All Obituaries

Christopher (Chris) Sameshima, of Coaldale, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 74 years.

Left to mourn are his mother Kay, nephew Michael, and many other relatives and lifelong friends, including Henry & Elizabeth Warkentin, Brian & Helen Mantler, and Fred & Kristopher Mikado.

He was predeceased by his father Sam, sister Eileen, and his brother Terry.

Chris was a long-term, dedicated employee of Duncan Industries where he devoted 40 years of hard work. He also volunteered at the Coaldale Fire Department from 1981 to 1987.

The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff and management of Sunny South Lodge. He developed many close relationships with the community during the 8 years he resided there.

No formal funeral services will take place at this time, but the family and close friends will celebrate his life together in the future.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Mr. Kent Batty of Lethbridge, passed away in his home on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the age of 72 years.

As per Kent’s wishes, family and friends will remember him privately.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Kent’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels..

Joan Eileen Fiddler (née Jacobs) was born to Amy Melvina Jacobs and Elmer Lester Jacobs in Hardisty, Alberta on December 18, 1944. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends on September 19, 2025.

She leaves behind two sisters Faye (Leo) Chrzanowski and Lynn (Ted) Grocock; brother Dale (Heidi) Jacobs; four nieces Tricia (Dave) and son Witten; Kristin (Corrado) and daughters Sofia and Lilia; Angela (Steve) and children Landon, Kohen and Ainsleigh; and Janelle (Tim) and sons Blayke, Danyn and Bauer.

Joan grew up on a farm north of Amisk, AB and attended school in Amisk, Central High in Hughenden, Camrose Lutheran College (now Augustana University) and the University of Alberta. She taught for Elk Island Public Schools for 32 years, retiring in 1999, when she and her husband, Bud, moved to Picture Butte.

Joan became involved in Trinity United Church in Picture Butte, serving as lay worship leader, being involved in fundraisers, organizing concerts, especially the Community Christmas Concert, and serving on the local board, and as a representative at Presbytery, Conference and Regional Council.

Joan’s other passion was the PAW Society. In 2004, she began volunteering and soon began fostering cats and for 18 years was fundraising coordinator. In 2012, Joan received a Seniors of Distinction community award for her work with PAW. Joan cared deeply for all of her feline companions over the years, both her own and those she fostered. Joan was a trooper-unwavering in her dedication to her projects, so strong in her quiet, unassuming way. We will miss her.

A Memorial Service for Joan will be held at 11:00am on Monday, September 22, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610 – 4 St. S., Lethbridge, Alberta with Ruth Pelletier officiating. Joan’s  service will be livestreamed, and can be viewed at www.mbfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PB Trinity United Church, PO Box 957, Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0 (pbtrinity@shaw.ca) or to the PAW Society, PO Box 255, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Y5 (pawsociety@shaw.ca).

Click here to view the livestream

Lloyd Alexander Mercer, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the age of 80.

Lloyd grew up on a dairy farm near McNally School with his parents Ernest and Marion, and his siblings Della, Ernie, Donnie, Audrey, Myrna, and Clayton. He graduated from Kate Andrews High School and went on to study Agriculture at SAIT. He farmed with Russell and Lois Greeno near Wilson Siding and became interested in the seed industry. After marrying their daughter Connie, they started their own seed business, Mercer Seeds in 1975. They raised their children Ryan, Tammy, and Troy on the family farm and shared many happy memories there with family and friends.

After retiring, Lloyd spent his winters in Arizona, where he enjoyed playing baseball, tennis, pickleball, and singing karaoke. He had a wonderful voice and loved to share it with others, spending hours entertaining at seniors’ lodges and special events. He always enjoyed motorcycles and recently bought a Spyder and he and his partner Edna spent a lot of time together riding and camping at Payne Lake. The family would like to thank the staff and his fellow residents at Buffalo Grace Manor for all their care and compassion during his time there.

