January 4, 2025

By Obituaries on January 4, 2025.

NORMAN “NORM” ALLAN TRAXEL

NORMAN “NORM” ALLAN TRAXEL 1944 – 2024 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Norman “Norm” Allan Traxel, who left this world on December 23, 2024, at the age of 80 years. A funeral service honoring Norm’s life was held yesterday at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Donations in Norm’s honour may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Norman Traxel. 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.

ESTHER LARSON

1937 – ESTHER LARSON – 2024
Esther Larson, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 years on December 30th, 2024. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Maxine Jans (Darwin); grandchildren, Charlene (Marco) and Monty (Gail); great-grandson Jayden; step-great grandson Logen; her sister, Lillian Schreiber; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Larson; sons, Wade and Doug; her later-in-life companion, Russ Baugh; brother, Otto Kreil; sister, Irene Lutz; and parents, Katherine and Emanuel Kreil. Known for her strength and resilience, Esther faced life’s challenges with unwavering determination and grace. Her warmth, compassion, and sharp wit touched the hearts of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. Born and raised in the New Home district, Esther grew up as a homesteader, immersed in the rugged beauty of ranch life. She often reminisced about traveling to visit cousins, where music and dancing brought laughter and joy. After marrying, she spent most of her life on the Larson Cattle Company homestead near Manyberries, raising her family and embracing the rhythms of ranching life. Later, she moved to Lethbridge, where she lived for many years. Esther found endless joy in her garden, where she lovingly tended both flowers and vegetables. Her garden was a place of beauty and abundance, reflecting her deep connection to nature and her family. She spent countless hours planting, weeding, and harvesting, often sharing the fruits of her labor through her delicious cooking and canning. Esther also loved reading, puzzles, a good game of cards, and cheering on her favorite curling and baseball teams. A lifelong rodeo enthusiast and a devoted member of the Manyberries Community Club, Esther proudly sponsored the Manyberries Rodeo for many years and was steadfast pillar of her community. In her final years, Esther was cared for by the dedicated staff at South Country Village in Medicine Hat. She cherished visits from her loved ones and treasured occasional trips back to the ranch that always held a special place in her heart. Esther’s legacy of love, determination, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The family will hold a private ceremony to honour her life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Esther. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Esther Larson. Funeral arrangements are entrusted

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.

LESLIE “LES” JAMES PEARSON

Leslie “Les” James Pearson passed away on December 26, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospice at the age of 78 years, beloved husband of Colleen Pearson of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory three step children, Angelique Thomson of Cape Town, South Africa, Rory Trustham (Treena) of Edmonton, and Colin Jordan of Edmonton; two step grandchildren, Abigail and Jeremy Trustham, Aria and Sienna Jordan; one sister, Shirley Twietmeyer (Jack); his nieces, Tina Twietmeyer (Stephen Duke), Lara Guzik (Aaron Runge) and their son Nash; nephew Jan Guzik. He was predeceased by his parents James and Margaret Pearson; his first wife Louise (Beaudin) Pearson; his adopted son Christopher and sister in-law and brother in-law Collette and Ted Guzik.
Les was born March 27, 1946, in Regina, Saskatchewan to Maragaret and James Pearson. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Carnduff, Saskatchewan. This is where Les was raised and educated, excelling in academics, sports, drama, music and oratory. After high school graduation he continued his education at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon), University of Saskatchewan (Regina) and the University of Alberta (Edmonton) moving him into his role of teacher and principal. Les taught in many schools over the years, ending his career as the founding principal of the Eagle Butte High School. This appointment also facilitated the move to Medicine Hat in 1996, where Les became very involved with church, many and varied community organizations and local government. Some of his most notable achievements include being the first inclusion co-ordinator to improve services to people with disabilities, being the driving force behind achieving hospice care at St. Joseph’s Home and being a founding member of the Folk Music Club (Tongue on the Post). Les served as a Medicine Hat city Alderman from 2010 to 2017, representing council on various boards and committees including the Shortgrass Library System, Medicine Hat Public Library, Medicine Hat Community Housing Society, Tourism Medicine Hat, Heritage Resources Committee and Regional Drainage Committee. He served on the Palliser “Friends of Medicare” board and was on the local and national board of Covenant Health. He was a great believer in the potential of Medicine Hat, and its College, where he was the founder of the chaplaincy program. Les was a well-known friend and advocate of the Indigenous people, taking part in many events. Throughout his teaching career, Les inspired many generations of students as an Englishteacher and principal. He has left a legacy of kindness, humour, and vision for this city and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Sincere appreciation to all for the many messages of condolence and for the tributes given to Les. Thank you also to the wonderful staff of St. Joseph’s Home for the kind and compassionate care that Les and our family received. The funeral service will be held in VICTORY LUTHERAN CHURCH (2793 Southview Drive SE) on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Roland Weisbrot officiating. The service will be live streamed. Please visit Les’ obituary page on our website for the link. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. 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

