All Obituaries

     John Henry Wevers was born on March 27, 1947, in the Netherlands, and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1952. Raised in Lethbridge, John grew into the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward — steady, generous, and always ready with a smile or a story that made the room lighter.

     He attended the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge, earning both a Bachelor of Education and later a post‑graduate Diploma of Education. Teaching wasn’t just a career for John; it was a calling. He had a gift for making people feel seen and capable, whether they were students finding their footing or colleagues learning from his calm, good‑humoured leadership.

John began teaching in Granum, quickly becoming assistant principal, and later served at GR Davis School in Fort Macleod before becoming principal of WA Day School — a role he held for 25 years. 

     His schools weren’t just workplaces; they were communities he helped shape with fairness, patience, and a genuine love for people. Many remember him as the principal who knew every child’s name and made each one feel important.

     After retiring in 2002, John embraced life with the same enthusiasm he brought to his work. He loved golf, RVing, and travelling across Canada and the United States. He returned to Holland twice, reconnecting with his roots and sharing stories that blended nostalgia with his trademark humour. In Lethbridge, he became a proud member of the Henderson Lake Golf Course senior men’s league, where he was known as much for his easy laugh as for his swing.

    John lived in Fort Macleod for 34 years, where he poured himself into the community — coaching baseball and hockey, serving with the Lions Club, golfing at the Fort Macleod Golf Course, working on the police commission, helping build a playground, and supporting minor hockey. He also shared his voice and love of music as a member of the St. Andrew’s Choir, something that brought him joy and connection.

     Above all, John was a family man. He is survived by his wife Brenda, daughter Paula (Dean), son Michael (Robin), and was predeceased by his son Thomas. He was a proud grandfather to Brendon (Isabel), Dawson (Jocelyn), Ryan (Tayah), Ty (Tianna) and grand-daughter Rylee. He was also a delighted great‑grandfather to little Forrest. His family — and anyone who spent time with him — knew his kindness wasn’t something he tried to show; it was simply who he was.

     John passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the Edith Cavell Care Center. In keeping with his wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life between 2:00pm and 4:00pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

It will be a time to share stories, laughter, and memories of a man who made the world better in quiet, steady ways.

     John will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and the countless people whose lives were made brighter by his presence.

Janina Sofia Krenzke (Mashina), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Benjamin Krenzke, passed away peacefully at Sunny South Lodge on March 24, 2026, at the remarkable age of 106 years old.

Janina was born on January 30, 1920, in Nienojowie, Poland—a small place where her story began long before the world would change in unimaginable ways. As a young woman, she worked as a housekeeper and nanny, caring for others with the same steady dedication that would shape the rest of her life.

Following World War II in 1950, Janina made the courageous decision to leave her homeland and start anew in Canada. She arrived with strength, resilience, and a willingness to work hard—qualities that defined her. She began working for the Krenzke family and on August 5, 1950, in Taber, Alberta, she married Benjamin Otto Krenzke. Together, they built a life on the family farm in Pendant d’Oreille, working side by side through the seasons and the years. It was there they raised their two children, Benny and Heidi, creating a home grounded in hard work, love, and perseverance. Their life together continued in this way until Benjamin’s passing on September 7, 1966.

Janina carried on with remarkable independence and strength. She was known for her incredible work ethic and her ability to do whatever needed to be done. Whether tending her garden, keeping up with the many demands of farm life, or even operating machinery, she took great pride in, she approached every task with determination and quiet confidence.

In her quieter moments, Janina’s creativity shone. She loved sewing, knitting, and many other crafts, always keeping her hands busy. Her garden was one of her greatest joys, and she had a true gift for growing flowers, her green thumb evident to anyone who saw the beauty she nurtured.

Family was at the heart of everything she did. Janina will be lovingly remembered by her son Benjamin (Jessica); son-in-law Alex; grandchildren Benjamin, Jeremia (Anya), Joshua (Emily), and Emily; great-grandchildren Niko, Adrianna, Lillian, Evan, Chase, and Rogue, along with numerous extended family members and loved ones.

She was predeceased by her husband Ben; daughter Heidi; and her granddaughter Christine—losses she carried with quiet strength throughout her life.

Janina’s life was one of resilience, hard work, and deep love for her family. She built a life from the ground up in a new country and never lost her independent spirit. Her strength and the example she set will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Janina will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 St. S, Lethbridge, with Pastor Maury McNeil officiating.

Those who wish to pay their respects may do so during the hour prior to the service.

Rosalia (Rosa) Rickert of Coaldale, Alberta beloved wife of the late Johannes (John) Rickert, passed away peacefully with her children at her side at the Chinook Regional Hospital on March 24 at the age of 93.

Rosa was born in Koehler, Russia to Josef and Magdalena Macht. She and her family made the long arduous journey from Russia to Germany and then to Canada, arriving in the Coaldale area in 1953. Rosa’s fiancé John arrived shortly after and were married February 27, 1954.

