Obituaries

1936 ~ ELWYNE KLETTKE ~ 2020
Mr. Elwyne Klettke of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Joan Klettke, passed away on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at the age of 84 years. Elwyne leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Larry (Angela) Klettke of Stettler, AB, James Klettke of Eston, SK, and one daughter, Elaine Matson of Calgary, AB; six grandchildren, Christa (John Coppola), Jenelle (Quinn McLean), Tiffany Matson, Candace (Cam Davis), Danelle (Dean Jones), and Briana (Tyler Bauman); as well as fourteen great grandchildren. Elwyne was predeceased by his wife, Joan; his daughter, Lori Diane; his parents, Otto and Lillian Klettke; his only brother, Wayne Klettke; his son-in-law, Chuck Matson; and great granddaughter, Kiya Jade Matson-Tekeste. Elwyne was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan on August 17th, 1936. He was raised southeast of Kindersley on the family farm in Madison, Sask. For several years Elwyne attended school at a small local schoolhouse in the village of Madison. Elwyne’s children note that one of his greatest strengths was his work ethic. Growing up on a farm he learned that life was about making the most of what you had and working hard in order to achieve further success. As a young adult Elwyne, his brother Wayne, and father Otto formed Klettke and Son’s, a heavy equipment operation company. On March 14th, 1959 he married the love of his life, Joan Margaret Flatt. Their journey together, until the time of her passing in 2008, took them on several adventures with their young family: Lori, Elaine, Larry and James. Elwyne spent several years in oil and gas with companies like BJ Hughes and Nowsco Well Services. When his parents retired in 1972 from the farm in Madison, SK, Elwyne and Joan spent five years back in Madison on the family farm. In 1977 they moved to Brooks area and re-entered the oil and gas industry with Canan Cementers. Shortly thereafter he partnered with his friend Dick Malone to purchase Superior Oilwell Cementers. Together they operated their business in the town of Brooks until his retirement to Medicine Hat in August of 2004. One of the greatest joys for both Elwyne and Joan were their many winters spent in Yuma, Arizona; they met and enjoyed the company of so many friends during those years.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions the family will be holding a small private memorial service at Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat in the month of November. There will be a live stream available for friends and family that are unable to attend; a link to the live stream will be provided on the Saamis Memorial website. Memorial gifts in Elwyne’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, c/o Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6, or to the St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice, 156 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Elwyne Klettke. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

MERKL – Cameron Blaine Merkl
February 23rd, 1961 – September 4th, 2020.

The family of Cameron Merkl is sad to announce his passing on Friday, September 4th 2020, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, due to complications from a Stroke. Cameron was born in Calgary on February 23rd, 1961 to Joseph and Margaret Merkl in Calgary and was the second youngest of the five Merkl children. Cameron graduated from Brooks Composite High School in 1980 and resided in Brooks and Brooks area since. Cameron was predeceased by his father Joseph, mother Margaret, brother Barry and brother Alan. Cameron is survived by Dale (Darla) of Arcola, Saskatchewan, Corey (Mike) of Chestermere, Alberta, Dawn of Creston, BC and nephews and nieces. Dale and Corey would like to thank all of the staff at the Foothills Medical Centre, ICU Unit C for their kindness and compassion as well we thank everyone who has supported us in this difficult time. Very special thanks to Kelly and staff at Smith Funeral Home for their kindness, care and guidance.
A private graveside service was held Saturday, September 26, 2020. Interment was in the Brooks Cemetery by Smith Funeral Home.

