Obituaries

Andy

THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS  KKBC

Andrew (Andy) John Olson passed away Friday May 22 at the age of 31. Andy was born and raised in Brooks, Alberta and worked at various jobs in the oil patch from the time he finished school until he moved to Vancouver Island. He moved to Courtenay, BC in 2014 and resided there until his passing. Andy was a rockstar and lived his life his way and by his rules. He had a big heart that he wore on his sleeve and put everyone before himself. Andy enjoyed his movies, rollerblading, gaming, swimming, and camping in his trailer while exploring the Island. He was always looking for the next adventure.

Andy is lovingly remembered by his Mom and Dad, Laurie and Allan Olson, his brother Dan(Nicole) Olson, sister Jessica(Mike) MacDougall, nieces Jordynn, Clara, Lanah, nephew Finn, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Andy was predeceased by his Grandparents Harold and Alice Olson, John (Jack) and Gracia Hawes, his cousins Kevin Olson and Thomas Bennington, and his special great uncle Elwood Olson. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vancouver Island Regional Library.

Please join us in remembering Andy by visiting his online memorial at www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com

Turner – Barry Lenard Turner of Patricia, beloved husband of Shelley, passed away at home on May 28, 2020 at the age of 72.  Barry was born July 2, 1947 in Brooks to Len and Gladys Turner. He is survived by his wife Shelley, daughter Sherry (Garett) Top and their children Jasmine (her daughter Destiny), Alexandra (her children Emily, Rylan and Layton) and Trey; son Bill and his children Haven & Mason and their mother Karla; stepson Jason and his children Oliver & Jillian and their mother Claudia; sister Dorothy Sillito and brother Doug (Sandy) Turner, nieces & nephews, numerous extended family members and many friends. Barry spent his whole life in Patricia on the farm he loved with a couple of exceptions due to his work in the oil patch. Barry enjoyed RVing, fishing, coaching hockey, several bus trips and watching his grandkids activities. Their most recent RV trip was to Alaska which he enjoyed greatly. Barry took great pride in his children and grandchildren and loved to spend time with all of them. A celebration of life will be held at a later date when conditions allow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Veterans Food Bank or a charity of your choice. For further information or to leave a message of sympathy please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

ROBINSON – Violet Wanda Robinson was born in Brooks, Alberta on November 1, 1933.  She passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 26. She was raised in Patricia, Alberta, the 10th of 13 children born to Carl Jones Beasley and Sarah Geneva Beasley (nee Benson).

Violet attended school until the 10th grade and upon graduating married Marvin James Robinson on December 7, 1953 where they lived their entire lives.  Violet worked various jobs throughout her life including the local laundromat, bakery, hardware store, Sears retail store, and finally the Brooks Primary School as a caretaker until her retirement.

Vi enjoyed gardening, and she especially liked pansies, roses, and the color blue.  She loved spending her free time crocheting.  She spent many hours working on beautiful afghans.  It showed how much love, time, and effort was put into each one.

She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was very proud of them all.  All little children made her smile.  Family was important to Vi.  She always looked forward to family gatherings, especially the Beasley reunions.  She stayed in touch with the Beasley relatives in Canada and the United States.  Her sister-in-law, Ann Beasley was her “buddy” for 70 years.  They enjoyed taking trips together and making lots of memories.

Being a long-time resident of the Brooks community, (known to many as “Mrs. Robinson”) she always had a minute to stop to talk or to lend a helping hand.  Her door was always open.

Vi is predeceased by her husband Marvin, parents Carl and Sarah Beasley, her bothers Roy, Lee, Glen (Verlin), Floyd, Leonard, and Fred, and her sisters Erma, Joy, Yvonne (Vonnie), and Maxine.

Vi is survived by her brother Jay, sister Jessie, and sister-in-law Ann Beasley, and many nieces and nephews.

Vi is also survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Three sons; Dean Robinson, Randy Robinson, and Brent Robinson.  Randy’s children; Lori, Giselle, and Gilbert (Caron).  Brent’s son; Caleb (Lynsey) Robinson.  Two daughters; Carol Robinson and Shirley (Ken) Kobitz.  Carol’s daughters; Nicole (Brandon) Friesen and their children; Hayden, Nevelle, and Bailey Wiscombe.  Lisa (Darius) Nikkel.  Shirley’s children; Rob (Sherry) Donald and their children; Addison and Cole.  Ray (Mandy) Donald and their children; Nixon and Chloe.  Mike Kobitz, Monique (Donnie) Sealock and their children; Danielle, Justus, Kennedy, and Alyssa.  Melissa (Mitch) Kobitz and their daughter Lily.

