Obituaries

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

Wetteskind – Herbert Wetteskind, loving husband, father, son, grandpa, friend and businessman, died suddenly on Sunday, January 24^th, 2021, while at his second home in Rincon de Guayabitos, Mexico, at the age of 72 years.  Herb was born in Windsausen, Germany on July 4^th, 1948 to Siegfried and Heidi Wetteskind.  In the summer of 1952, Sieg, Heidi, Herb and Brigitte, immigrated to Patricia, Alberta, Canada to start their Canadian dream.  The family ultimately made Brooks, Alberta their home.  In 1970, Herb married the love of his life, Jan Schaffer. In 1972, their first child, Kari, was born followed by Kevin in 1975. Herb was a licensed heavy-duty mechanic and realtor and was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and keen business sense. He devoted a large portion of his energy to growing Sieg’s Motors Ltd, All Season Cycle and his real estate holding companies, with his respected partners Ramesh Patel and Frank Percival.  Herb was a devoted husband, son, proud father and grandfather who loved spending time with family and cherished the shared moments of boating, fishing, hunting, quadding and camping. Whether enjoying lake life with his family or sitting in his chair watching golf, Herb was always happy. He enjoyed mechanics, constantly having a project on the go restoring high performance vehicles, motorcycles, and anything else that needed fixing. He was an avid problem solver who welcomed a challenge and always found a way to finish the job. Herb was known for seeking out adventure, going on motorbike trips across Canada, bicycling 250 km in the Ride for Life, off-roading in the Mexican Sierra Madres, or exploring during an African Safari, most importantly sharing these adventures with his true love, Jan. Although Herb spent many months abroad taking in all life had to offer, he never forgot his roots. An active member in the Brooks community as a charter member of the Brooks & District Kiwanis Club, the Brooks Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Club, Brooks Motorcycle Club, and others, he was never able to venture into town without running into at least one person he knew and striking up a conversation. Herb made a lasting impression on everyone he met and will be deeply missed by family, friends and all who knew him.  He was predeceased by his father Siegfried Wetteskind.  Herb is survived by his loving wife, Jan Wetteskind (Schaffer); children, Kari Smit (Craig) and Kevin Wetteskind (Tricia); mother, Heidi Wetteskind; sister, Brigitte Smith (Ken) and six grandchildren, Nathan and Janelle Smit, and Damon, Aleece, Ella and Taggart Wetteskind. Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, a Private Family Funeral Service will be held for the immediate family, with plans for a larger burial service to be held when friends and family can meet and unite in celebration of Herb’s life.  An announcement will be forthcoming. In memory of Herb, if family and friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund) 17312 – 107^th Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta   T5S 1R9 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 100 – 119 14^th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta   T2N 1Z6.

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”

Beulah Ferne Martin was born in Camrose, Alberta on Jan. 27, 1924, the second of four children of Milo and Selina (Martin) Good.  As a child, she moved with her family to Youngstown and, in 1934, to Acadia Valley.  Beulah attended church there and was baptized in her teens.  She met Sam Martin at Duchess Winter Bible School in 1939 and they were married in May 1946.

Beulah spent many years raising their 6 children, maintaining large gardens and flower beds along with all of the associated activities. She was a great cook and baker with her pie crust becoming the gold standard for her family.  She served in the Duchess Mennonite Church in many roles: Sunday School and VBS teacher, Ladies WMSC worker and leader, hostess to many church visitors and, along with Sam, Youth leader and Conference minister.

Beulah and Sam moved to Newbrook Lodge in Jan. 2010 where Beulah remained until Jan. 2021.  After a brief stint in Sunrise Gardens, Beulah passed away on Feb. 2 2021 in the Brooks Hospital at the age of 97.

Beulah was predeceased by her husband Sam (2010), daughter Glenda (1967), son Murray (2007) and brothers Lloyd and Edgar Good. She is survived by her sons Gerry (Wendy), Rodney (Evelyn), Richard (Lecia), daughter Fern (Alvin), daughter-in-law Joan, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, sister Viola and many nieces and nephews.

Alex Hudec

January 22, 1929 – February 1, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that myself, Marguerite and our family have to tell you that I lost my husband Alex on February 1, 2021.  He was my companion and best friend for 66 years. To his four children, Larry, Blaine, Kim and Andrea he was an unbelievable Dad and a remarkable Pa Alex and PaPa to his eleven grandchildren and eleven great grand children. While at St. Joseph’s Home Alex received very considerate and loving care and they treated myself, Larry, Blaine and Andrea the same.  For this I will always be grateful. God Bless you all at St. Joe’s. We lost our third son Kim on November 7, 2007. Alex is survived by 2 sons, ( Larry and Blaine) and 1 daughter, ( Andrea);  Son, Larry and Marilyn Hudec and their family; Jordy and Amber and children Grady, Kane and Nash Hudec, Jenell and Steve and children Ellie, Bria and Jetta Petkus, Clay and Delta and son Walker Hudec;  Son, Blaine and Sue Hudec and their family, Cassie and Ben and children Emerly and Ella Bradley, Kirby and Brad and children Hayes and Huntley Stensrud; Daughter,  Andrea and Monty Krauss and their children, Kade, Carter, Parker and Jessa Krauss; Kim’s son, Lucas Hudec and fiancé Desiree, Kim’s son, Ty Hudec and their mom Susan. Alex was born in Fox Valley Saskatchewan to Joe and Cecilia Hudec.  Alex was the eleventh child in a family of seventeen, four of which were half brothers.  Surviving are three sisters, Anne Hesse, Emma Martin and Monica Walter and numerous nieces and nephews. Alex was a person who faithfully lived by his values, lived life to the fullest and he took great interest in work and pleasure.  He was passionate about his farming and ranching life, he found it enjoyable and rewarding.  A popular comment of his was “they aren’t making any more land you know”! Alex was secretary treasurer for The Rainy Hills Grazing Coop for over thirty years.  He was a great supporter of community events such as fundraisers, 4H (which he contributed to and purchased the last of many 4H market steers in 2020). He was also a 4H leader. He very much enjoyed watching baseball games, hockey, gymnastics, rodeos, curling and going to endless birthday parties because family was everything to him! Alex enjoyed his pin collection (over 5000 pins), coin collection, Hesston buckle collection and doing crossword puzzles. Alex loved his home cooked meals and a favourite meal of his consisted of meat and potatoes (when living on the farm, if you didn’t have meat twice a day, you hadn’t eaten). Apple pie was a favorite dessert and always loved tiger ice cream. By the way he also found the occasional rum and coke enjoyable with family and friends while having a visit. Missing you, Alex doesn’t begin to describe our feelings.  You are missed with a grief beyond all tears and you are loved with a love beyond all words. A private family service will be held at this time. In memory of Alex, if friends and family desire donations can be made to St. Mary’s Church, Tide Lake Parish, Irvine 4H Club and the Jenner 4H Club.  The Medicine Hat Feeding Company will collect the donations in trust and the family wishes for all donations then to be divided evenly between the three organizations. Donations (cheques made out to M.H.F.C/ Trust) can be dropped off or mailed to M.H.F.C/Trust  3381 Gershaw Drive S.W Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 3N2. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alex Hudec.  Funeral arrangements by SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPSL, CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE. 403-528-2599.

Zastre – It is with HEAVY hearts that we the family announce the sudden passing of Tyler Paul Zastre  (Heavy)  on Friday January 29^th, 2021 at the age of 42.  He was born in Medicine Hat, AB on October 23^rd, 1978 and was the son of Lynn Nelson and the late Paul Zastre.  He received all of his grade schooling in Brooks and then went on to secondary school, where he completed 5 hard years at S.A.I.T.  Heavy held the event coordinator position of the Petroleum Society from 2001 to 2003.  During this time the society broke numerous records and received numerous awards as a result of Heavy’s ability to force folks into having fun.  After his five years at S.A.I.T. Heavy returned to Brooks to begin his career in the oilfield.  He mostly worked on the service rigs, holding positions in operating, swabbing, coil tubing, and sales. Heavy also bartended and catered for The Brooks Hotel.  He lived large every day.  For most people he interacted with, it was hard to get away without a few good deep laughs.  Heavy’s measure of success was simply perfecting his talent of including EVERYONE. This meant that everyone who met Heavy….remembered Heavy.  His passions were food, flowers, Bud “Heavy’s”, BBQ and family.  Tyler will be sadly missed by his loving wife and soul mate Kylee Zastre; his 3 precious daughters, Zoey and Mylie Paschal and fur baby Cherry Lou; mother Lynn Nelson; uncles, Edward (Francine) Zastre, Marcel (Alvina) Zastre, Vern Zastre and Jim Nelson; aunts, Blanch Zastre, Florence Zastre, Annette (Bob) Mckinnon, Donna Zastre, Denise (Rick) Treyturik, Laurie Ford, Shirley MacKay, Holly (Dwayne) Mcallister; parents-in-law Jennifer and Dave Fleury; brother-in-law Nicholas (Sam) Fleury; nephews, Tanner and Zackery Fleury, cousins and extended family as well as Rons, Terry, Budzer, Lighting, Guts, Frank, Deaner, Larry, Wiggelet, Romulus, Heaven, My Oldman, and any other nickname Heavy would restlessly attempt to attach in the name of fun!  Funeral services were held on Friday, February 5^th at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel.  Rev. John Theiss officiated.  Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery.

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”

KEVEN LESLIE DYRLAND

It is with great sadness that the family of Keven Leslie Dyrland, of Sylvan Lake, AB, announce his passing on January 29, 2021.

His interment and funeral service will be at Zion Lutheran Church (Horsebutte) in Kyle, Saskatchewan.

For further information and to post a condolence please go to: www.sylvanlakefuneralhome.ca

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403 887-2151