Darrell Lodermeier

Darrell Lodermeier died on June 27, 2012, following a 28 month struggle with glioblastoma multiforme - an aggressive brain cancer. He was 55 years old.

Darrell was born in Lethbridge on January 15, 1957, to Leo and Evelyn Lodermeier. Darrell attended Masinasin School for 8 years and completed high school in Milk River. In the mid 70's he attended LCC and Olds College, completing courses in electronics and agricultural machinery. In 1981 he married Rita Ellert and later that year they moved onto the family farm in the Masinasin area where they have resided ever since.

Darrell loved everything about the farm life. He thought that getting up each day on his 'own place' was as good as it gets. He grew fine durum and barley, kept his machinery in top shape and was a 'go-to' guy for many local farmers, having an excellent machine shop. Over the years he served as president of the community association, was a member of the Milk River East Water Co-op, a technical installer for the Milk River Cable Club, and a member of St. Isidore's Catholic Church. He enjoyed all things mechanical, computers, target shooting, camping, and wine-making. Spending time with family and friends was especially dear. His four 'girls' were his joy and his 8-year old grandson the light of his life. The birth of his second grandchild, in December 2011, was surely a factor in his will to live these past few months.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 30 years, Rita, and their daughters, Suzanne (Steven Sibley), Marina (Brad Balog) and Vanessa (Robbie Rolfe); two grandsons, Jordan and Riley, and both of his parents. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Peter McAdam, his nieces, Kelly and Kristina McAdam, Rita's siblings, nieces and nephews (the Leo and Lorraine Ellert Family) and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Teresa McAdam, in 2008.

A man who could fix anything, Darrell was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by all.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 2, 2012 at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street North, Milk River. A Private Family Interment will take place in the Allerston Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 9Z9 or the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, 620 Colborne St., Suite 301, London, Ontario, Canada N6B 3R9.