Thanks to the staff at Sunrise Gardens for Vi’s great care.  The family would like to especially thank Homecare, Dr. Coetzee and Janet, as well as a very special thank you to Tammy Fowler for being with Mom always.

At Violet’s request there will be no service.  A simple family graveside tribute will be made and attended by immediate family.  Vi will be laid to rest next to her husband Marvin Robinson in the Brooks Cemetery.  The family requests in memory of Vi, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of your choice.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by:

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.

Braun – Anna (Anne) Braun of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the age of 88 years.  Anne was born on January 3, 1932 at her parent’s home in Hussar, Alberta.  She was the youngest child born to Johann and Susanna Braun (nee Geddert).  In the winter of 1936, the Braun family moved from Hussar to Gem, Alberta.  Anne grew up on the family farm and attended Gem School.  At age 13, Anne became a Christian and was baptized in 1951 in the Gem Mennonite Brethren Church.  As a child, Anne suffered from a bone infection in her ankle.  As a result, she endured many surgeries and long hospital stays to correct the effects of the uneven growth in her leg.  She always walked with a slight limp and wore specially designed shoes with one heel being much higher than the other.  After completing high school, Anne moved to Calgary.  She attended Henderson Business College and secured a job at Ingram and Bell, a medical supply company for 11 years.  Later, she was hired as an accounting clerk by the Calgary District Hospital Group which included the Colonel Belcher, Holy Cross, and Rockyview Hospitals.  She worked there for 20 years before taking early retirement in 1993.  Anne enjoyed traveling and over the years she visited Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, California, and New York.  Many summers were spent at Fairmont Hot Springs, as well as visiting family and friends.  In addition to traveling, Anne’s leisure time was spent sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and crafting.  She was very talented and many friends and family received beautiful gifts from her handiwork.  She had a special place in her heart for Mennonite Central Committee and over the years sewed countless school kit bags and helped with making quilts for those in need.  She also spent many a happy hour engrossed in a good book or putting together a jigsaw puzzle.  Extended family was especially important to Anne and she was close to her nieces and nephews attending most of their graduations and weddings and delighting in each new baby that came into the family.  In 2005, Anne moved to Linden, Alberta, where she made many friends and especially enjoyed those who were part of the MCC quilt making gatherings.  In April of 2013, Anne moved to Newbrook Lodge in Brooks to be closer to family in the area and then to Sunrise Gardens.  Special thanks to all the staff at Sunrise Gardens for the kind and compassionate care shown to our Aunt Anne over the past 5 years.  Anne is predeceased by her parents, brother John and his wife Rose, sister Katherine and her husband Dave Klassen, brother Frank and his wife Agnes, 1 sister and 3 brothers in infancy, and nephew Gary Klassen.  Anne is survived by her brother Dirk and his wife Peggy, and nieces and nephews: Judy Steinke, Betty Wiehler, David Klassen, Susan Neufeld, Ralph Klassen, Janice Juneau, Erwin Braun, Ray Braun, Carol Reid, Harold Braun, Lorna Retzlaff, Gail Amendt, and Andrew Braun. A private Family Graveside was held on Monday, June 1 at 2:00 PM from the Gem Cemetery. Rev. Lorne Willms officiating.

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”

Sorensen – Tage Sorensen of Tilley, beloved husband of Shirley Sorensen, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife by his side, on Thursday, May 28^th, 2020 at the age of 88 years. Tage was born on May 17^th, 1932 in Hinnerup, Denmark and immigrated to Canada in 1957. He worked at several dairy farms along the way, until he made his way to Calgary and worked for Stue Hart, milking goats for his kids as well as other tasks. Tage eventually started driving truck from east to west and into the U.S.A. He met his wife Shirley, while working with the Salvation Army in Edmonton. They were married on December 4^th, 1982 and lived in Edmonton until 1988, before moving to Tilley, which they called home. Tage is survived by his wife Shirley; son Blair (Tracy) Sorensen; daughters Danna (Daryl) Griffiths and Bente (Doug) Shanks; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life 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”