Calpas – Sophia Josephine Calpas (Sulik), Jo or Josie to many, passed away peacefully on September 28 at the age of 102 with her family at her side. Jo was born on May 31, 1918 on a farm near Kenaston, Saskatchewan. She was baptised by her father at birth and later baptised at St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church in Kenaston.  Josephine went to school near her home as well as a convent in Forget, Sask.  She also went to Spokane, Washington to take a telegraph course.  Josephine worked as a housekeeper, a garment sewer and a clerk and she bought her own home in 1955.  Her faith was a huge part of every day of her life and she was involved for many years with the Catholic Women’s League as well as the St. Jude’s Alter Society.  She looked after her mother for many years until her death in 1961.  Her hobbies included reading, crocheting, knitting, sewing, and crossword puzzles.  Jo was always ready to play dice or sit down for a competitive game of cards anytime.  Her love of books remained with Josephine for her entire life and in her later years she discovered audio books.  Her skills as a card shark never rusted as she more often than not, was victorious over any challengers.  Josephine was introduced to her future husband George Calpas by a mutual friend and they were married in 1963.  They set up a life together in Tilley, Alberta and a year later had adopted Howard and Jeanne and for the next 50 years they loved each other and watched their family grow.  Josephine was a wonderful cook and no one ever left her home hungry.  They lived on the farm until 1987 when they retired to Brooks.  It was then that she discovered the joy of yelling “BINGO” more than most.  After George passed away in 2014 Josephine continued to enjoy her family particularly giving her great grandchildren rides on her electric wheelchair.  Although she was quiet by nature nothing pleased her more than a visit from her family members or her friends.  Josephine was predeceased by her parents, John and Katerina, her siblings: John, Catherine, Maria, Mary Rose, Anne, Emilia (Millie), Theresa (Helen), Christina, George and Martha.  She is survived by her son Howard Calpas and his daughter Lindsey and her children; Kia, Justin, Jackson and Archer. Daughter Shannon (Andrew) and their child Oliver.  Son Ryan. Son Shawn (Nicole) and their children; Michael, Alex and Lily. Daughters; Abbigail (Abby) and Taylor.  Josephine is also survived by her daughter Jeanne Morishita (Barry) and their daughter Marissa (Tyler) and their children; Brooklyn and Parker and daughter Katelyn.  She also leaves her sister Frances McKinley, her brother –in-law John Calpas and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  A family only Mass was Celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Rev. Marino Infante Celebrant.  Interment was held at Brooks Cemetery.  In memory of Josephine, if friends desire, are requested that memorial donations be made to the Canadian Arthritis Association, 393 University Avenue, Suite 1700, Toronto, Ontario  M5G 1E6 or St. Mary’s CWL., c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Box 578, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B5.

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”

Jim McNally passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at the age of 59 years. He was born in Cereal, Alberta on February 3, 1961.  In 1962 the family moved from Oyen to Rolling Hills.  He took over the family farm as a young adult and stayed there until his retirement in 2017. Jim enjoyed the farm and loved his animals. When we were young Jim would ride his horse Flossie bareback all over the farm. He was a volunteer First Responder for the Rolling Hills Fire Department for many years. He was a great card player and he could remember many card games which he enjoyed winning. The family get-together’s that he hosted were the highlight of many summers.  Jim was born with a congenital heart condition.  When he was 29 he travelled to Toronto to get it repaired.  In the end it stopped him from farming and eventually ended his life.  He passed away peacefully at the Foothills hospital.  The staff at the hospital were incredible, sensitive and caring during the last days.  The family thank them for the care they provided Jim. Jim is survived by his siblings, Elaine (Richard Lohrman) McNally of Alabama, Sherrie (Andy Mercer) McNally of Calgary, Della (Randy) McNally of North Battleford, SK, Lori (Graham Bolton) McNally of Calgary, and  Brent McNally of Red Deer and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his twin daughters in 2002, his mother Esme McNally in 2020, his father Clayton McNally in 1996, and his brother Dean McNally in 2014. A memorial is being planned for 2021.

