Obituaries

Ward, David Robert Louis. Born in Brooks on March 5th 1980 and died in his
sleep in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico on February 5th 2021. He died in a place he
loved, but much too soon.
David is survived by his beloved son Zealand; his parents; his brother; and his
brother’s family.
Per David’s request: “He was an unusually dedicated dad and would have been a
good dad but for the fact that he spoiled his first born relentlessly.”
He is greatly missed by all who knew him.

Loewen – Chad Michael Loewen was born February 4, 1977 in Brooks, Alberta and passed away March 1, 2021 suddenly and peacefully at home in Rosemary, Alberta.  Chad was a kind, loyal, generous, warm-hearted person who loved his family, especially his children Kennedy and Kayden.  He was pre-deceased by his grandparent Jean and Everett Birdsall, Susie and George Loewen, Uncles Alan Birdsall, Irv Loewen and George Loewen.  He is survived by his children, Kennedy (Vancouver, BC) and Kayden (Rosthern, SK); parents Dan and Marg Loewen (Rosemary); brother Scott Loewen (Rosemary); nephews and nieces, Mason, Caleb, Lauren and Hannah Loewen (Lethbridge), Imij, Oliver and Jude Grams (Calgary); aunts, Alvira (Dave) Boschmann (Brooks), Linda Birdsall (Victoria) and Anne Loewen (Airdrie) as well as several cousins. His early years of schooling were in Rosemary, where he was active in 4H and minor hockey in Duchess and Brooks.  He graduated from Rosthern Junior College in 1995.  He was a Journeyman Cabinet Maker by trade.  Chad was known for his infamous hugs.  He was also an avid sports enthusiast and possessed an abundance of trivia knowledge.  Chad loved hockey, both playing and watching, along with some coaching.  He also loved all animals especially horses. Chad moved back to the Rosemary area in 2018 after living in Duchess, Calgary and High River. Chad will be fondly remembered and missed by his family and friends.  Thanks to all his friends and family for sharing their stories over the past few days.  In memory of Chad, memorial tributes may be made directly to either the Rosemary Fire Department, Box 128, Rosemary, Alberta    T0J 2W0 or to the Brooks and District Ambulance Association, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family have shared a Private Family Service.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Stica – On Thursday February 25, 2021, Thomas Mitchel Stica, beloved son, brother, and father passed away in Strathmore, Alberta at the age of 52. Thomas was born in Calgary, Alberta on June 2, 1968, he was the eldest son of Martin and Betty Stica. Thomas attended Brooks Composite High School, where he graduated in 1986 before joining his father in the family business–Stica Wireline. Thomas later bought and managed Stica Wireline, from 1986-2015, in order to carry on the family legacy of this company. His business acumen enabled him to elevate Stica Wireless to new levels, with Sherry. Thomas enjoyed the outdoors and spent most of his free time off-roading, camping and enjoying the company of his dog, Kahlua. At the time of his death, Thomas resided in Strathmore, Alberta with his fianceé Ann Marie Caesar. Thomas leaves behind two beautiful children; Landon and Malayna and their mother Sherry, and is survived by his mother Betty and brother Michael. Thomas, a gentle soul, will be greatly missed by family, friends and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest-in-peace, our dear Thomas. A Family Service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Maggie Theiss officiating.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Bunney – Hilda Doreen

April 22, 1929 – February 26, 2021

It is with great sadness the family of Hilda Bunney announce her peaceful passing at Brooks Health Centre at 91 Years of age. Hilda was born in Patricia, Alberta. She married Austin Bunney on November 23, 1947. They had three kids born to them; Bryan Bunney (Fernie), daughter Cheryl Hyland and Calvin.  She is survived by sister Lillian Nester of Brooks, AB. Hilda was active and enjoyed her life ranching near Duchess and eventually moving to Brooks in 1988.  She was pre-deceased by her son Calvin on May 22, 1979, and husband Austin on November 24, 1997.  Hilda was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Cowboy Hall of Fame. Hilda was an active volunteer at the Silver Sage Arena, Royal Canadian Legion and numerous community events wherever needed. She lived a full life and cherished her family, especially her 6 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. They brought her so much joy! She enjoyed Rodeo, hockey, even a round of golf. Hilda had a stroke in 2012 which put her in a wheelchair but it did not stop her from her love of attending home town music concerts, kids sports and dances, ball games and whatever else captured her attention. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her friends and family. In memory of Hilda, if family or friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Prairie Rose Hospice Society or Halo. Family Services will be held at Thom’s Funeral Home on March 5, 2021. The Service recording will be available on Hilda’s Memorial page at www.thomsfuneralhome.com For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Skanderup – Evelyn Marie (Wester) Skanderup, beloved wife of Clifford Skanderup, stepped quietly, as was her way, through the veil between earth and heaven to be with her Lord on February 19^th, 2021. Evelyn was born on July 27^th, 1933 in Tilley, Alberta on the Wester home place. She was the last child and only daughter for her parents Ralph Sr. and Anna Wester. Evelyn’s education was completed in Tilley. She attended Renfrew School across the road from the Wester home place for grades one through nine. Grades 10 and 11 were completed at Tilley School. Evelyn moved to Three Hills, AB to complete grade 12 year at Prairie Bible Institute. After high school she attended Western Canadian Bible Institute in Regina. Evelyn moved a whole two and a half miles west of the Wester home place to the Skanderup home place after her marriage to Clifford. Evelyn and Clifford lived, farmed, and raised their family there for 35 years before retiring to Brooks. Evelyn, Clifford, and family were active participants in Bethany Lutheran Church, where Evelyn would play the piano for services. Evelyn loved music and played piano because she loved to and because music was a tool for her to express her love for her precious Lord. Through joy and sorrow Evelyn trusted in the Lord with all her heart and leaned not on her own understanding (Proverbs 3). Evelyn was admitted to Brooks Hospital in November 2020 where she was diagnosed with cancer. Evelyn relocated home to the Skanderup home place in Tilley in late January 2021. Here, in the place Evelyn loved most on earth, two-and-a-half miles from the place she was born, Evelyn spent her final weeks, surrounded by her treasured family, and submitting to their care after a life lived in service of others. And, as was always Evelyn’s way, on February 19, 2021, she passed quietly, in the blink of an eye, from her home on earth to the one waiting for her in heaven. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Clifford, her daughter Kaye and granddaughter Karlee, as well as her parents, Ralph and Anna Wester, step-mother Gertie Wester, brothers Arne and Norman Wester and by many Wester and Skanderup sister and brothers-in-law. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Jody) Bergum, and son, Darren (Melinda) Skanderup; grandchildren, Jesse (Jennifer) Hayworth, Taylor Bergum, Colter Skanderup, Chad Skanderup, Kalvin Bergum, Nicole Skanderup and Camryn Bergum; great-grandson Benson Hayworth; brother, Ralph Wester and sisters-in-law Martha Skanderup, Bessie Wester, and Anne Wester. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will be sharing a Private Family Service. Pastor Garth Everett officiating. Interment at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

September 12, 1938 – February 15, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Otto Sonnenberg announces his sudden passing on February 15, 2021. Otto will be missed by his loving wife Ingrid. Otto and Ingrid were 3 months shy of 50 years of marriage. Otto enjoyed farming, fishing and socializing. He is survived by his brothers Erwin (Carole Sonnenberg), Ewald (Vivian Sonnenberg); sisters Marta Maurer, Frieda Starzyk, and numerous nieces, nephews and many relatives and friends in Germany. Otto was predeceased by his parents Rudolf & Emilie, sisters Lydia Bakowski, Edelgard Sonnenberg and Erika McGuire. Otto’s family wishes to extend a special thank you for the help and kindness of all their wonderful neighbours and friends. Funeral Services were held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Salem Lutheran Church in Scandia. Graveside services were held at Scandia Cemetery, Reverend Jakob Pillibeit Officiated. For further information please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Joel T. Akin

June 30, 1958 – February 13, 2021

Joel was one of the most interesting persons you would ever have met, especially if you had the opportunity to discover his rich character, diversity of hobbies, and experience his Christian walk.

Sadly, Joel left for the glory of heaven in what seems to be years too. He passed away on February 13, 2021 at the age of 62.

Joel was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 30, 1958 as the second of three children to his father, Reverend Wayne Akin and his mother, Esther. Joel lived in many locations as his parents were church planters in Michigan, Wisconsin and Canada.

After graduating high school, Joel attended Lee Bible College in Cleveland, Tennessee where he received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Religious Studies.

In 1980 Joel moved to Moose Jaw, SK and then Brooks, AB where he joined his parents, who were planting the Brooks Church of God. Joel became active in the church and community and over the years enjoyed numerous jobs including positions at the Brooks Horticultural Center, Brooks Aqueduct, Brooks Library and Shaw Cable.  He was also an announcer at the local radio station and had a program called “Good Morning Gospel”. His last years were spent in Calgary, AB.

Joel enjoyed photography and collecting things including rocks, especially Ammonite, books, comics, sports cards, Pepsi products, and numerous other treasures. This led to Joel and his younger brother Steve opening the store “Books & Collectibles”, later named “Cardz & Toonz”.

One of Joel’s most satisfying ventures was the research and completion of his book: “Making Crooked Ways Straight”. It was the story of the life and missionary journeys of his Great Uncle Fred Zaukelies in Detroit, MI and elsewhere. Joel was able to capture the fascinating stories of difficult times, struggles and amazing miracles that occurred as a result of the steadfast faith of this towering uncle of his. It took him four years of research and traveling to gather information from many relatives throughout the United States.

The final step of the book was getting it printed in the Philippines where he made treasured friends, including Dennis and Denie Heppner, with whom he stayed in Manila. In those trips he also ministered in Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Joel was well received due to his friendliness, quick wit, winning smile, and confident faith.

He spoke confidently of “the hope in Christ”, and had the gift of dreams and visions with insightful interpretations.

Joel will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially his beloved mother Esther, sister Lynda Bauer, brother Steve and wife Shirley and their children Matthew, Christina, and Joshua. He also leaves behind, aunts, uncles, and many cousins throughout the States.

When the doctors had fully diagnosed Joel’s condition with cancer, the reference was made that he was “stoic”. This can indeed be said of Joel whose Christian walk was an example to many as he often put others before his own comfort and needs. Our lives are richer for having known him.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Joel’s memory, can be made to the Philippine ministry of the Heppners.  https://gentlehandsorphanages.com/

Joel’s favorite Bible passages – Psalms 23 and Psalms 139. Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Psalm 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Shantz – Leentje Catharina (Linda) Shantz of Brooks, beloved wife of Orval Shantz, passed away in Medicine Hat on Wednesday February 10, 2021, at the age of 64 years. Linda was born in Brooks, Alberta, went to school in Tilley, Alberta and after graduating, she worked first as a teller at the Royal Bank and then as a secretary at the Royal Bank and Bank of Montreal. Linda married Orval, her husband of 43 years in 1977. After working several years as a bookkeeper at Martin Enterprises, she took time off to raise her children. Once her children were in school Linda worked as a secretary at the Brooks Junior High School, until 1996, when she became the Office Manager and driving force behind the Shantz Law Office, a position she held until the date of her death. Linda was a quiet caring person, who always thought of and looked after others before herself. Linda’s greatest joys were her two sons and four grandchildren, who she loved very much. Linda was predeceased by her parents Hendrik and Maartje van Nieuwkerk and her brother Dick van Nieuwkerk (Darlene). Linda is survived by her husband Orval; son Brian, and his two children Harrison and Gabriel; son Mark, his wife Amber, and their two children Marshall and Elle. Linda is also survived by her brother Art van Nieuwkerk, sister Cathy Thome, sister-in-law Colleen van Nieukerk and many nieces and nephews. The family will be holding a Family Graveside Service.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652
“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Furet – It is with very heavy hearts that we the family announce the sudden passing of Brian Joseph Michael Furet on Tuesday February 9^th, 2021 in Calgary, AB at the age of 30 years. Brian was born in Brooks, AB on March 11^th, 1990 to Leo and Michele, a new brother for Ron. The boys grew up close and always counted on each other. Brian had a beautiful smile, a kind gentle heart, a great sense of humor and a huge mischievous streak. Brian is predeceased by his mom Michele; his maternal grandparents Dennis Despas and Loretta Despas and his paternal grandparents Jacques and Therese Furet; his aunt Larraine Furet and uncle Denis Furet. He is survived by his Dad Leo (Leona); his brother Ron; daughter Mia; nephews, Remi, Carson, and Aiden and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a few close friends. In memory of Brian, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Cleo’s Karma Canine Rescue – website is cleoskarmacaninerescue.com – or any other animal rescue of your choice that you would like to support. Due to Covid Restrictions a Private Family Service will be held at a later date.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

UNGER, Jacob (Jake) Henry

December 20, 1951 – Coaldale, Alberta

February 8, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Jake Unger of Calgary, AB, on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the age of 69 years after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Jake was born in Coaldale, AB, on December 20, 1951. In life, academia was not his calling and he became employed at Calgary Machine Shop at the age of sixteen for $1.00 per hour. He was proud to pay his mother her rent out of his slim paycheck and considered it a privilege. Mechanics was his passion and he built several hot rods before eventually acquiring a Harley Davidson motorcycle which was his pride and joy. Eventually he found more suitable employment with the MOT at the Calgary International Airport as foreman of the grounds crew. He was known for his ability to clean runways on two wheels. In 1987, Multiple Sclerosis struck and he went on disability to the progressive disease. Always of good spirit and with sympathetic ears for the troubles of others, he endured his ailment without ever a complaint. He took up online chess and was known to compete with international players at a fairly high level. As a youth his favourite movie was a Western, ‘The Good, Bad and Ugly’.  If one goes to their internet browser and plays the theme song of this movie they will be with Jake for a moment. A man of few but well chosen words, he especially loved children.

Jake is survived by his father Peter Unger of Oliver, BC, brothers and sisters, Erwin (Inge), Jeanne Blair (David), Victor, George (Marie), Robert and Cindy Rebiffe (Jeff); as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother Marie, and brother Peter Eric.

Please forward condolences through www.calgarycrematorium.com