith.
Donna leaves behind her beloved husband of 52 years, Garry Ruff, with whom she shared a life full of love and adventure. Together, they nurtured and raised a family that includes her children, Jenn (Mike) Lembke, Sarah (Corey) Dowler, and Rod (Kate) Ruff. Donna’s joy was multiplied by her grandchildren, Carter, Averie, Josiah, Abby, and Florence, who brought her immense happiness. Donna also leaves behind her dear sister, Linda (Garry) Bollinger, along with many cousins, nephews, and nieces who felt her love, generosity and prayers in many ways over the years.
Donna is reunited in heaven with her parents, as well as her sisters, Dianne and Sharlene. Her life was a testament to her strong faith and commitment to Jesus Christ and her church community, where she loved to sing in choir and with her sister and cousin as part of Melody Three.
Donna was richly blessed with a wide circle of friends, a testament to her exceptional ability to cultivate and maintain relationships. She was known for her attentive ear, her gift of evoking laughter, and her genuine love and steadfast support for all whom she cherished. An amazing host and cook, she delighted in bringing people together, savouring good food, and cherishing hours of heartfelt conversations with loved ones. She was an avid (and competitive!) pickleball player, enjoyed boating and spending time on Flathead Lake, golfing, and sharing these passions with Garry, her kids and grandkids, and her dear friends. Donna’s vibrant spirit, positivity, and zeal for life enriched the lives of all who knew her.
As we say goodbye to Donna, we also celebrate her remarkable life and the countless ways she showed us love and touched our lives. This celebration will be held in Hillcrest Church, 3785 13 Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Pahl officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.hillcrestchurch.net and joining the live webcast by clicking on the “watch” tab at the above date and time. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Donna Ruff. 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.

RONALD THORSON

1933 ~ RONALD THORSON ~ 2024
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ronald Neil Thorson announces his passing at the Pleasant View Lodge in Bow Island, on March 11th, 2024, at the age of 90 years. Ron was born in the nurses’ residence in Bow Island on July 6th, 1933, to Arthur and Edith (Hodgson) Thorson of the Winnifred district. Ron is survived by his children, Deanna, Douglas, Barb, and Darrel (Christina); as well as his grandchildren, Todd, Jackie (Beau), Morgan (Chad), Stacy (Jennifer), Jimmy (Rachel), Alexandra, and Emily (Blake); nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild! Ron lived on the family farm with his brother, Harold, and sister, Shirley (Mclean), located five miles south of Winnifred, Alberta. Ron was raised in a home without running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, telephone, or television but with an electric fence telephone amongst neighbours!

Ron attended school at a one-room school, Fairlight, located 3/4 of a mile away. One year, the school didn’t have a teacher so Ron and his siblings attended the Catholic Convent School in Medicine Hat, living in the residence there. When school buses started running, Ron and his siblings attended Bow Island High School. Everyone worked hard on the farm, including Ron despite his very young age. Ron became a self-taught carpenter, electrician, and machinery operator by the age of 14. Also, at age 14, he won the Governor General’s Award for having the highest marks in the Provincial Exams in the County of 40 Mile. But, at the age of 16, he quit school, bought a water truck, and went up north to Redwater to haul water for the oil rigs and all earnings were sent home to help pay the farm bills.

Ron met his future wife, Marilyn, at the age of 20 and they married two years later in 1955. They raised their four children and continued living in the original family house without any modern amenities until 1962. Ron and Marilyn built up a very successful farming operation with their son, Doug, until they sold the entire farm in 2017. At age 82, Ron finally retired. Ron and Marilyn were married for 63 years until Marilyn’s passing in 2018.

Ron was an avid fisherman and fish farmer, stocking the famous Thorson dam every year from 1982 until 2020. Ron harvested as many as 1,700 trout one year and he and Marilyn did all the canning, smoking, and freezing and gave away these delicious treats to family and friends. He, along with help from family members and friends, built a beautiful campground at the dam complete with an irrigation system for grass and trees. Ron and Marilyn spent many summers there and hosted numerous parties and events for friends and families. Everybody who knew Ron and Marilyn have memories at “the dam”.

Ron was a very good farmer but always said it was a little too dry or the prices could be a little bit better. He and Doug exceeded the area average for many years with diligence and good farming practices.

Ron will always be remembered for his dedication to family, work, and community. His gentle spirit and generosity to friends and family were a hallmark of his life and legacy. In his later years, Ron loved to drive around the area checking out crops, walking out to assess moisture levels by poking his finger in the ground and shooting gophers. The country roads around Bow Island will be a little quieter this spring without Ron’s sharp eyes and 22 rifle instilling fear in the rodent community.

A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held at ST. ANDREW’S UNITED CHURCH, 139 2nd Avenue West, Bow Island, on Saturday, March 30th, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Bob Wallace officiating. A private interment will take place at Bow Island Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Ron’s memory may be made to the Bow Island and District Health Foundation, P.O. Bag 3990, Bow Island AB, T0K 0G0. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ron Thorson. 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.

JOHN RING

JOHN RING 1963 – 2024 John Ring of Brooks, formerly of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the age of 60 years. He is survived by his brother Jamie Ring (Amanda) and Tom Ring (his family Connie Davis, Destiny Bowie, Aiden Davis, Raymond Richie); his Uncle and Aunt Josh and Hilda Bierbach; Aunt Frances Ramberg; cousin Ida and her family as well as numerous other family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents George and Gladys, his grandparents Emil and Martha Bierbach-Brown his Aunt and Uncle Judy and Wally Deckert. John was born on October 25, 1963 in Medicine Hat to George and Gladys (Bierbach) Ring. He was raised in Medicine Hat and attended Medicine Hat High School. Throughout his life he enjoyed many hobbies like diamond painting, movies, playing the lottery, woodworking and trains. He was a WHL stick boy for the out of town teams and enjoyed driving around visiting friends, enjoying a Pepsi as well as playing bingo at Top Hat Bingo. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Elks Club and the Gas City CB Club. During his working career he was employed at Craigs Weigh Station/Gas Bar, Klaudt’s Toyota, Deluxe Central Taxi and The City of Medicine Hat in the transit department. His family would like to thank Dr. Wong for his care and concern over many years. Also, thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Brooks Hospital – Long Term Care for the kindnesses shown to John. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at a come and go reception to be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. If you wish to remember John with a donation, please direct it to either the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. mailto:rtbelau@shaw.cTo 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

ALFRED WAGNER

ALFRED WAGNER 1947 – 2024
Alfred Anthony Wagner passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the age of 76 years, beloved husband of Marianne Wagner of Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. Funeral details will be available on the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME website when they are confirmed. 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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