Christianson – Edvin Christianson of Brooks, beloved husband of Helen Christianson, passed away in Brooks, with family by his side, on Wednesday, May 20^th, 2020 at the age of 94 years. Edvin was born on April 8^th, 1926 in Pollockville, Alberta to Ricka and Einar Christianson. He was the baby boy of the family, with four elder brothers, Harold, Ralph, Norman and Marvin. Eventually, baby sister Marg would complete the family. Growing up, Ed worked for various community members, and later trucked for several years. When his father passed away, he stayed home to work on the farm. Ed loved the farm/ranch lifestyle and took pride in caring for all of his farm animals, but was especially fond of the horses and cats. He was well respected in the farming community, known for the superior maintenance of his equipment, as well as his knowledge of all things “Ag” related. Ed enjoyed the small community atmosphere. He never missed a community supper or dance, and he could always be counted on to help out with various community projects. Ed was a valuable member of both the hall and curling clubs of Pollockville. Rodeo, curling, dancing, socializing and playing cards with friends and family were his favourite pastimes. Ed also took pleasure in creating, and nurturing a beautiful yard. He will always be known for his honesty and integrity. Ed was a genuine, hardworking, man of his word. Truly a jack of all trades, he was an accomplished carpenter, mechanic, electrician, and even a skilled seamstress. If Ed started a project, he would see it through. His family was always a priority, right up to the end. Ed rarely missed a family function, and he never passed up an opportunity to spoil them. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives for so many years. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife Helen and her family; children, Lori Griffith (late Del Griffith) and Wade Christianson and his wife Jane; sister, Marg Carlson (late Arvid Carlson),  eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Graveside services were held on Wednesday, May 27^th at 2:00 PM from Hanna Cemetery. Rev. Alvin Penner officiated. In memory of Edvin, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either STARS, Suite 100, 1519 – 35^th Avenue East, Edmonton International Airport   T9E 0V6 or HALO Air Ambulance, 12 Viscount Avenue SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 5G4.

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”

HULLMANN, Inge Lore

1929 – 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mrs. Inge Lore Hullmann at her home, at Timberstone Mews, Red Deer, Alberta on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at the age of 91 years. Inge Lore was born to Erich and Kaete Dyck on April 19, 1929 at Brodsack, Germany. She married her beloved Arno Hullmann on August 4, 1951 in Germany. The couple immigrated to Canada in 1953, moving to Coaldale, Alberta, and later settling into their home in Calgary, Alberta, where they welcomed three sons. In April of 1962, the family purchased the farm near Duchess, Alberta; which became their new home and work place. Inge Lore loved the new challenges, church and community. She lovingly devoted most of her time and energy as a caregiver, and hostess to her many family and friends. After forty years on the farm, Inge Lore and Arno purchased and enjoyed their new home and garden, retiring in Brooks, Alberta. Together, they moved to Red Deer in August of 2012, to be closer to their family. Inge Lore was a loving and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, oma and friend. You never heard her complain. Inge Lore will always be missed and never forgotten. Inge Lore will be very lovingly remembered by her sons, Bernd (Connie) Hullmann of Falun, Alberta, Dirk (Charlotte) Hullmann of Erskine, Alberta, and Arnold (Rhonda) Hullmann of Wetaskiwin, Alberta; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She will also be sadly missed by her sister Renate Doerr of Calgary and her sister-in-law, Marie Louise Dyck of Lethbridge. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arno, her mother, her father, a brother and a sister. The family hopes that you will join them for a Funeral Service for Inge Lore Hullmann, once the date has been determined. If desired, Memorial Donations in Inge Lore’s honor may be made directly to the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 18 Selkirk Blvd., Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 0G2. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

It is with broken hearts for ourselves yet rejoicing for her, that we announce Isabel Catherine Pakarno is in Jesus’ healing arms.  She passed away on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the age of 78 years.

Isabel was born March 23, 1942 in Gladstone, Manitoba, the second of 11 children born to Cecil and Isabella (Isa) Flaws.  They lived in Glencairn, Manitoba until 1957 when the family moved to Hays, AB.

She married Jerome Pakarno on March 31, 1962.  They farmed in Hays for a few years before the rigs called Jerry to a new career.  Many years were spent following the rigs around, including a year in England.  They bought a lot in Rosemary in 1971 to have a home base and this is where Crystal and Cory were raised.

