September 9, 2025

By Obituaries on September 9, 2025.

JERRY SCHLENKER

JERRY SCHLENKER June 12, 1949 September 2, 2025

Jerry Schlenker, age 76, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born in Medicine Hat on June 12, 1949, the son of Lydia and Emanuel Schlenker. He spent his early years on the family feed lot in Walsh, Alberta, before attending school in Irvine. It was in Irvine that he met the love of his life, Janet Lien. A few years after their marriage, Jerry and Janet moved their family from Medicine Hat to an acreage south of town, where they built a beautiful life together over 58 years of marriage; raising their children and making their home a place in the neighbourhood filled with love, hard work, and friendship.
Jerry began his career with Joyline Transport before joining the City of Medicine Hat Gas Utility, where he dedicated 38 years of service. Known for his strong work ethic and unwavering reliability, he took great pride in the friendships he built along the way. Jerry had a gift for connecting with people, always ready to share a story, a laugh, or a word of encouragement. His warmth and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Outside of work, Jerry enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and working with his hands. His skills in welding and leatherwork were exceptional, he could create just about anything he imagined, and he loved sharing his creations with those around him.
Jerry will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Janet; his daughter, Rhonda (Cody); his son, Jay (Kjersti); and his granddaughters, Jordyn, Reese (Carter), Maryn, and Rylee. He is survived by his brother, Jim Schlenker; brothers-in-law, Ron Van Buskirk and Rod Svenson; sister-in-law Carol Lien Jones (Malcolm); several nieces and nephews and many incredible friends. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Lydia and Emanuel Schlenker; parents in law, Leonard and Mary Lien; his sister, Betty Van Buskirk and sisters-in-law, Betty Schlenker and Wendy Lien Svenson.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at the Medalta on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HALO.
Jerry will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the countless ways he touched the
lives of family, friends, and his community. His legacy of love and hard work will live on in the
hearts of all who knew him. 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.

JACK MCKENZIE

JACK MCKENZIE June 25, 1944 ~ September 5, 2025
John William ‘Jack’ McKenzie passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the age of 81 years. Along with his loving wife, Loraine, left to cherish Jack’s memory are his children, Jason McKenzie, Les (Crystal) McKenzie, and Alison (Derek) Kessel; step-children, Joy (Brian) Kalmring, Jeff Pede and Dan (Donna) Pede; nine grand- children, Skyler (Breena) McKenzie, Peyton McKenzie, Tessa Bailey (Clayton) and Brooklyn Bailey; step-grandchildren, Chloe Kalmring, Kole (Tara) Kalmring, Dylan Pede, Sebastian Pede and Brendin (MacKenzie) Pede; five great-grandchildren, Myles, Rayne, Hadley, Cohen and Kenai as well as his special friend, Ralph. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Eileen McKenzie; brother, Howard McKenzie; sister, Ethel Ries-McKenzie and step-grandson, Jordan Pede.
Jack was born on June 25, 1944, in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, where he was raised and attended school. From an early age, Jack developed a strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life.
Jack’s career was as diverse as his talents. In the mid 60’s, he moved to the west coast, from Vancouver to Alaska, building schools before moving back to Maple Creek where he worked on the ranch, built houses and was the maintenance man for the school district in Maple Creek. In 1989, Jack moved to Medicine Hat where he continued his work as a carpenter. In 1998, Jack took on the role of maintenance man at the Medicine Hat Lodge, a job well-suited to his skill set. That same year, he and Loraine moved to 40 Mile Park, where Jack served as park manager. In 2000, they returned to Medicine Hat, where Jack held numerous jobs, proving himself to be a true “Jack of all trades” who could fix or build just about anything.
On February 5, 2000, Jack married his ‘honey bun’, Loraine Pede (nee Haffner) in Bow Island and together they shared 27 years of adventures, including spending winters in Yuma, Arizona, from 2006 to 2010 a time Jack especially cherished; “Yuma Bouno!”. Always together like a bird to a feather.
Outside of work, Jack had many passions. He loved fishing, horses, camping and the simple joys of being outdoors. He enjoyed curling, baseball and hockey and was proud of his grandson’s accomplishments in hockey and equally proud of all of his grandchildren’s achievements in their lives. Known for his easy going nature, Jack valued visiting with friends and spending time with his family most of all.
Animals also held a special place in his heart, and he adored his loyal companions, Dolly dog and Toby cat.
Jack’s life was one of hard work, love, and friendship. He lived life to the fullest and will be truly missed.
The family would like to thank the EMS workers as well as the doctors and nurses on 5 West of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for the care and attention they provided to Jack during his time there.
Dignified cremation has taken place. A private time of remembrance was held. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made directly to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. 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”

ALFRED GRUNING

ALFRED GRUNING 1941 ~ 2025 Alfred Gruning, beloved husband of Elaine Gruning of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the age of 84 years. Alfred was born in Effingshausen, Litzmannstadt, Poland, on January 7, 1941. He Married Elaine Mayer on December 16, 1967. He was predeceased by his parents, Otto and Amanda Gruning. He is survived by his wife Elaine, his son Charles, his grandchildren Rachael and Clark, his brother Bill (Jean) Gruning and two sisters, Hilda (Jos) Bienback and Hannah (Robert) Weissman, as well as several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held in the Redcliff Legion, 302 Broadway Ave NE, Redcliff on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Interment will follow in the Redcliff 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

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