Obituaries

Enns – Theodore Enns of Brooks, beloved husband of Mary, passed away on Friday, November 20^th, 2020 at the age of 87 years. Born in Bassano on March 18^th, 1933 to David and Katy (Bergen) Enns, Ted was a twin and the 6^th of 8 children. Ted grew up on a farm southeast of Rosemary, learning the value of hard work, but also sorrow from losing his mother when he was 7. He was raised in a Christian home, baptized at the age of 22, and became an active life-long member of The Rosemary Mennonite Church. Ted met his wife of 65 years, Mary Lepp, marrying in Namaka, Alberta on March 20^th, 1955. Farming was in his blood and together with Mary, crops, cows and 4 boys were raised. Ted was one of the first farmers in the area to invest in leaf cutter bees, he had a seed cleaning business for some time, and he was on the Community Grazing Lease Board for many years. Judo was keen interest of his, later trading this with less aggressive sports of golf and fishing. Ted also sang in the church choir, he was an avid reader, and this was especially a source of encouragement for him in the later years. Ted will be remembered as a quiet and intelligent man, with a generous heart and sense of humour. Ted was predeceased by his parents, David and Katy, subsequent step-mothers Sarah (Dyck) and Maria (Neudorf), brothers Fred, David, Jacob, Gerald and Eric. He leaves behind his loving wife Mary; sons, Dan (Cheryl), Terry (Eunice), Derek (Faye) and Dale (Wendy); 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and 2 sisters, Laura (Pete) Dyck and Lola (Herman) Neufeld. A small Family Service is planned for Friday, November 27^th. Interment to follow at Rosemary 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”

LOEWEN – Peter Loewen passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord at Brooks Health Center on November 10, 2020 at the age of 57. He was born in Chihuahua Mexico on December 24, 1962 to Peter and Anna Loewen and married Katharina in July 1981. They lived in Mexico, Texas, and Kansas before settling in Brooks. He was predeceased by his mother, Anna and his brother Jacob. Peter’s presence and sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family; his beloved wife Katharina, daughter Eva (Lane) Beck, Pedro (Sasha) Loewen, Johan (Allison) Loewen, Susana (Chris Horkoff) Loewen and grandchildren, Kas, Elisabeth, Kaiser-Lane, Lucas, Isabella, Malachy, Annabella, Jeremiah, Matthias, and Atlas. The family would like to thank the staff at Brooks Health Centre for caring for their father/husband in his final days. A private family service was held at Thom’s funeral home on November 14, 2020 at 12:00 pm. Graveside services followed at Duchess Cemetery. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the Reinland Mennonite Church for their support during this time.

MacKinnon – Dianne Elin MacKinnon of Brooks, Alberta was born May 28^th, 1945 to parents Fred and Helen Redelback in Edmonton, Alberta. Dianne was the oldest of three children. In her early childhood years, Dianne discovered her love for bowling, and this love followed her, throughout her adult life. She also loved to crochet Doilies while watching horror movies. However, when the movie got to a scary part that she did not want to watch, Dianne would look down at her doily, and crochet even faster until the scary part had passed. She would also spend much time discussing the thrilling episodes of the Vampire Diaries with her granddaughters, who also enjoyed watching the show. Other passions of Dianne’s included playing Yahtzee with her family and friends, online solitaire, gambling in Moose Jaw on the girl’s trip, and the annual family reunion at her eldest son Shawn’s place, where a bocce ball tournament took place, and Dianne happily participated. She also had fond memories of going to Medicine Hat to play Bingo with her parents Fred, Helen, family and friends. The stories she told to relive these precious moments were filled with such happiness. Dianne got married to her loving husband Wayne in Brooks. They spent many happy years with each other, and their four kids. Dianne and Wayne recently just celebrated their 50^th anniversary, which is so inspiring. 50 years of good, bad, and ugly spent together with the same person. This is not an easy thing, but with a lot of sacrifice, compromise, and love, Dianne and Wayne were able to beat the odds. She loved Christmas and was always so eager to make her home a festive place that was filled with the holiday spirit. Dianne decorated her home from head to toe, never forgetting the Christmas tree in the living room with a present underneath for every person, even those not in attendance. On Christmas Eve, her family would be gathered at her place feasting on Chinese food or KFC. Dianne was famous for starting her Christmas shopping as soon as the holiday ended, in preparation for next year. It was her favourite time of year, and her love for the holidays is a memory her family will hold dear. Dianne was predeceased by her parents Helen Redelback, Fred Redelback, her daughter Melanie Dillman, and her brother in-law Jim Meador. Dianne is survived by her loving husband Wayne MacKinnon; her sons Shawn Schuh (Sherrie Schuh) and Greg Schuh (Holly Robinson); daughter Dawn MacKinnon; son-in-law Deryk Dillman; sister Sandy Meador; brother Gary Redelback (Linda Redelback), as well as her grandchildren Samantha Schuh, Davis Dillman, Jessica Dillman, Doria Schuh, Breanne Schuh, and Ryley Schuh, and great grandchildren Lakylon Mokelky, and Hudson Mokelky, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. To her family, friends, and loved ones, Dianne was always an outgoing, bubbly person that could never fail to make you smile. She had the biggest heart and made sure her family knew how much she loved them. Dianne was a strong, and resilient person, with a tender heart that was filled with nothing but love. She cared deeply for the people she loved, and this was not limited to her blood family. When Marilyn Chiacchia moved to Alberta, from Nova Scotia, she did not know anybody here, and Dianne was more than happy to take her in as her own. She opened her heart to Marylin and gave her a family that stretched beyond biology. This speaks volumes to the kind of loving, and charismatic person Dianne was. Dianne had a great sense of humor, and never took anything too seriously. She was always able to laugh at the jokes that came at her expense, knowing full well that the jokes were made out of love and adoration. In our family, with so many different and loud personalities, it is important to have a sense of humour, and be able to laugh at yourself, and Dianne sure knew how to do that. She will be deeply missed for all that she was, but her legacy of everything she left behind will continue to flourish out from all the people that were lucky enough to be blessed by her presence. A Private Family Service to 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”

