July 1, 2025
By Obituaries on July 1, 2025.
DANA TOLE
DANA TOLE 1969 – 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected and tragic passing of Dana Mastel-Tole on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the age of 56 years. On May 31st, Dana suffered a severe brain aneurysm and despite her strength, the damage was too extensive. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.
Dana was intelligent, beautiful, witty, and selfless. She had a sharp sense of humour and an unwavering love for her family and her beloved dogs. Passionate about her hobbies, humble in her accomplishments, and always ready to lend a hand, Dana lived with grace, integrity, and a heart full of kindness. Meticulous and detail-oriented, she approached every challenge with curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to learn.
Born in Medicine Hat on June 3, 1969, Dana graduated from McCoy High School in 1987 and went on to pursue a lifetime largely dedicated to caring for others. She completed the Medical Laboratory and Sciences program at SAIT in 1989, earned her 3rd and 4th Class Power Engineering certificate from Medicine Hat College in 1993, and received her Dental Hygiene diploma from the University of Alberta in 1996. Dana worked as a dental hygienist for over 20 years before joining her brother’s medical practice in Crescent Heights as a medical office assistant. Over the past six years, she cherished her role alongside colleagues Doug, Tracy, Alison, and Judy, building meaningful friendships and finding joy in her daily work.
Dana was a woman of many talents, especially known for her athleticism. She made history as the first girl to play minor hockey in Medicine Hat as a goaltender on the boys’ team, earning numerous trophies and accolades along the way. Her competitive spirit extended to jet ski racing, downhill skiing, baseball, and soccer growing up. More recently, she found joy in long walks with her dogs, the occasional game of pickleball, and wake-surfing on the lake. Dana never let societal expectations define her. She firmly believed girls could do anything, and she proved it every day. If she didn’t know how to do something, she would learn. There truly wasn’t anything she couldn’t do.
Dana had a deep love for animals and passion for dogs since the time she could say the word “puppy”! Fifteen years ago, she established the Aveiro Portuguese Water Dog Kennel, where she raised, bred, showed, and earned numerous Canadian championships. Deeply involved in the dog community, she truly valued the friendships she had built over the years. Her family will lovingly care for her three Portuguese Water Dogs, Tia, Bee, and Jetta, who miss her dearly.
Above all else, Dana treasured her family. She leaves behind her loving husband, Glenn, and their two beautiful daughters, Madison and Morgan, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her devoted parents, Adam and Terry Mastel; her brother, Doug (Tracy); her sister, Tracy (Guy); brothers-in-law, Dennis (Pat) and Jim; sister-in-law, Marlene (Wally); nephews, Chad (Jody), Adam (Stephanie), Matt (Shelby), Mitchell (Julia), Ryan, William, and Nolan (Desiree); nieces Amber (Kerry) and Alison (Dustin) and their families.
Her family will always remember the special moments they shared: boating on the lake, motorhome camping trips, family dinners, long dog walks, and her witty remarks that never failed to make them laugh. Her down-to-earth spirit, unwavering loyalty, and deep love for her dogs and family will remain in their hearts forever.
Though her time with us was far too short, Dana left an unforgettable mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her strength, compassion, and light will continue to shine through the lives she touched.
The family would like to thank the Medicine Hat first responders, Medicine Hat Emergency staff, Air Ambulance staff, Drs, specialists and nurses of Foothills Hospital ICU- C, St. Joseph’s Drs and nurses for all your tremendous care of Dana over this time. We will never forget your expertise and kindness shown during this difficult time.
In accordance with Dana’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date with close family and friends.
For those wishing to honour Dana’s memory, donations may be made to Brain Injury Canada at braininjurycanada.ca. (Condolences may be shared 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”
MUTSCHLER, James Douglas
MUTSCHLER, James Douglas It is with deepest sorrow that the family of James “Jim” Mutschler announce his passing in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the age of 84 years. Jim’s memory is cherished by his loving wife and best friend of 59 years, Delores, and their children: Devin (Jolanda) and grandchildren Morgan, Abby, Kylie and Dayna; and Donovan (Cherie) and grandchildren Katherine and Jaime (Brandon). He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in law: Allen Donst; Alice Gerber; and Art and Bernice Schmidt; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents, and many other family members.
Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church, 370 McIntosh Street North, Regina, SK on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Regina Memorial Gardens, 4001 Victoria Avenue. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit
http://www.speersfuneralchapel.com
NICK RICHARDSON
1946 ~ NICK RICHARDSON ~ 2025 Nick Richardson, 79, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away, with his daughter and son-in-law by his side, on June 8, 2025. A Celebration of Nick’s life was held yesterday at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Condolences may be sent through
http://www.saamis.com or to
condolences@saamis.com subject heading Nick Richardson. Funeral arrangements 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.
BRIAN BOLGER
1945 ~ BRIAN BOLGER ~ 2025 John “Brian” Bolger of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of Glenda Bolger, passed away on Friday, June 27th, 2025, at the age of 79 years. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2nd Avenue NE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5Z9, on Friday, July 4, 2025, at 11:00 am with Fr. Roque Pereira, Celebrant. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to
http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Brian’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Memorial gifts in Brian’s memory may be made to A.J.’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, MacKenzie Drug RPO, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9, or Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710, 10123-99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1, 1-866-412-4222, albertacancer.ca/in-memory. Condolences may be sent through
http://www.saamis.com or to
condolences@saamis.com subject heading Brian Bolger. 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.
BARBARA “BARB” ISABELLA (NATHO
BARBARA “BARB” ISABELLA (NATHORST) GRUSZIE March 20, 1944, Cranbrook, BC – June 25, 2025, Medicine Hat, AB It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Barb at the age of 81 years. Barb is preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Charlie” Gruszie; her partner, Rune Axelson; sister, Shirley Miller; brother, Johnny Nathorst; and parents, John and Mabel (Jones) Nathorst. She is survived by six brothers, Allen Nathorst, Jim (Ric) Nathorst, Charles (Cheryl) Nathorst, Jerry Nathorst, Rick Nathorst, David (Jackie) Nathorst, and their families; her adopted family, Kirk and Lorrie (Axelson) Frandsen, Brent Axelson, Shelley Axelson, and their families; and many other family and friends who will sadly miss her. Barb grew up the third child, second daughter to seven brothers and one sister in Wynndel, BC. She had many happy memories of fishing and swimming in the creek, picking blueberries, being a daddy’s girl, and dirt floors in the house. Next was Port Alberni, BC, where she became the youngest and only the third woman manager of Bata Shoes (which was the world’s largest at that time). It was in Port Alberni that she met Charlie, and they were married on June 18, 1977, in Creston, BC. They then moved to Cranbrook, BC, for eight years and then to Medicine Hat, where she has since resided. Barb was employed by Medalta Ford Tractor for 8 1/2 years and Southern Car & Trailer Sales for 2 1/2 years before retiring and enjoying golfing, crochet, crafts, gardening, puzzles, reading, and a good game of crib. Barb will be remembered for her sense of humor, her bubbly personality, her feistiness, her talent for crafts and crochet, and her love of the color pink. At Barb’s request, there will not be a formal service. Cremation has taken place, and her ashes will be spread in BC at a later date. Condolences may be sent through
http://www.saamis.com or to
condolences@saamis.com subject heading Barbara Gruszie. 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.
WILLIAM AVERY
1936 ~ WILLIAM AVERY ~ 2025 With profound sadness, the family of William “Bill” Edward Avery announces his passing on June 23, 2025, at the age of 89 years. Born on February 10, 1936, William lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering devotion to his loved ones. He was a man of few words but great wisdom, who offered steady guidance and unconditional support to those around him. William is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Beatrice Avery; daughter, Valerie Martin; sons, Brian (Patty) Avery and Brent (Corrie) Avery; sisters, Lorraine Forsberg and Ruth Hahn; as well as 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His legacy of kindness and integrity lives on through them. Those who knew William will remember his thoughtful nature, his love for family, and his quiet sense of humour. He found joy in the simple things, time spent with loved ones, listening to music, fishing, love of sports, and the comfort of home. In accordance with his wishes, a private family gathering will be held at Saamis Creekside Centre this August. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter (Phoenix Safe House), P.O. Box 2500, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8G8, his favourite charity, in William’s memory. He will be deeply missed, remembered fondly, and loved always. Condolences may be sent through
http://www.saamis.com or to
condolences@saamis.com subject heading William Avery. 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.
MURIEL MOGCK
MURIEL MOGCK 1943 ~ 2025 Muriel Mae Mogck of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Melvin Mogck, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the age of 82 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
PAUL KLEINSASSER
PAUL KLEINSASSER April 14, 1936 ~ June 26, 2025
Mr. Paul G. Kleinsasser, beloved husband of Mary, passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the age of 89 years. Along with Mary, Paul is survived by his five sons, two daughters and their families. The Funeral Service was held at the Winnifred Colony on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
From the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
(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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