In the beginning she worked doing farm labour, then at the Medalta Pottery in Medicine Hat and domestic jobs in Lethbridge. Later in her career she took on the job as caretaker at St. Joseph’s School in Coaldale until retirement. At this time she took on her best job looking after her grandchildren.

Rosa was a good seamstress making many of her young daughter’s clothes. She also enjoyed crocheting, gardening, baking and cooking. Later in life Rosa took up fishing, much to the chagrin of John, as she was a better fisher person. Rosa was a long-time member of the St. Ambrose Senior Church Choir and CWL. But her best enjoyment was attending the sporting and school events of her grandchildren. She also cherished spending time with family and extended family.

Rosa will be sadly missed by her children Gerry (Joan) Rickert, Irene (Scott) Heck, Reinhold Rickert, Josef Rickert; cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren; loving sister Lydia Franke; sister-in-law Johanna Macht; niece Elisabeth Vogel, along with many nieces and nephews in Canada and Germany.

She was predeceased by her parents Josef and Magdalena; brothers Emmanuel, Leo, Peter and Joseph; along with numerous in-laws.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513-23 Avenue, Coaldale with Father Iqbal Khurshid, Celebrant.

Private interment in the Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation Cardiac Sciences Capital Campaign (chrfoundation.ca click on Donate and choose the “Cardiac Sciences Capital Campaign).

    The family of Betty "Boop" Doreen Relke sadly announce her passing at the age of 95 years young on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Chinook Regional Hospital.

     Betty was born October 21, 1930 to Norm and Ruby Lehman on the second floor of a rooming house in Regina, Saskatchewan. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Howard, her grandsons Logan and Daniel, sister Patricia Naldrett and her husband Bob, sister-in-law Irene Booth, and brothers-in-law Norman and Raymond Relke. She received her education in Regina, SK at Albert School, Scott Collegiate, and Reliance School of Business.

     She is survived by her children Diana (lan) Woodman, Deborah (Louis) Duclos and David (Leslie) Relke. Giving her great joy were her grandchildren Rebecca Holgate (Adam Miller), Nolan (Lila) Phillips, Nathan (Beth) Relke, and Cameron (Caitlyn) Relke; great grandchildren Sean, Leah, and Max, and all her special nieces and nephews.

     Betty worked 18 years for the RCMP at "F" Division Headquarters in Regina, SK, retiring in 1990. She loved dancing as well as playing games with her grandchildren and great grandchildren while they were growing up. She also loved to send cards for all occasions, complete with stickers, to family and friends, making special days even more special. As a speed walker, she successfully completed three Bloomsday marathons between 1995 and 1999.  Betty's "Betty Boop" collections were historic. She travelled throughout Canada and the States, as well as taking special excursions to the Dominican Republic, British Isles, and Mexico. At the age of 81, her "big" adventure was to move to Lethbridge, first residing at The View and then at Martha's House where she was a resident until her passing.

     A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Followed by a come and go tea at Sierras of Courtyard Terrace, 2020-32 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Regina Riverside Memorial Gardens columbarium.

Mrs. Elizabeth Martin of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Hugh Martin, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 91 years.

Elizabeth is survived by 5 daughters, three sons, one son-in-law, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Besides her loving husband Hugh, Elizabeth was predeceased by her son, two grandchildren and two sons-in-law.

A Vigil Rites/Prayer Service will be held at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at ST. BASILS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street north, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Interfaith Food Bank or a charity of one’s choice.

Leslie Sabine Malabanan of Lethbridge, beloved daughter to Willy and Elizabeth and best friend to her sister Ashley, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 19 years.

Visitation will be held from 4-10PM on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 St. S, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10AM on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 St. N, Lethbridge, with Father Santiago Torres officiating.

Dr. Gail Michener of Picture Butte, beloved wife of Dan Michener, passed away at home on March 20, 2026, at the age of 80 years.

A Memorial Event to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date.

Mrs. Anastazia Proc, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Ivan Proc, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Cedar Creek Lodge (Adapt-a-Care), at the age of 103.

Anastasia immigrated from the Ukraine to Canada in 1953. After moving to Canada, Anastazia worked on sugar beets and farmed in the Park Lake area. Later, in 1993, she retired and moved to Lethbridge, where she would reside until her passing.

Anastazia is survived by her son Michael Proc; grandchildren Kris (Kristina) and Craig; sister Katherine, who lives in the Ukraine; and her niece Pavlina. She is also survived by extended family in the Ukraine.

Besides her beloved husband Ivan Proc, Anastazia is predeceased by her parents, Fedor and Paraskovia, and her son Nicola.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at SS PETER & PAUL UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 643 – 12B Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Glen Stuart Pottinger, beloved husband of Geraldine “Geri” Pottinger, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, after a brave 18-month battle with cancer, at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit; he was 57 years old.