Morasch – Robert Conrad Morasch of Brooks passed away at Brooks Health Centre on September 29, 2019 at the age of 79. Born at Hanna, Alberta, he received his education in Endiang. He was a very independent man and a loyal friend with a wry, sarcastic sense of humour. Robert was a hard worker who helped on the family farm, was employed near the Arctic Ocean doing seismograph and worked within the oilfield service industry. He was employed at Lakeside Packers and later in life with the city of Brooks Parks Department, retiring in 2001. Robert was married to Maggie, an X-ray tech whom he met in Hanna and he loved her dearly. They spent many wonderful years together camping, fishing and spending time with family and friends. When Maggie’s health began to fail he took on the precious role as her primary care giver until her passing in 2015. Robert enjoyed spending time cheering for the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Blue Jays and enjoyed breakfast at Denny’s Restaurant, sipping Iced Caps at “Timmies” and having supper at Montana’s Restaurant. Robert was predeceased by his parents and wife Maggie and is survived by his brother Wesley and his wife Kathleen and their 3 children; daughter,  Angila Kuehne (Matthew) and their children Madalyn and Quinn; son, Paul (Maegan) and their daughter Audrey; daughter, Arlene Tichkowsky (Brett) and their son Edward; all of Edmonton and numerous other family members. A memorial Service will be held at Thom’s Funeral home in Duchess on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Graveside Services will be held at Endiang Cemetery on September 26 at 2:00 pm. In memory of Robert, if family or friend’s desire, memorial tributes may be made to Alberta Cancer Society. Please respect social distancing regulations and wear your mask. For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Robert, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Wray Ian McCallum of Lomond passed away on Sept 10, 2020 in Medicine Hat at the age of 67.

Ian was born August 18, 1953, third child of seven born to Wray and Helen McCallum of Queenstown.  He attended school in Milo until he went on to high school in Vulcan.  After high school Ian moved to Lomond to work on the farm for his brother-in-law, Don Beagle and sister, Joyce.  After working for them for a few years he purchased three quarters of land from the Dept. of Lands and Forests.  He continued working for Don and farmed his own land as well.  Through the years there were 3 more quarters of land added as well as the development of irrigation on the farm.  In 1999 a new house was built on land east of Badger Lake where Ian lived until his passing.

In 1977, Ian married Denise Teasdale of Lomond.  Together they raised 3 children on the family farm they built.

Ian always loved hockey.  He started on the rink his dad built at their home near Queenstown.  He started his minor hockey in Milo and finished his last years in Gleichen.  After minor hockey there was no junior team to play for so Ian started playing with the Vulcan Wheat Kings Senior Men’s team at the age of 17.  Through the years he went on to play for the Circle Hill Coronas, the Lomond Lakers, the Lomond Merchant Rec team and the Lomond Oldtimers.

As well as playing, Ian was also a dedicated coach.  He was involved in coaching at least one of his sons every year of their minor hockey career.  He coached basically every age group from mighty mite to Sr. Men’s winning league championships and provincial playoffs along the way.  All over southern Alberta there are men young and old who know Ian as “Coach”.

As well as his wife, Denise, Ian is survived by his daughter Carla and granddaughter Paityn of Brooks, son Derek (Joanna) of Calgary and son Dennis of Lethbridge.  He is also survived by sisters, Joyce (Don) of Victoria, Grace (Eric) and Janice (Hugh) of Vulcan, Rhonda of Lethbridge, and Shari (Dan) of Carmangay and brother Glenn of Queenstown as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents.

Any tributes in Ian’s memory can be made to the Lomond Arena Building Fund (L.C.C.A.S.), Box 264, Lomond, AB. T0L1G0. For further information, to send flowers or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Balderson – Donna Marie Balderson of Brooks, beloved wife of Don Balderson, passed away in Calgary on Friday, September 11^th, 2020 at the age of 71 years. Donna was born on April 18^th, 1949 in Leroy, Saskatchewan, one of nine children, to Leo and Elizabeth Koberinski. Donna graduated from Lanigan Central High School in Lanigan Saskatchewan. Donna and Don were married in Stettler, Alberta on July 17^th, 1971 and they resided in Brooks for the past 40 years. Donna was enjoying her retirement alongside her wonderful husband Don and had previously been employed at Newell Associate Clinic for many years. Donna was an avid reader and loved being on the golf course golfing with her family and hiking whenever possible. She loved spending time in and around nature with her family including her pets. Donna was a very loving and caring person to everyone she met. She had an infectious smile and laugh that she shared with everyone who knew her, both young and old. Donna was predeceased by both her parents, Leo and Elizabeth Koberinski; brother Marvin; sister Marilyn; mother-in-law Helen Balderson and a brother-in-law Dennis Balderson. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years Don Balderson; her two sons, Scott of Las Vegas, Nevada and Troy (Lori) of Surrey, B.C. and their 3 children (Jonathon, Melissa and Sierra) and 4 great grandchildren; brothers, Donald of Humboldt, Sk., Norm (Sharon) of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Reginald of Saskatoon, Sk. and Merle (Myrna) of Nanaimo, B C.; sisters, Darlene Hurman of Saskatoon and Karen of Maple Ridge, B.C.; sisters-in-law Roberta Sissons of Alix, Alberta, Rose Koberinski of Saskatoon and Dianna Balderson of Drayton Valley, Alberta and numerous nieces and nephews. A Family Service will be held.