Daniels – Bruce Frederick Daniels passed away peacefully in Okotoks, Alberta in the early hours of Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at the age of 79. Bruce was born on March 10, 1941 in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Freddie and Ida Daniels. Bruce married Margaret Skriver in 1965 and together they raised their four children in Rolling Hills, Alberta. Brad (Jen) Daniels, Darwin (Carmelle) Daniels, Darcy (Shelly) Daniels, and Bonnie (Ron) Eckert. His family—which grew to include 13 grandchildren—brought him great joy over the years. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, brother Earl Daniels, sister Sharon Daniels, sister-in-law Opal Skriver, brother-in-law Gordon Skriver, and nephew Dallas Daniels. Bruce was a kind and gentle soul known for his patience, generosity, and unshakable, conscientious work ethic. He taught grandkids to whistle and tie their shoes, nieces and nephews how to use tools, fix and repair stuff, basically, anyone needing a hand with something. He took meticulous care of his vehicles and possessions. He was well known for his singing and often sang in church and at weddings, funerals and on other occasions. He enjoyed playing baseball when he was younger and continued enjoying any game he could catch on TV. Big trucks were also a passion and he enjoyed keeping up his Class 1 license for years. Bruce’s last few years were difficult as he battled Parkinson’s and heart disease. We cannot thank his care team at Tudor Manor enough for their love and support. Dr. Stratton Steed, Chaplain Darryl Wood, his wonderful nurses and so many others on staff showed endless professionalism and love no matter how difficult it became especially as restrictions due to COVID took its toll. They went above and beyond—over and over—as Dad’s care needs grew and Margaret’s access to the facility to help him was limited. A Private Family Service will be held at the Rolling Hills Cemetery in days to come with Rev. Debbie Daniels officiating. Not being able to have an appropriate funeral due to the pandemic is difficult. However, circumstances allowed for Bruce’s wife, children and grandchildren to gather on September long weekend 2020. At that time, each family member was able to spend time with Bruce. They also shared in celebrating Bruce and Margaret’s 55th wedding anniversary. That this took place when it did, is a great comfort. It also brings solace to know Bruce is experiencing the wonder of eternity with Jesus, free of everything that made life on earth a struggle. In memory of Bruce, if friends desire, memorial tributes can be made directly to Tudor Manor through The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd. 4628 Montgomery Blvd NW Calgary, AB T3B 0K7 or at https://thebsf.ca/get-involved/donate.html

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”

Penner – John J Penner of Medicine Hat, formerly of Rosemary and Brooks, passed away on Tuesday November 17^th, 2020 at the age of 97 years.  Dad arrived in Canada from Orenburg, Russia in October of 1926 at the age of 3.  The family settled first in Provost and then Rosemary, AB.  In 1951 he and Hilda Klassen were married, and together they built a life and raised a family at Rosemary.  They moved to Medicine Hat in 1999.  Dad believed in a good day’s work and in helping one’s fellow man.  He valued peace, love, friendship, and community.  Everyone who knew him considered John a good man.  Dad was predeceased by his parents and 7 siblings and his beloved wife Hilda in 2017.  Left to cherish his memory are his children, Layol (Doug) McRae, Cheryl (Ray) Bergen, and Glade (Phyllis) Penner; grandchildren Paige Riegel (Jamie Adams), Kelsey (John) Anderson, Melanie (Peter) Bosomworth, Andrew (Brett) Bergen, Matthew (Amber) Penner, and Cameron (Tiffany Kaminsky) Penner and 17 great-grandchildren. A virtual Celebration of Life is planned.  Interment will be held at Rosemary Cemetery 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”