He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his friends, family and son Ryan (Annette) along with their children Ananda (Micaiah) & Rurie van Eyk, James and Raylene. His daughter Tammy (Les) Bolstad along with their children Leslie, Russell and Lois. And youngest son Troy (Tamie) along with their children Tayden, Tianna and Torin.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at 7:00pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, September 26, 2025 at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend Trevor Potter, officiating.

The service will be livestreamed by McKillop United Church.

Richard Louis Putzi of Milk River, Alberta, beloved husband of Rodney Jean Putzi, passed away peacefully at Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary on September 15, 2025 at the age of 76.

Rick was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Sophia and John Putzi. He graduated from Warner High School and devoted much of his life to a long and dedicated career in Heavy Equipment Operations. Beyond his work, Rick was a passionate supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays, cheering them on with great enthusiasm.

Besides his loving wife Rodney whom he was married to for 51 years, Rick is survived by his children; Loren (Sandra) Douglas, Carma (Calvin) Fitch, and Chad (Kari) Putzi, all residing in Milk River, Alberta. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Rick was predeceased by his son Warren Rodney Putzi.

Rick was a fantastic Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He will be sadly missed by many.

Bradley Jay Karsten of Coalhurst, passed away suddenly in a fatal car accident on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the age of 44 years.

Brad is survived by his beloved wife Stephenie; his much-loved children Lucas and Sawyer. He will be deeply missed by his loving family, Dad and Mom Allan & Erna; sisters Andrea (Mike) Nieboer, Kelly Janzen, Ashley (Ryan) Cleghorn; in-laws Yvonne Chester, Mike (Tia) Chester, brother Mike (Jena) Chester, step-siblings Karey and Hal (Rachel) and eleven nephews and nieces who will miss his banter.

Brad was known for his big smile, his cheerfulness, his friendliness and his willingness to help others. He loved people and he loved working. He loved his job with his work family at Elrich Tire. Most of all, he loved being with his kids and Steph. He Loved Jesus.

A Celebration of Brad’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, September 22, 2025 at the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 – 24 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

For those who wish to watch the service via live stream, please visit https://www.youtube.com/live/akZ115BRny8?si=6Bch7k4d56Wn_L9r

Flowers are gratefully declined.

Linda Hunt passed away on September 11, 2025 at Lethbridge AB, where she had lived for 17 years. Aged 102, she outlived all family members of her generation and most of her many friends.

She was born on March 1, 1923 in the village of Rhein, Saskatchewan, where her parents, Johann Friedrich and Amalia Fromm, had relocated from the Volga German colonies in Russia about 1912. She had six older siblings. Although education for girls was not highly valued in her family, her determination to complete high school was accomplished by moving to another community where she lived with the family of her oldest sister, Lydia. She pursued further education in Regina through a secretarial course, following which she was employed during the war years by the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture.

While working at a livestock convention in Saskatoon in early 1945, a handsome airman caught her eye, and she caught his. She married Howard Hunt in May, and he enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan’s agriculture program. They relocated to Guelph, ON where he studied veterinary medicine and their first daughter was born.

Upon graduation, Howard opened a veterinary practice in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. While raising three small children, Linda supported Howard’s work by assisting him with small animal procedures and selling livestock drugs to farmers who appeared on their doorstep.

She was an accomplished homemaker, but she and Howard found time for an active social life that included square dancing and curling. While a member of the Yorkton Ladies Curling Club, in 1970 Linda became a proud member of the Eight Enders Club. She and Howard enjoyed family time at the Madge Lake cottage they renovated together.

Linda encouraged her children to pursue their own interests. She ran a tight ship, reminding her children as they carried out chores that “a job worth doing is worth doing well.” By example, she instilled in her children a strong work ethic and the importance of independence. As they grew, she took up part-time work including at the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan. She became an accomplished bridge player and was active in St. Andrew’s United church.