FREDVENHUIS1940-2024FREDVENHUI

FRED VENHUIS 1940 – 2024 Fred Venhuis, beloved husband of Mary Venhuis of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the age of 84 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. 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

MICHAEL THOME

MICHAEL THOME 1927 – 2024
Michael Thome of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of Rose Thome, passed away peacefully on December 26th at the age of 97 years.
Michael was born in Prelate, Saskatchewan on December 9th, 1927, to Michael and Theresa Thome. Mike was the youngest of their twelve children.
Mike and Rose (Mastel) were married November 13, 1951, and had just celebrated their 73rd Anniversary. Mike and Rose farmed the homestead until 1962, moved to Alberta and continue to farm outside of High River until 1972. After moving into High River, he worked as a maintenance custodian until 1988 at which time they moved to White Rock, BC where he continued working as a custodian until he and Rose retired. Their retirement brought them back to Medicine Hat.
Mike was extremely talented when it came to music. He enjoyed playing the accordion, organ, and steel guitar which he played all by ear. He took great pleasure to jam with other people and impromptu bands.
Mike and Rose loved to travel both by flight and road. They enjoyed many road trips to visit their family and friends. Mike liked to drive around the countryside on Sunday’s, ending up in some very interesting places. They venture across Canada and the State many times.
Besides his loving wife Rose, Mike is survived by his six children: Joanne (Johnny) Kaszonyi, Surrey, Elaine Lower (Jo), Winnipeg, Keith (Laurie), Bassano, Jackie (Peter) Bryson, Calgary, Merle (Lisa), Cranbrook, Darrell (Chris), Sherwood Park. Also, his grandchildren Jeff Kaszonyi, Chad Lower, Conrad (Sandra) Lower, Taylor (Tyler) Weidman, Nathan Bryson, Kendal Thome, Brooke Thome, Courtney (Curtis) Hardeman, Bryson Thome, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to remember Mike with a donation may do so to a charity of their choosing.
We would also like to thank all the family and friends that have visited Mike and Rose over the years. They truly appreciated your time with them. Thank you to Vaugh and Gail, Doug and Grace McDougall, a special thank you to all the staff at Meadowlands; the doctors and nurses at the hospital and the doctors and nurses at the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Center.
Family and friends will gather for Vigil Rites (prayers) in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Sunday, January 5, at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in HOLY FAMILY PARISH (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. 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

ED MEUCHEL

~ ED MEUCHEL ~
This past Monday, family and friends gathered together at Holy Family Parish to honour Ed’s life. Dedicated to his family and his faith, Ed’s legacy he leaves is one to be admired. He will be missed! We’re thanking you now And we are hoping You knew all along, How much you meant to us. His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His 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”

DALE GALLINGER

~ DALE GALLINGER ~
A graveside service was held this past Thursday at Hillside Cemetery where Pastor Jaster shared words of comfort in honouring Dale’s memory.
And when the journey finally ends, We’ll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, Together with the Lord His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His 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”

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