Gassner – Donald Edward Gassner passed away peacefully in Brooks, AB on Saturday, November 14^th, 2020 at the age of 90 years. Born on April 13^th, 1930 in Kindersley, SK to Fred and Wilhemine (Minnie) Gassner, where he was raised on the farm with his 10 brothers and sisters. Hard work was instilled in each of them at an early age and he was known for his energetic spirit and drive. As a young man he bought a truck and started his own trucking company, and traveled throughout Western Canada when a warm place to stay and road maintenance was scarce. He married his wife, Helen Margaret ‘Merle’ Peardon, in 1952 and was devoted to providing for her and their 3 children. Moving to Calgary where he was employed for the city gas company, his yearning to work for himself never stopped and in 1963 he rented some land west of Granum, Alberta where he began his farming career. He soon purchased his own farm and working closely with his family, he farmed until he and Merle moved to Lethbridge in 1983. Again with the need to keep busy he worked as an adjuster for the Alberta Hail & Crop Insurance and traveled throughout southern Alberta for many years until his retirement at the age of 65. Throughout his life he enjoyed being with his friends and family visiting over a ‘drink’ and this continued in Lethbridge with his good friend Ron, and on many occasions he assisted him with carpentry and plumbing jobs that needed to be completed. He was a great handyman and was constantly working on his home and yard to ensure it was well maintained. He grew a beautiful garden and was happy to share the extra vegetables with his friends and neighbors. Beloved husband to Merle for 61 years, until her passing in 2013. Loving father to Gordon (Donna) Gassner, Larry (Lena) Gassner, Jacolyn (late Robert) Thiessen. Dear grandfather to 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, as well as brother and uncle to many. The family will hold a service for Donald in Kindersley, SK in the spring or summer 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charity of your choice.

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”

Peltzer – With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Fern Mary Peltzer (nee Hammer) of Brooks, Alberta on Saturday November 7^th, 2020 at 85 years of age.  She is survived by her daughter Alison (Trent) Ebach and family of Hepburn, Saskatchewan and her son Robert (Nikki) Peltzer and family of Rosemary, Alberta.  She is also survived by her brother Hoss (Ena) Hammer; brother-in-law Rudy (Jean) Peltzer; sisters-in-law Lucille Oberhammer, Anne Arnell and Joan Peltzer and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Alfred in 2018, her parents Floyd and Chrissie Hammer and her brothers-in-law Glen Oberhammer, Don Arnell and Harold Peltzer.  Fern was born July 12^th, 1935 in Calgary, Alberta to Floyd and Chrissie Hammer, where they lived on a small acreage.  She was raised in a Christian home and baptized and confirmed in The Southminister United Church, where she attended until she moved away.  Fern’s early childhood was spent attending Sunday school, youth, and riding her horse Tiny.  She moved with her family to a new place closer to Western Canada High School where she graduated from in 1953.  Fern worked at various jobs before she began her nursing career at Calgary General Hospital in 1957, where she lived in the nurses’ residence and became a Registered Nurse in 1958.  Through a friend from nursing school Fern met Alfred, the love of her life and they married October 17^th, 1959.  Shortly after, Fern became a member of the Duchess Lutheran Church.  Alfred and Fern were blessed with Alison in 1963 and Robert in 1967.  After Alison was born, life on the farm, a new family and working part-time kept Fern busy.  When Robert came along, she stayed on the farm and became involved in the church’s Lutheran Ladies Aid, decorating the church throughout the seasons, and joining the PTA.  Fern could be always counted on to help out wherever she was needed and became the go to nurse for the neighbourhood.  Throughout her life, Fern was a welcoming and gracious host, her warm smile inviting all who arrived at the door to make themselves at home.  Fern always had a soft spot and took time for her six grandchildren Cayley, Jaxon, Jordan Peltzer and Denae, Coralee, and Lorne Ebach.  She never missed a moment to cheer them on or support them in any way she could, whether in person or spirit.  After retiring off the farm to Duchess, health issues took their toll on her and she moved to Sunrise Gardens in Brooks, where she spent last years, enjoying shopping and seeing her grandchildren.  Her family would like to thank Sunrise Gardens for the excellent she received there and all those who took care of Fern in her last days.  We would also like to especially thank Carl and Barb Bogda for all the time spent and miles travelled caring for Fern and Alfred.  Donations in memory of Fern may be made directly to Duchess Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Box 217, Duchess Alberta   T0J 0Z0.  A Private Funeral was held for only immediate family.  Interment was held at Duchess 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”