A strong advocate for reading and education, Isabel took bookkeeping courses, Teacher’s Aide diploma, and Office Tech and Business Administration Diploma at Brooks Campus Medicine Hat College, excelling in each.  She worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper, a special needs assistant, and speech aide.  Isabel was never one to be idle. She enjoyed going for walks, traveling, visiting with friends, playing games and cards, word puzzles, crafting, gardening, and sewing.

Isabel was very caring and compassionate.  Many foster kids found love and belonging in her home and each one held a special place in her heart.  She loved animals, especially dogs, and found they had a special healing touch for the hurting.

After Jerry passed away in 2005, Isabel lived with her daughter and son in-law for a year, then Orchard Manor for 3 years, before moving to Sunrise Gardens for her last 11 years.

In her years at Sunrise Gardens, Isabel was known for the miles she put on while walking the hallways (she wore out many shoes!) and for her singing (which she used to claim, “I only sing solo, so low no one can hear).

Family was very important to Isabel.  She was predeceased by her parents, Cecil and Isa; her husband, Jerry; her brother, Lloyd; brother in-law Otto; sisters in-law, Antonia Jones, Marie Gertzen, and Marlene Pakarno; brothers in-law Willard Chomas, Lyle Mooney, and Dan Jones; and niece Karen Gertzen.  She is survived by her loving family including her children Crystal (Scott) Lintott and Cory (Liam) along with two grandkids, Saffron and Lexus Lintott; her siblings Bert (Janice), George (Sandy), Anne, Darlene (Bill), Agnes, Heather (Howard), Doug (Bonnie), John, and Marilyn; sister in-law Lucy; Jerry’s siblings, Gil Pakarno and  Linda McAughey, sister in-law Lillian Pakarno and brother in-law Arnold Gertzen; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Thank you to the staff, past and present, at Orchard Manor and Sunrise Gardens, Dr. Coetzee, and Home Care staff for your wisdom, support, and loving care of Isabel over the past 14 years.  We will greatly miss our extended family of staff, residents, and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when gathering restrictions are lifted.  In honour of Isabel’s love of the guest musicians brought to Sunrise Gardens, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Sunrise Gardens Resident Council, 1235 3^rd St. W., Brooks, AB, T1R 0P7.

If you have a memory of Isabel that you would like to share, we would love to hear it.  Please email memoriesofIsabel@gmail.com.

Larsen – Karen Margrethe (Grethe) Lindegaard Larsen (Rasmussen) Mom has finally gone to be with her husband Jorgen. She passed away on the May 12, 2020 to be with her Lord and Saviour. Born at Sandholt Lyndelse Rasmussen home in Denmark and now resided in Edmonton, AB. She came to Canada in 1955, with Jorgen after being married on September 17, 1954 in her hometown of Sandholt Lyndelse, Fyn Denmark. She used to live on a farm in Tilley with Jorgen, where she raised her family, worked beside dad on the farm. Mom is known for her Danish pastries, her beautiful sweaters that she knitted, played cards with family and friends. She was involved with Tilley Country Club, Brooks Outreach Center, and Friendship Center in Tilley. She was able to grow any plant, even a pineapple from the top of a pineapple that she got from a friend who brought it to her from Hawaii. The time spent in Edmonton had many trips involved with family to Denmark, Dominican Republic, and Hawaii. Predeceased by: Jorgen Larsen (husband), Ejner Lindgaard and Marie Sofie Rasmussen (parents); Jorgen Rasmussen (brother); Dorethe Dixon (sister). Astrid Larsen (mother in law); Jacob Larsen (father in law): Holger and Betty Larsen; Vaugn and Ann Marie Larsen, Jens Henning Larsen: Kurt Larsen; Kristian Larsen; Bent Larsen. Survived by: Son Einer Larsen (Nola Larsen); Daughter Annette Stewart (James Stewart); Son Curt Larsen (Nabila Lazreg-Larsen); Daughter Darlene Atkinson (Raymond Atkinson). Grandchildren Jonathan Larsen, Kristen Greenstein (Colin Greenstein); Christopher Stewart (Cynthia Stewart); Lloyd Rasmussen: Steven Stewart (Cristen Stewart); Andrew Stewart; John Larsen. Great Grandchildren Tyson Larsen; Summer Noseworthy; Hunter Greenstein; Valentina Stewart: Sebastian Stewart; Izabella Stewart; and Lillian Stewart. A Family Graveside Service will be held at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Cemetery on the Wednesday, May 20 at 2:00 PM. The clergy for the funeral will be Pastor Lasse Hultberg from the Ansgar Danish Church in Edmonton, AB. In memory of Karen, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either Alberta Cancer Foundation, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331-29^th Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta   T2N 9Z9 or to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta   T1J 4K7.