Following Howard’s sudden death in 1978, she pursued new activities such as golf, bowling and aerobics, and continued her commitment to gardening and her knitting projects. Extensive travels with friends took her to far-flung places, including Alaska, Australia, Europe and Russia. In 2008 she moved to Lethbridge to be closer to her children. Enjoying remarkably good health until a few months before her death, she spent happy years at a seniors’ facility where she continued to play bridge and excelled at Scrabble.

She is survived by children Carol Hickman (Lloyd, d. 2021); Connie Hunt (Ron Holdsworth); Rick Hunt; grandchildren Kerri-Lynn Hickman; Lisa Hickman; Dean Hickman (Eugenie); Sherene Hunt; Shawn Hunt;  and great-grandchildren Reid Hickman and Felicity Hickman. Her passing, after a long and fruitful life, is also mourned by many nieces and nephews across Canada, who in later years showered her with flowers, cards and phone calls.

Linda’s family is grateful for the care she received from many staff members at Good Samaritan West Highlands, especially from those who diligently supported her during her last months and days. We also thank Dr. E.Ni Choileain for her dedication toward keeping our mother as healthy as possible.

VERES, Laurie (Cohen) beloved wife of the late Diesel (Dave) VERES passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones.

Laurie was born in Calgary on August 17, 1952 to loving parents Maurice and Geneva Cohen.

Laurie will be greatly missed by her daughter Naomi Green; son Marshal (Crystal) Green; grandchildren and light of her life Jayden and Diesel, as well as her siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends and especially her furry friend Crosby.

She is predeceased by her parents Maurice and Geneva Cohen and the love of her life Diesel (Dave) Veres.

Laurie will always be remembered for her caring and nurturing nature. She loved to cook and entertain friends and family. She especially loved shopping and shoes, she was never one to pass on a deal.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the COALHURST COMMUNITY CENTRE, 527 50 Avenue, Coalhurst, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Diabetes Association of Lethbridge.

The family would like to thank Dr Schwartzenberger, Dr Roth and nurses Katie and Rapunzel for the care and support they provided to Laurie and the family.

Michael Murdo Campbell (Mike/Bubba/Bubbs) of Lethbridge, best friend and soulmate of Linda Campbell, passed away suddenly at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday September 6, 2025 at the age of 70 years.

Our Dad will be greatly missed by his wife of 49 years and his 4 children Allan (Catherine) of Lac Beauport, Mike (Carly) of Campbell River, Brent (Christina) of Airdrie and Aaryn (Dan) of Calgary. He led by example teaching us the value of hard work, perseverance despite challenges, to always see the humour in things, to live for today, to look for a bargain, and his passing has taught us that life is much too short.

Bubba’s grandchildren were his greatest joy. He loved to brag about his kiddlets and was so proud of them and their achievements. He enjoyed building Lego (but he was only allowed to watch; our Bubbs never read the instructions), attending hockey and baseball games to watch the boys in action, and was even willing to have his nails painted and receive a makeup lesson or two while attending a granddaughter’s tea party. His happiest times were when he was teasing, pranking and laughing with his littles. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren Emily (Emmsy), Noah, Rowan, Léo, Ethan, Claire and Brady.

He is survived by his siblings Ardyth (Mike) Cooper, Aaron (Kathy), Robin Kenny, and Rhonda (Scott) Allan, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He is also going to be greatly missed by his best buddy Jim (Deb) Findlater - keeper of our Dad’s secrets and best stories.

Our Dad was predeceased by his parents Donna and Malcolm Campbell, parents-in-law Anthon and June Young, brothers-in-law Ralph Young, Brad Kenny and Roger Young as well as by his nephew Brad Overn.

Bubbs was born on July 23, 1955 in Lethbridge and spent his youngest years on the north side. From Lethbridge the family moved to Calgary where Dad graduated from Crescent Heights High School and then attended SAIT to become a Pressman in the printing industry. He met our Mom in Calgary; true to form, he sat on her lap and cracked an inappropriate joke. Though she was initially unimpressed, he persisted. They were lucky enough to spend 49 years together raising kids and building a life together in Calgary, Cranbrook, Lethbridge and Campbell River. After retiring, Mom and Dad were able to travel the USA for 6 months with their trailer, spend 7 years living on Vancouver Island, and lucky enough to cruise to several tropical destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean together.

Those who knew our Dad will remember him for his sense of humour. He found a way to connect with everyone he met through sarcasm, quick wit, pranks and dry (sometimes crude) humour. He was a life long fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and as such, was the butt of many jokes. We are convinced that this will be Toronto’s year - Bubbs would be pissed.

As per our Dad’s wishes, no formal funeral service or memorial will be held. We ask that you remember our Bubbs over a good steak dinner and raise a pina colada in his memory. We lost him much too soon, but the memories and laughs he’s left us will carry us through this difficult time. We miss you Bubbs.

Joseph (Joe) Gaetz of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, at the age of 100. Joe was born on April 17, 1925, in Foremost, Alberta to George and Elizabeth Gaetz. He attended school in Turin, Alberta. Joe moved to Lethbridge with his family. He served in WW11 from 1944 to 1946 when he was honourably discharged. After the war, Joe met his loving wife Helen in Lethbridge.

His greatest joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe enjoyed camping with his family and friends. He travelled and toured with family and friends, by bus, throughout Canada and the USA. He loved desserts, especially his wife’s (Helen) baking. Chocolate in any form, was one of his favourites. Joe was involved with the Lethbridge Figure Skating club, where his daughter (Maureen) practiced the sport. Joe worked at the City of Lethbridge and retired at age 58. He continued to enjoy camping and gardening along with his wife (Helen), maintaining their beautiful yard. Joe was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4, Lethbridge. He was an active member of Christ Trinty Lutheran Church Lethbridge.

Joe is survived by his daughter Maureen (Herve), grandchildren Renee (Sam) and Andrew (Kyra). His son Randy, grandchildren Amber (Mike), great grandchildren, Isabella, Scarlet and Charlee, grandchildren Christie, Kennedy and Carlee (Geoff), great grandchildren, Cali, Codi and Meadow, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his parents George and Elizabeth Gaetz; his loving wife Helen Gaetz; four brothers, Tony, Peter, George, Andrew; and six sisters Barbara, Lena, Mary, Kay, Martha and Helen.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Good Samaritans, Park Meadows, Lethbridge or to the charity of one’s choice.

There will be no services held at this time.

Hildegard (Hilde) was born on June 15, 1928 in Paulsdorf, Germany to Ritchard Kurt and Emma Elsa (Gunther) Bormann. She peacefully passed away in her sleep on the morning of September 5, 2025 at Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale, Alberta.

Hilde was baptised as an infant and confirmed in 1942. Her childhood was good until World War II began. Her father and brother were both lost in the war, so her mother was left with 7 children. In July 1945 she met her future husband, Jake. Jake and Hilde were engaged in 1947, and married on June 27, 1950 in West Germany. In May 1951 Jake and Hilde immigrated to Canada, landing in Halifax and travelling to Lethbridge by train. They became members of the Coaldale Mennonite Church where Jake was baptised. They bought some land and raised chickens and pigs. Hilde worked on the farm and Jake worked in construction. It was a difficult life, but they felt blessed and thankful and worked hard. Jake and Hilde were blessed with 4 children: Helene, Pete, Walter and Jake. On a trip to San Diego, CA with 3 other couples, Jake had a stroke and heart attack and passed away on January 27, 1978 at the age of 49. It was a very hard time for Hilde but with God’s help, she was able to journey on. She went to work in the Woodward’s coffee shop and enjoyed meeting new people, which was very fulfilling for her. She loved working there, and fellow staff and customers loved her too. She did a lot of travelling with various friends across Canada and the United States and even returned to Germany for a visit. She lived on the farm for 14 years after Jake’s passing before she moved into Coaldale.