McClelland – James Peter McClelland of Brooks, Alberta, has passed away at the age of 72 years. On Wednesday, November 11, Jim lost his fight against cancer with his loving wife of 20 years, Mickey, by his side. Jim was born in Brooks on June 12, 1948 to Agatha and Robert McClelland. Jim has an older brother Stuart (Sarah) McClelland who resides in Australia, a twin sister Joan Speir living in Calgary, a younger sister Kathleen McClelland who had passed away on December 25, 2019 and a brother-in-law Duane Speir. Jim leaves behind his children Brad McClelland, Scott (Kim) McClelland, and Jody-Lee McClelland-Crust and his stepchildren Cyndy (Robert) Breakell, Kim (Lyle) Seely and Jody (Tom) Trembecki. Jim was also rich in grandchildren and memories of Poppa Jim will be cherished forever; Amy, James, Logan, David, Ty, Kyle, Dylan, Ethan and Evan. Jim had numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Jim’s “boys” Patrick and Mynu are grieving the loss as well. Jim and his first wife, Patsy, raised their three young children in Tilley, AB. Jim had a successful career as a journeyman welder, his business, JP Welding, was located in Tilley and he was well known for his distinct yellow 72 Ford welding truck. Jim was involved in the Tilley community serving as a volunteer fireman, playing slow pitch and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim was always lending a hand to whoever needed it and conversing with his many friends. Jim was an honest, caring, funny, hard-working and loving husband and father who loved to live life and all its adventures. Jim became the “cool Dad” after his repeated volunteering to chaperone Jody-Lee’s school ski trips as he “helped” them sneak into the hot tub and pool. Jim created some of the best memories for his young kids with the family camping trips and exploring the uniqueness of every place they went. His touring of the country-side, after his kids had grown, started with a Honda Goldwing and then progressed to driving his “little piece of s**t” around town to finally getting around town on his beloved scooter, watching the trains and ensuring the town was running smoothly. He continued to love camping during the summer and it was well known that any trip that would take someone an hour would take Jim and Mickey 6 hours due to all the detours! Jim was incredibly talented with woodworking and his children and grandchildren would all look forward to receiving his completed projects, everything from wooden rocking horses to fold up camping tables. Poppa Jim would start his day on his “puter” playing games and watching YouTube videos and was famous for his afternoon naps, in his recliner watching old western movies with the volume up high! James Peter McClelland filled his family and friends life with love and compassion and his passing is deeply felt by all who knew him. Jim’s family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and nurses that helped Jim through this and for their compassion towards him and the family. Anyone that wishes may make a donation to their preferred charity in memory of Jim. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

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”

LAWSON, Lucas Wayne Rong

September 14, 1975 – November 6, 2020

Lucas Wayne Rong Lawson was born September 14th, 1975 in Bangkok, Thailand and passed away November 6th, 2020 in Calgary, due to complications with diabetes. Officially he became part of our family on October 14th, 1975 but had been ours long before.

Educationally he flourished while taking all his primary schooling in Brooks, and from there onto S.A.I.T for secondary education. He followed his father into the energy sector where he fostered many friendships, and later struck out on his own as a consultant. In his passing he is survived by his loving young son Brock Lawson, whom he adored, his beloved mother and father Wayne and Barb Lawson, his sister Tessa Lumsden (Rick) and nieces Madilyn and Barbra, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Due to COVID no services will be held until a later date.

To email condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

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

Holt, Donald Leroy

November 22, 1940 – November 6, 2020

Donald Holt passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2020 at the age of 79 years. He is survived by his children, Cherie Holt, Trevor (Sandra) Holt, Brent Holt, Troy (Liliana) Holt; grandchildren, Mitchell, Larissa and Ryan; sisters, Janet (Jim) Heidt and Diana (Dwain) Main; in-laws Kathy Holt, Albert Lester, Jessie Fitzpatrick and Bruce Wood along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.  Donald was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Rosanne Holt who passed away only months ago; siblings Bob Holt, and Joan Lester; parents John and Marie Holt.

Donald lived the first 22 years of his life in Rolling Hills on the farm with his family.  He met Rosanne Wood who lived in Brooks and married her shortly after.  The first year of their marriage was spent on the farm.  Don and Rosanne then moved to Calgary where Don was employed by the Canadian Postal Service until 1972. That same year Don and Rosanne opened a bottle return depot which was one of the first to open in Calgary.  Don sold the bottle depots in 1981 and continued his own home-based businesses.  Donald took great joy in his family and grandchildren and he will be missed by us all.

In light of COVID, A Celebration of Life will be held for Donald and Rosanne at a later date.  Messages for condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca