February 27, 2026

By Obituaries on February 27, 2026.

WES TOEWS

WES TOEWS February 8, 1931 ~ February 10, 2026
It is with great sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of Wesley Newton Toews on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the age of 95 years.
Wesley was born in Linden, Alberta, on February 8, 1931, the fifth child of C.C. and Anna Toews. He was raised on the family farm, growing up alongside his eight brothers and sisters eventually moving to Canyon, Creek, Alberta, to start his teaching profession.
After teaching a couple of years in that northern community, he met the love of his life, Christine “Teenie” Seppola. They married on July 3, 1953, and moved to Medicine Hat where Wes started his second career. Wes and Teenie purchased a small, full service gas station, just outside of town on the #3 highway, known as Wes’s Super Service. They built the family house right next to the station where they raised their four children, Dan, Laura, Matt and Todd.
The quaint little service station provided a unique atmosphere, where over the next several years, they met and served countless customers, many of whom became good friends to the entire family. Those years saw Wes and Teenie working hard at the station and raising their family. Frequent get-togethers with the wonderful friends they made over the years were a welcome pastime. On July of 1991, Wes’ beloved soulmate Teenie was killed in a tragic vehicle accident. This loss brought profound grief to the family, but with the unwaivering support of family, friends and wonderful customers, Wes found strength in the many memories they shared. A few years later, Wes met Marge Busse and they were married for several years. Eventually, Wes moved into the Wellington Independent Living Facility where he spent his remaining years until moving into SL4 Assisted Living at the same facility until his peaceful passing.
Wes is survived by his devoted children: Laura Pleskie, Matt (Brenda) Toews, Todd Toews (Betty Monette) and daughter-in-law, Karen Taylor; grandchildren, Shawn (Candace) Robins, Jesse (Amanda) Robins, Amy (Chad) Kletzel, Stacey (Ryan) Gilchrist, Erik (Chelsey) Toews, Ryan (Vanessa) Toews and Kara Toews (Taylor Bader); great-grandchildren, Cade and Merrick Robins; Addyson and Sylis Robins; Finley, Campbell, Holland and Scottie Kletzel; Carter, Hudson and Lennon Gilchrist; Stevie, Sloane and Serena Toews; brothers, Gerry (Lorraine) Toews and Allen (Marge) Toews; sister-in-law, Anne Toews. Wes was predeceased by his wife, Teenie (1991); son, Dan (2001); six brothers and sisters as well as many extended family.
Wes will be remembered as a hardworking, kind and generous man, always willing to lend a helping hand and share a good story. His more than fifty plus years at Wes’s Super Service were very gratifying and provided him, his wife and family with a lasting legacy of countless friendships, memories and great stories. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at The Wellington for the special loving care they provided to Wes during his stay at the facility.
A Come & Go Celebration of Wes’ life for family and friends will be held at Reflections, 937 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 8, 2026, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Private interment will be held at Hillside Cemetery. (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”

DELORES IVY SEITZ

DELORES IVY SEITZ 1944-2026 Delores Seitz passed away February 20,2026. She is survived by her husband Les, two sons Trevor (Aniece) and Shawn (Kim). Two granddaughters Summer and Portia. One brother Terry (Lorie) Krauss. One sister-in-law Marg Seitz. The funeral Service will be held at the Chapel of the Rocky Funeral Home,4804-48 Street, Rocky Mountain House, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1pm.
Donations may be made in Delores’s name to the Alzheimer Society.
Condolences may be forwarded to http://www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

MAE MCMORRAN

MAE MCMORRAN October 15, 1936 ~ February 22, 2026
It is with sadness that the family of Mae Elizabeth McMorran announce her passing in Medicine Hat on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 89 years.
Mae was born in Empress, AB., on October 15, 1936, the only beloved child of Leo and Elsie Saull. She attended school in Cavendish, AB. Mae married Charles McMorran on February 22, 1953, and together they farmed in the Bindloss area where they were active community members. They enjoyed 57 wonderful years before Charles passed away in 2010. Together they welcomed four children: Linda, Ken, Lance and Ron (Teri).
In 1979, they moved to Medicine Hat where both Mae and Charlie worked for Wackenhut Security for several years, travelling south during the winter months. Their home was always an open door to family and friends as Mae always had cookies or muffins ready to share, and their Christmas feasts were beyond compare! Often you could find her at the cabin at Lake Newell, fishing or enjoying her yard.
Along with her children, Mae is survived by her 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; cousin, Brenda Harty and her family; sisters-in-law, Dale (Merv) Ochitwa and Sue Barrows as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Along with Charles, she was predeceased by her parents; daughter-in-law, Marj McMorran; Linda’s partner, Gerry Petryk and grandson, Connor McMorran. She will be greatly missed!
Dignified cremation has taken place. Mae’s life will be honoured and her memory cherished without the proceedings of a formal funeral service. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com)