Glen was born in Thompson, Manitoba, but spent the bulk of his early years in Sherwood Park, Alberta, with his parents, Harvey & Diane, and brother, Steve.

Glen met his wife Geri skiing in Whitefish, Montana, and they made their life together in Lethbridge for almost 34 years. One of Glen’s proudest moments in life was becoming a father to his son Josh. Many wonderful memories were made with his family when they traveled each year.

Glen loved dogs, especially his collie Cali. He was the ultimate Oilers fan; he never missed a game. One of Glen’s other interests was NASCAR racing. He and Josh would watch racing every weekend. Glen was fortunate enough to attend 5 races live, the best being the Daytona 500 in 2015.

Besides his loving wife Geri, Glen is survived by his mother Diane and his son Josh. 

Glen was predeceased by his father Harvey and brother Steve.

A Celebration of Glen’s Life will be held from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the family residence on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jack Addy Cancer Center Lethbridge.

Hovey Reese, of Milk River, Alberta, passed away surrounded by love on March 14, 2026, at the age of 88 years. 

Hovey was born on April 4, 1937, in Lethbridge. He spent most of his life on the farm on top of Verdigris Coulee, raising cattle and growing crops, first with his dad and brother Ken, and then his sons. They also had land on the Milk River Ridge and sold the calves at Fort McLeod every fall.

Hovey took grades 1-8 in Milk River, and grades 9-12 in Red Deer. He then went to the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a Diploma in Vocational Agriculture. Hovey’s time at the U of S was some of his happiest. He was class president, made life-long friends, and met the love of his life Elizabeth (Betty) Kirkland.

Hovey and Betty were married on a cold January day in 1960, at Star City, Saskatchewan, Betty’s hometown. Their household was busy, with five kids in activities, a farm to run, and involvement in community groups. They enjoyed potlucks with neighbours and friends, and many a topic was debated over coffee at the kitchen table.

They enrolled all of their kids in the Warner 4-H Beef Club. Hovey was the leader for 8 years, emphasizing the importance of the public speaking program. This legacy has carried on through the Reese generations. For years, Hovey could be seen up in the grandstand at the Lethbridge Exhibition, MC-ing the regional 4-H show.

With his 6’4, broad-shouldered stature, Hovey naturally commanded respect. It was his public speaking and leadership skills though that helped him during his years as a Councilor and School Trustee for the County of Warner. He also served on the Chinook Regional Health Board.

His rocking chair always had a pile of newspapers beside it and the Weather Channel was on in the background. He loved a good slice of pie, a waltz with Betty, crib down at Heritage Hall, and was always ready to offer a beer and clamato. He loved to tease. In retirement, Hovey could still be found driving the combine every fall.

Hovey was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty, and their infant son, Roger John, as well as his parents, John and Amanda. Left to carry on his legacy of hard work; respect of education, leadership and the land; and dedication to family and community is his son Kevin (Toni) Reese and grandchildren Nicole (Owen), Andrew (Denise), Evan; son Perry (Lavonne) Reese and grandchildren Brant (Janet), Quentin; daughter Mary-Lou (Blaine) MacMillan and grandchildren Kelsey (Kyle), Janeece (Clark), Hilary, Lucas (Venus); daughter Nancy (Mike) Numan and grandchildren Danielle, Samantha, Mackenzie; and daughter Megan (Tom) Terrill and grandchild Fraser. Hovey will also be remembered by his 19 great-grandchildren; brother Ralph (Rosalie), sister Kaye, brother Ken (Jane); brother-in law Bob (Caroll) Kirkland; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

For more than a decade, Hovey lived at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge, first in supportive living and then long term care. His family sends deepest thanks for the care Hovey received over the years.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Michael’s Health Centre, Lethbridge.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Coutts Civic Centre, 105 Centre St, Coutts, AB. 

Mr. David Black, of Milk River, loving husband of Jennifer Black, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 75 years.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

At the Chinook Hospital, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, March 13th, 2026, of Shirley D. Milligan of Lethbridge, and formerly of Milo PE, age 79 years.

Shirley moved to Lethbridge in 1976 and made it her permanent home. Shirley had graduated with honors from PVI Cooking School and followed her love of cooking in Lethbridge until her health would not allow her to continue.

Shirley is survived by her sisters, Faye Doucette (Willard MacKay), Elaine Yerxa and Dorothy Milligan (Mary Frizzell). She is remembered by her nieces and nephew, Angela, Carolyn, Catherine, Susan, Marie and Christopher. Shirley is predeceased by her husband Roger Martineau, parents Everett and Hazel (Gorrill) Milligan and by her brothers-in-law Eric Doucette and Danny Yerxa.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin Bros Funeral Home in Lethbridge. Her cremated remains will be forwarded to Belvedere Funeral Home, Charlottetown for burial at a later date next to her parents in the Free Church of Scotland Cemetery, Milo.

In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.