Hilda was a proud member of the Coaldale Mennonite Church and participated in the Tabea Sewing Circle for many years. Later in life she went faithfully to the Coaldale Senior Citizens Center where she loved to play bingo and socialize. She continued to play bingo even after she moved to the Sunny South Lodge in November 2024. She had challenges throughout her journey in life but met them head on. She was always firm in her beliefs, and her family remains grateful for her unconditional love and care.

Hilda leaves to mourn her loving children Helene (Bryan) Mantler, Pete (Rae) Neufeld, Walter Neufeld and Jake Neufeld, her grandchildren Karen (Rob) Brown, Trina (Dennis Reimer) Mantler-Friesen, Russell (Marnie) Mantler, Kellie (Chad Owens) Kasprick, Rick (Jennifer) Neufeld, Denielle (Chris) Moody, Breanne (Steven) Brown and their mother Aleta, Kaylene Neufeld and Kelcey (Ryan) Aleman, step-grandchildren Samual (Taylor), Ben (Ryann), Matthew and Luke Reimer, and her great-grandchildren Kaden (Rachel), Carter and Jordan Brown, Samson and Vance Friesen, Jaxson and Lincoln Mantler, Quintzy Kasprick, Soren and Reeve Neufeld, Bentley, Kingston and Aubrey Moody, Laszlo and Nelly Brown, and Waylon and Kylee Aleman. She was predeceased by her parents Kurt and Elsa Bormann, her 7 siblings, beloved husband Jake and great-grandson Nixon Friesen.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm Saturday September 13, 2025 at the Coaldale Community Cemetery, located off Highway 845 behind the Gem of the West Museum, with refreshments and fellowship to follow at 2:00pm at the Coaldale Mennonite Church, 2316 17 Street, Coaldale, AB.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Hilde’s name may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) c/o Coaldale Mennonite Church.

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Luke Van Paassen announce his passing on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the age of 88 years.

Dad was born on January 4, 1937 in the town of Wateringen, Zuid-Holland, to parents Kees and Cory (Van Veen) Van Paassen. Dad was the eldest of 4 siblings. Brothers Casey (Georgina Tomayose) Van Paassen, Hans Van Paassen and sister Margret (Harry) Ubben.

Dad immigrated to Canada, arriving in Montreal on October 25, 1956, then on to Aberdeen, Saskatchewan where he worked for a dairy farmer for a short time before getting to his goal of Alberta. Dad tried his hand at various jobs; he hauled milk for a dairy company in Lethbridge, installed milking equipment, worked for the Coop in Bow Island, Sugar Factory and John Deere in Taber. Dad even followed in his Dad’s footsteps in the Greenhouse business, owning them in Bow Island, Taber and Coaldale before deciding to start up a Bottle Depot and Recycling Centre in Coaldale, owner/operator until his retirement in 2002.

Dad met Mom (Helen Bouw) in Lethbridge and were married on November 21, 1959, having 4 children together. Neil, Carla, Barry and Linda. They divorced in 1977. Dad met Ann Erickson and were together until her passing in 2008. They spent a lot of time fishing, camping, vacationing in Hawaii, trips to Holland and spending time in beautiful Waterton.

Dad is survived by his brother Casey; children Carla (Darrell) Martens, Barry (Lynne) Van Paassen, Linda (Ben) Schmold; grandchildren Chris (Jolene) Martens, Kim (Marco) Slingerland, Ashley (Dan) DeBoer, Brittany (Chandler) Braun; great-grandchildren Brynn Martens, Dustin, Shane and Tiffany Slingerland, Brady, Logan and Addison De Boer, Charlie Singh, Sawyer and Lincoln Braun; niece and nephews Esther and David in Holland and Kevin Van Paassen and Kristy Maltby; as well as special life long friend Nico Van Luijk from Holland whom he enjoyed to skype with on a regular basis.

Dad was predeceased by his brother Hans; sister Margret and brother-in-law Harry; sister-in-law Georgina, Ann; special friends Roy and Jackie Brummond; son Neil Van Paassen; son-in-law Shane Cox and grandson Tyler Maerz.

As per Dad’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.