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”

SCHAERERMRS.ANNESCHAERER,PASSED

SCHAERER
MRS. ANNE SCHAERER, passed away in Lethbridge Alberta, surrounded by family on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the age of 94 years.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Mr. Don Schaerer, and her siblings, Rosa (Stan) Gudmundson, Aurora (Terry) O’Brien, Albert (Hilda) Bjarnason and Mike Bjarnason. Anne leaves to cherish her memory, four children: Pam (Doug) Ross, Thor (Nadine) Schaerer, Kurt (Cheryl) Schaerer, and Tara (Clay) Evans, 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She will be missed by many more family and friends.
Anne was born August 21, 1931, to Lilja and Thorarin Bjarnason in Mozart, Saskatchewan. She was raised with a deep appreciation for her Icelandic heritage. She grew up on the farm, often completing chores before riding her horse to Gardar School. She went on to complete her high school in Wynyard. After grade 12, she went out to Vancouver for a short time and worked as a secretary. She returned to Wynyard and began her career working in the bank, transferring with the Bank of Nova Scotia in 1975 to Medicine Hat and retiring in 1991.
She married Don Schaerer on November 3, 1954. Together they enjoyed their cabin at Fishing Lake, travelling, playing cards, camping, dancing together, watching curling and going to the rodeo! She was an accomplished seamstress and fashionista, creating clothing and costumes for herself, her children, and grandchildren. She took on even the most outrageous costume requests and brought them to life. She also filled many unique birthday cake “orders”; if you could dream it, she found a way to make it.
She kept traditions alive through her baking and cooking, filling her home with aromas that made every visit to Amma’s special. Christmas Eve brought goodies, laughter, and time together. She shared her love of cards by teaching her grandchildren to play cribbage. They always looked forward to sitting across the board from Amma, who remained a fierce competitor ’til the end.
Mom was known for her quick wit and incredible sense of humour, which she retained along with her sharp mind right up to the day of her passing. She brought laughter wherever she went, often with a playful remark delivered at just the right moment. Mom you are so loved and will be missed, thank you for all you brought to our lives.
In keeping with her wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date, in warmer months.
Special thank you to the staff of Pemmican Lodge, West Highlands Good Samaritans, Dr. Colin Walsh, and Dr. Sayeh Zielke, for their care that was above and beyond the call of duty.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bringing Hearts Home, Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation. https://crhfoundation.ca/cardiaccare/cardiaccare_donate.php (403) 388-6001
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

HARDY HILGENDORF

HARDY HILGENDORF 1954-2026
It is with immeasurable sorrow that the family of Hardy Hilgendorf of Medicine Hat announce his passing on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 71 years. Reinhard Hilgendorf was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on September 27, 1954. Growing up in the Riverside neighbourhood and attending the local elementary school, he never liked his first name and would pick up the nickname “Hardy”, which would then become the name he would use for the remainder of his life. As the second child of newly immigrated parents from Germany during his school years, he would help them in their business, European Imports, and would later recount many early mornings and hours spent preparing sausages in the basement of their store. After graduating from Crescent Heights High School, Hardy would go on to attend Medicine Hat College in the welding apprenticeship program. He would also enjoy playing drums in the college’s band through the conservatory, Hepplewhyte, and would join them on their European tour. In 1975, he married Caroline Schiebelbein, whom he would be married to for 41 years and share three sons with. Hardy was a dedicated husband and father, with passion and a good eye, he would go on to design two of their family homes. In the mid 80’s, Hardy would go from welder to partner in his father’s business, Kurts Iron Works, where he would eventually share this partnership with his brother Frank, until his retirement in 2017. Hardy leaves behind a legacy of being a dedicated and passionate supporter of this community, generously giving his time and leadership to organizations that helped shape Medicine Hat. As a founding member of the Medicine Hat Hockey Hounds, he played an instrumental role in creating opportunities for young athletes and fostering a strong local hockey tradition. He was also a valued contributor of the Medicine Hat Cubs, supporting the development of sport and encouraging teamwork, discipline and community pride. Beyond the arena, he was committed to conservation efforts through his many years of work with Ducks Unlimited, and through his professional life demonstrated outstanding leadership while serving as President of the Medicine Hat Construction Association where he worked to strengthen the local construction industry and build meaningful connections within the business community. Hardy will be lovingly remembered by his three sons, Nathan (Trina), Christopher (Ivana), and Andrew (Megan). As an incredibly attentive and cherished grandfather his loss will be deeply felt and he will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Brody and Adam (Nathan), Bentley and Hudson Stewart (Trina), Ashton, Isaac, Julian, and Jasper (Christopher), as well as Cannon and Jovi (Andrew). He was predeceased by his wife, Caroline, and his parents, Kurt Hilgendorf and Erna Ohmann. Hardy will be missed by his sister, Rita McArthur (Doug), brother, Frank Hilgendorf (Lorraine) and their children as well as his stepmother, Hanna Hilgendorf and mother-in-law, Gabriel Schiebelbein. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating. Reception will follow at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually or leave a message of condolence, please visit Hardy’s obituary at http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.