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”

Zastre – It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of David James Joseph Zastre of Brooks, beloved husband of 54 years to Florence Zastre, on Monday, September 7^th, 2020 in Brooks at the age of 74 years. David was born on July 2^nd, 1946 in Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba to Joseph and Leonchine Zastre. He is also survived his daughters, Jeannette (Paul), Joan (Eric), Jacqueline, Jennifer (Keith), June (Jason) and Jo Ann; grandchildren, Cassaundra, Taylor, Evan, Erica, Luke, Paloma, Quinn, Alexa, Britney, Carsen and Anastaisa; siblings, Edward (Francine), Annette (Bob), Marcel (Alvina), Denise (Rick) and Verne; sisters-in-law, Blanche and Donna and numerous nephews and nieces. David sponsored Brooks Minor Hockey, “The Zastre Tigers”, for more than 30 years and also received a life time recognition for his Christmas Light display. He will be truly missed for is excellent sense of humor, quick wit, kind big heart and many other generosities he gave over the years. In memory of David, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta   T2E 2P5. Due to Covid-19 restrictions a Family service will be held.

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”

Stolson – It is with great sorrow we announce the death of Lily Stolson of Brooks, beloved wife of the late Gus Stolson, on Friday, September 4^th, 2020 at the age of 97 years. Mom was born Lily Krein on May 7^th, 1923, at home on the farm near Hallonquist, Saskatchewan. She married Gustave Albert Stolson on November 3^rd, 1942 near Neidpath, Saskatchewan. After their first baby was born in 1945 they moved to Tilley, where they resided until 1969, when they moved to Brooks. Lily had a great faith in God, was baptized, and attended the Evangelical Free Church, first in Tilley and then in Brooks. She taught Sunday School, attended W.M.C. and other ladies groups and studies. We will always cherish the memories of love, laughter, music, meals and the wonderful family gatherings that were so important to Mom and Dad. Lily was predeceased by her husband Gus in 1997; son Clenton in 1989; daughters-in-law, Sandra and Sandy, both in 2014; great-granddaughter Kayana in 2014; parents Rudolph and Carrie Krein; brothers Emil  and Alvin Krein and her only sister, Emma Sartison. She is survived by two sons, Kurt Stolson of Brooks and Tobi Stolson and his wife Marie of St. Albert, Alberta; daughter Karen Dockray and her husband Dennis of Brooks; 9 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren (and one on the way); brother Harvey Krein and his wife Marjory of Leader, Saskatchewan and many nieces and nephews. We will always be grateful to the staff of the Newbrook Lodge and the Doctors and Nurses of the Brooks Health Center for their loving care of Mom. We are grateful as well to Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Pastor Garth Everett and the Evangelical Free Church for helping us gather as a family to celebrate Mom’s life. Interment at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Lily, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Newbrook Lodge c/o Newell Foundation, 500 – 3^rd Street East, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1P6.

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”

ENGLESON – Lamar Engleson (Navratil) born September 13, 1942, left us to join his mother, Lavenia on August 31, 2020. With his family by his side, Lamar passed away peacefully at Foothills Hospital.
Lamar was so involved with stock car racing, won many trophies and an avid fan of Nascar. He loved fishing and always shared these experiences with family and freinds. Camping with Myra and his dogs was a very important part of his life.
Lamar’s life will be celebrated by his truly loving wife Myra, his son Rod Navratil, daughters Carla and Mary Navratil and granddaughters Kelsi and Jessica Navratil, and step-siblings. His numerous number of friends will remember Lamar for his willingness to help them when in need; he was always just a phone call away.
We are so grateful for the time we had to share your life, Lamar, and will always remember our “big tough cream puff”!