Rest in Peace Mom

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”

Mooney – Myrna Mooney passed away peacefully late in the afternoon of Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Brooks.  She was born in July 6, 1938 in Arborfield, Saskatchewan to Lea and Cecil Ubdegrove.  Myrna is survived by her husband James Earl Mooney of nearly 65 years.  Myrna and Jim had a long life of teasing and kidding each other.  She left a legacy in her daughters Debbie Kowal, Renee Clarkin and Leanne Graham and her son Brad Mooney.  Her family awarded her a medal at 60 years married to honour the simple fact that in all those years she hadn’t smothered Jim in his sleep.  Their family loved nothing more than watching Jim spin Myrna around on the dance floor at every opportunity.  Myrna followed her husband all around Alberta and Saskatchewan allowing him to follow the oil patch.  She lived with him on many a rig lease in various trailers without complaint.  They eventually settled their family in Brooks and then later in Okotoks.  Myrna was very involved in the Oil Wives Clubs of both Brooks and Okotoks.  She rode on many Oil Wives floats in parades and attended numerous Oil Wives conventions.  Myrna made many lifelong friends in these groups all clearly following the mantra of “what happens at Oil Wives, stays at Oil Wives”.  If you were a part of her Oil Wives shenanigans you were lucky enough to be connected to her for life.  Myrna will be remembered by everyone that was lucky enough to know her by her amazing sense of humour.  She had a come-back for everything and even late in her life she loved to tease the doctors and nurses.  Her quick wit formed many friendships over the years.  Myrna loved being in on practical jokes.  Her true friends would not be surprised if she lost a bet and paid her debt in a huge 20 pound bag of loose pennies or if she had her $50 bill laminated before she gave it to them to honour a debt.  If Myrna really liked you, you might have been lucky enough to be the victim of one of her funny schemes.  She would spend an hour getting the noose just right around a plastic mouse’s neck so that she could secretly hang it in one of her sisters’ homes.  The mischievous smile on her face when she heard the blood curdling scream when the prize was discovered was a constant and regular high point in her life.  When she and her husband retired to Nanton, Alberta in 1991 they made many friends and became regulars at the Nanton Golf Club and the Senior Center (which she referred to as the Geritol Club).  Myrna and Jim golfed regularly, but she would never count an extra stroke for a lost ball.  Myrna said it was bad enough that she had lost the ball she wasn’t taking any penalty strokes for it.  It was likely a ball that she picked up walking beside the creek on their acreage so her philosophy was that it was a lost ball already, so no penalty strokes required for putting it back in its rightful place.  Back in the 90’s she was a loud and loyal Flames fan.  Her crush on Lanny McDonald lasted throughout her life.  Myrna could be heard referring to him as “her Lanny” or “there’s my Lanny” if she ever saw him on TV.  As in all things in her life she was fiercely loyal, and the Flames were lucky enough to have her on their side.  Myrna loved nothing more than a day of fishing and spent many days on the water with her family.  She loved a day doing what she referred to as “drowning worms,” especially if she could catch more fish than Jim, which according to her, happened a lot.  Myrna was an avid vegetable gardener.  She loved pulling a few veggies out of the soil to send with anyone who happened to drop by.  Myrna would give the veggies a quick rinse with the hose and send her guests off with a lovely bunch of fresh picked carrots or radishes.  It gave her so much joy to share from that garden.  She suffered her first heart attack in her late 50’s but still lived into her 80’s.  That is one stubborn lady!  She smoked from the age of 8 until almost 80.  Myrna said nobody liked a quitter!  She fought Alzheimer’s disease as hard as she could but it eventually took her life.  Her family knows that she is in a better place where she is likely smoking her brains out while enjoying a Rye Coke Press!  Myrna’s humour carried her every single day of her life.  She was the most thoughtful and caring woman to all that she loved.  Myrna will be very missed by her friends and family.  You were a lucky person to be cared about by her and to care about her in return.  She will be missed by many people she touched.  A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  In memory of Myrna, if friends desire, memorial donations may be made directly, in her humour, to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta who supported Myrna’s family to deal with a very difficult disease, 10430 – 61 Avenue N.W., Edmonton, Alberta   T6H 2J3  https://alzheimer.ca/en/ab

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”