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

BEVERLEY VORRA

1940 – BEVERLEY VORRA – 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Beverley Vorra (lovingly known as “Nana”), a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend on February 24, 2026, at the age of 86 years, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and countless cherished memories. Beverley was born on January 8, 1940, in the quaint town of Beverley, Saskatchewan, to her loving parents, Arthur and Ethel Harden. She grew up surrounded by her large family, which shaped her into the nurturing, compassionate woman we came to adore. Beverley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Vorra, her parents, and her seven siblings, whose memories she held close to her heart. In 1958, Beverley met and married the love of her life, Bob Vorra, with whom she shared 54 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2012. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and the joy of raising their three children: daughter, Donna (Ted) Tokamp and sons, Rob Vorra and Shane (Sharon) Vorra. Beverley’s family was her pride and joy, and she dedicated her life to them, always putting their needs above her own. Beverley’s heart overflowed with love for her grandchildren, Michelle (Curtis) Schuett, Ashley (Dart) Barnes, Jamie Vorra, Cody Vorra, Rylee Vorra, Shandon Vorra, and Shania Vorra (Shay), as well as her great-grandchildren, Haidyn, Corbyn (Cass), Greyson, Harper, Nash, and Elijah. Her home was a sanctuary filled with the aroma of her famous chicken and noodles, lovingly prepared for every family birthday celebration. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like solving crosswords, word searches, and watching TV game shows, often sharing these moments with her family. Beverley’s kindness and warmth extended beyond her immediate family to her surviving siblings, brother, Jimmy Harden and sister, Verla Birch, as well as her brother-in-law, Norm Spyker, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a beacon of love and strength, providing comfort and support to all who knew her. Beverley’s memory will be honored at a celebration of her life on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, 947 Pigeon Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Family and friends are invited to gather and share in the love that Beverley so generously gave throughout her life. The world is a little dimmer without Beverley’s radiant presence, but her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Beverley Vorra. Funeral arrangements by

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

RALPH KURTZ

RALPH KURTZ December 12, 1947 ~ February 19, 2026
With his loving family by his side, Philip Ralph Kurtz, beloved husband of Della Kurtz (nee Bachmeier), passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat after a brief battle with cancer on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 78 years. Along with Della, his loving wife of over 56 years, Ralph’s memory will be forever cherished by his two children and their families: son, Jason (Amanda) Kurtz and their three children, Martina Kurtz; Jenna Kurtz (Lane) and their two children, Zander and Sophia Meier; Jesse Powers; daughter, Tasha Westergreen and her two children, Kaiden and Jacey Westergreen. Ralph is also survived by two brothers, Marvin (Lorraine) Kurtz and Richard (Doris) Kurtz as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Minnie Kurtz; brother and sister in infancy, Gerald and Marilyn Kurtz and a brother, Delbert Kurtz. Ralph started working with Imperial Oil in the late 1970’s, a job he excelled at for decades until his retirement. Throughout the years, he enjoyed travelling with Della to many destinations, some of which included Jamaica, Hawaii, New Orleans and Mexico. Up until 2020, Ralph and Della spent the winter months in Arizona, coming home to enjoy the outdoors each summer and getting camping trips in whenever possible. Those who knew Ralph will remember him as an honourable man, someone you could look up to dearly. He loved his family unconditionally and was always there to help out when any one of them was in need.
“Thank you Papa for the laughs, the love and all the little moments that meant the most; you will always have
a special place in our hearts.”
Dignified Cremation has taken place. Ralph’s life will be honoured and his memory cherished without the proceedings of a formal funeral. Those wishing to remember Ralph may do so through a donation to St. Joseph’s Home Carmel Hospice, 156 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. (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”

ARTHUR GROVE

ARTHUR GROVE 1932 ~ 2026 With the family in our thoughts and on their behalf, we respectfully announce the passing of an extraordinary man, Art Grove. Art passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the age of 94 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed. (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”

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