Obituaries

MARTHALLER – Juanita Ann Marthaller of Brooks passed away peacefully January 14th, 2020 with her family by her side at the age of 77. Juanita resided in Brooks for the last 36 years, 13 of those years she lived in the Pioneer Villas where she had many good friends. When her health began to fail in 2018, she relocated to Brooks Health Centre Long Term Care and enjoyed playing bingo and loved her bike ride with the physio therapy girls. She was predeceased by her parents Simon and Beota and three sisters, Doreen, Victoria and Simone. Juanita is survived by her two daughters: Carolyn (Ray) of Duchess, Teresa (Daren) of Medicine Hat; 6 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren, with one more due in May that she was very much looking forward to meeting, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the staff at Brooks Health Centre for the care Mom received while she was residing there. A private family Funeral Service was held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 17 at Thom’s Funeral Home. Lunch was held for the family at the funeral home immediately after the service with a Graveside Service in Taber at 2:00 pm at Taber Memorial Gardens. In memory of Juanita, if family or friend’s desire, memorial tributes may be made to Diabetes Association (Brooks and District).

DENAULT – With deepest sorrow, we announce that Dylan John Denault; our most beloved son, brother, family member and friend passed suddenly on Monday, January 13th. Dylan grew up in Bancroft, Ontario. He was an active, happy child and spent a lot of his time quading, boating, fishing and ski-dooing. Dylan was a true friend to his friends and would do anything to help those he cared about. Those who knew Dylan, even just a little, have lost a shining light in their lives. Dylan will be missed everyday by his father, John Denault, his mother, Erin Denault, sister, Shannon, nephew; Elijah, sister & brother-in-law; Brittany & Shawn Louiseize, nephew; Aiden, his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many great friends. We know Dylan is now with his maternal grandparents, Jack & Doreen Doherty, and his paternal grandparents, Betty & Jack Denault, and is loved as much in heaven, as he is here on earth. Memorial Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooks on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Pastor John Theiss Officiating. In memory of Dylan, if family or friend’s desire, memorial tributes may be made to Calgary Dream Centre at 4510 Macleod Trail South Calgary, AB T2G 0A4 or online at https://calgarydreamcentre.com/donate/
For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Dylan, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Telysa Alexis Finkbeiner, daughter of Lonny and Tracy Finkbeiner passed away suddenly on January 12, 2020 at the age of 13. Born March 16, 2006 in Brooks, she was a sister to Ronan Finkbeiner and Nathan Douglass. Also survived by her Aunt Shelley (Boyd) Crockett and Mikayla of Calgary; Aunt Shenade (Andrew) Finnestad and Jackson of Calgary; and Uncle Ryan (Natasha) Johnson, and Aunt Roxann Johnson, and Elli and Peighton of Okotoks and Brooks.  Telysa is survived by her grandparents Elsie Kovacs-Koza Cooper and Art Cooper of Duchess, Glynda Finkbeiner of Brooks, Denise Ochikawa of Brooks and Great Grandma Helen (Norm) of Washington, in addition to numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Telysa will be reunited with her Grandfathers Dennis Finkbeiner and Archie Ochikawa in heaven. Telysa was currently enrolled in grade 8 at Christ the King Academy. She enjoyed figure skating and was always eager to volunteer helping the younger skaters and talked one day of becoming a skating coach. Telysa enjoyed numerous activities with family and friends such as camping, boating, quadding, swimming and tubing. She had a kind and nurturing heart particularly when it came to babies and young children. Telysa was always with her friends having sleep overs and playing games. Telysa spent time creating crafts, collecting recipes and baking with her friends. She would write beautiful and insightful poetry that touched all who had the opportunity to read it. Telysa loved to read and was an avid collector of various things. Her considerable collection of pictures and various keepsakes of animals showed a deep love for all animals, although cats were her favorite. Telysa was known for her quiet and compassionate demeanor. Her laughter was infectious, and she was often seen with a mischievous smirk.  Telysa’s soul will always be remembered for her gentle and genuine inner beauty. A funeral Service was held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooks, Alberta on January 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm, with cremation to follow. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to mental health programming in local Brooks schools. These donations can be dropped off at Christ the King Academy, St. Mary’s Church or Thom’s Funeral Home or at the funeral service. Cheques payable to Christ the King Academy, 440 1st St. W Brooks, AB T1R 1L7. For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Telysa, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

1930 ~ LILY MURRAY ~ 2020

Lily “Lil” Elizabeth Murray, beloved wife of the late G.W. Murray, passed away on January 15, 2020, at the age of 89 years. She was the second youngest of six children born to Peter and Magnhild Andersen, pioneer farmers south of Whitla, Alberta.  Lil married G.W. on September 25, 1949.  They headed almost immediately to live in a sheep camp on the prairie for several months, later moving to Scandia and finally settling on the ranch in Tilley. They ranched there for many decades and raised their four children, George, Susan (Ian), Pat and Bryon (Carrie). Lil & G.W. have nine grandchildren, Erin, George, Jessa, Stephen, James, Erik, Haley, Olava and Ingrid, and seven great grandchildren.  Lil also leaves behind sisters Ella Murray and Ann Murray and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased her husband, G.W. who passed away on June 25, 2008, brother Martin and sisters Bertha and Marie and son-in-law Ed Brooke. By those who fondly remember her, she will be sadly missed. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend.  Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery.  As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Carmel Hospice (St. Joseph’s Home) c/o 156 – 3 St. NE, Medicine Hat, T1A 5M1.  To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading:   Lily Murray, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.  Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 2V6.  Please call 1-866-526-2214 for further information.

Sawatsky – It is with sadness that the family of Linda Sawatsky (Gosling) of Bassano, announce the passing of their beloved mom, grandma, sister, auntie and friend on Friday January 10^th, 2020 at the age of 66 years. Linda was born on January 20^th, 1953 in Bassano to Sidney and Luella Gosling. Her kind and compassionate nature led her into her most fulfilling role caring for seniors. She was a devoted mother to her 2 kids and enjoyed many camping, boating and outdoor adventures with them. Her creative abilities was seen in her flower arranging and gardening. Her devotion to the services and bible studies at the Evangelical Free Church was one of her many passions. She loved a good joke and visiting with her many friends. Her laughter and radiant smile will be one of her many traits missed by those who knew her. Her outstanding courage and strength will never be forgotten. She was predeceased by her parents, her son Trevor Lemire and her soulmate Ray Duperon. She will be missed and loving remembered by her daughter Michelle; grandsons, Tyden and Isaiah; granddaughters, Kailey, Nicole and Alissa; great grandson Lukas and numerous other family. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, January 18^th at 2:00 PM from the Bassano Community Hall. Pastor Don Philip 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”

KLASSEN, Walter

July 27, 1930 – Bassano, Alberta

January 10, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Walter Klassen, beloved husband of Frieda Klassen (nee Sawatzky) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the age of 89 years.

Walter was raised on the farm in Rosemary, Alberta.  He met the love of his life, Frieda, in Clearbrook, and they were married in 1961. They settled in Calgary where they had four children.  Walter will be remembered for his strong work ethic, kindness and generosity.  He enjoyed a 37 year career driving Greyhound bus.  When he wasn’t driving bus he could be found in his workshop honing his carpentry skills.

Walter is survived by his loving wife Frieda, four children; Sharon Klassen (Doug Beddome), Jim (Daylene) Klassen, Mark (Paula) Klassen, Tanya (Corey) Janssen; four grandchildren, Marie, Jayce, Katrina and Luke; one brother Arthur (Frances) Klassen; sister-in-law Margaret Klassen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Wilhelm Klassen, brothers Peter (Katie), William and Ernest.

Memorial Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, Elboya Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow on the upper level, Elboya Chapel, at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Walter’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Walter’s family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the palliative care team at Southwood Hospice for their exceptional care in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please remember Walter through a donation to hospicecalgary.ca.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Walter Klassen. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Vossepoel – Nellie Vossepoel of Brooks, beloved mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt and beloved wife of the late Jack Vossepoel, passed away in Brooks on Tuesday, December 31^st, 2019 at the age of 90 years. Nellie was born August 11^th, 1929 in Nederhorst den Berg, Netherlands, the middle child of 11 to Dirk and Anna Hoetmer. Nellie married Jack Vossepoel on May 24^th, 1951 in the Netherlands and they immigrated to Canada six weeks later. They settled in the High River area, where they resided for 10 years. In that time the family increased by 4 children, Gary, Dick, Mary and Anna. In the spring of 1961, the family moved to the Medicine Hat area, where they rented a farm for 4 years. The family purchased a farm in the Tilley area in the spring of 1965, where Nellie and Jack lived, until their retirement in 1992, when they moved to Brooks. They settled in the Ingram Park area, making new friends and had many fond memories of the block parties. Nellie moved into the Newbrook Lodge in 2010, where she thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle and meeting new people. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, daughters Anna and Mary, 5 brothers and 1 sister. Nellie is survived by her two sons; Gary and his wife Gina of Victoria, British Columbia and Dick and his wife Ronnie of Tilley; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; 1 sister; 3 brothers and numerous nieces and nephews. Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the staff at the Brooks Health Centre for the excellent care Mom received. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 7^th at 2:00 PM from Brooks Christian Reformed Church. Rev. John Vanderburg officiated. Interment took place at 11:00 AM at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Nellie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta   T1J 4K7 or Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, 14925 – 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta   T5V 1K6.

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”

Countryman – Christie Kay Countryman of Bassano, beloved wife of Bruce Countryman, passed away in Bassano on Sunday, December 22^nd, 2019 at the age of 74 years. Christie was born on August 20^th, 1945 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and resided at Tompkins, Sask. where she received her K through to Grade 12 schooling. Christie married Bruce Countryman in October of 1964 in Great Falls, Montana. They resided at Robsart, Sask, until moving to the Arrison Farms Ltd., Bassano, where Bruce started working in 1969. They later moved in to the Town of Bassano in 1978. Christie work for Bassano Friendly Store, Stiles The Druggist and AgCom Petroleum Sales Ltd. before retiring in 2015. She had a love of growing flowers, scrapbooking, golfing, bowling and a special love for her poodle Shamrock. Christie was a CGIT Leader in Bassano and belonged to the Kinette Club, Royal Purple, SPEC and was on the board for The Friends of the Bassano Library. She had a deep love of her family and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. Christie was predeceased by her grandmother Rose Cooper and family friend Steve Schmidt. She is survived by, her mother Carley Cooper; husband Bruce Countryman; 2 daughters, Holly (Mike Fellhauer) and Diana (Travis Peters) and grandchildren Daniel, Garnet, Carley and Cody. Our family would really like to express our deep gratitude to all the staff at the Bassano Health Center for their excellent care of Mom. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held in the spring, at the family cemetery in Tompkins. In memory of Christie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Bassano and District Health Foundation for Long Term Care, Box 120, Bassano, Alberta   T0J 0B0.

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”

December 2, 1970 – December 20, 2019

Cherie Donnell Larsen Schoenberg was born in Brooks, AB to Erick “Bud” and Sandra Larsen. Cherie was the youngest of 3 children. She grew up on the farm in Rolling Hills and attended school in Rolling Hills and Brooks. Cherie moved to Calgary after graduation where she worked and met her husband Steve.  Steve and Cherie were married in September of 1994. They had one daughter Breanna. Cherie worked at accounting firms and took accounting courses at SAIT and later did accounting from her home. Steve and Cherie enjoyed travelling and she enjoyed bike riding. Cherie was diagnosed with MS at 21. Cherie was limited by her MS in her later years but she always had a smile. She never complained and was always thankful. Her mind was always going and she was always thinking. Cherie was predeceased by her grandparents George and Opal Larsen and Dorothy and Walter Pettifor, her mother, father and brother Scott. She leaves to mourn her husband Steve, daughter Breanna, sister Patti Snyder and family and her aunt Sharon Bosomworth and cousins. Cherie will be missed by all who knew her. Memorial to be held at a later date. Cremation services entrusted to Leyden’s Funeral Home, 304 18 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0C3

SEITZ, Edward Charles

June 6th, 1942 – December 30th, 2019

With Heavy Hearts
We are sad to announce that on December 30, 2019 Edward Charles Seitz of Okotoks, AB passed away peacefully in the High River Hospital.
He was loved and cherished by many people including, his wife Beverley Seitz,his children Lyle Seitz (Wanda), Devon Seitz (Laura), Arlana Kramer (Don), Jaron C. Seitz (Jaclyn), nine grandchildren, and many treasured others. Ed impacted the lives of countless people through agriculture, sports, church and community.

Funeral Mass will be held at St James Catholic Church 338040-32 Street East, Okotoks on January 10, 2020 at 11:00 am.

Memorial donations may be made to the High River District Health Foundation, Cancer Clinic 560-9 Avenue SW High River T1V 1B3.

To email condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements in Care of Snodgrass Funeral Home Okotoks 403-938-3111.