DE JONG
FLORENCE DE JONG (nee Wielinga), dearly loved wife of Fred De Jong, of Lethbridge, AB, went to be with her heavenly Father on December 22, 2012 at the age of 80 years. She was able to celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary on December 6 with her husband, children and grandchildren, singing her favorite hymns. She died peacefully two weeks later. Florence suffered with severe memory loss for 22 years as a result of contracting encephalitis. Her loved ones take comfort and hope in the sure knowledge she now rests in the arms of Jesus.
Florence’s husband Fred, her children, Greta and Rudy de Groot, Robert and Diane De Jong, Richard and Carrie De Jong, Norman De Jong and Alexis Motyka, ten grandchildren, ten great- grandchildren, and eight siblings will live with the memories of God’s grace shining through her joy and pain.
Florence was born in Wyckel, Friesland, the Netherlands, on June 19, 1932 to Jake and Grace Wielinga. The Wielinga family immigrated to Canada in 1948 and settled in Raymond, Alberta. Florence stole the heart of Fred and they married in 1952. Fred and Florence raised their four children in the Christian community in Lethbridge. Their faithful love was evident throughout their life’s journey. Fred’s commitment to Florence over the last 22 difficult years will always stand as a testimony of love to their family and friends.
We would like to thank friends and family for their support of Fred and Florence. We are also grateful for the care given her by the staff of Edith Cavell.
A Memorial Service for Florence will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd. West Lethbridge.
We do not grieve as those who have no hope, and we praise God that Florence is now resting in the Lord.
Memorial tributes may be made to the Bibles for Missions Thrift Store, 1004 1 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0B1.
Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com


DRAVLAND
VERNON DRAVLAND of Lethbridge and Carbury North Dakota, devoted husband of Eunice Clara (Vinge) Dravland passed away suddenly and peacefully on December 27th, 2012 at the age of 88 years.
Vern served in the US Army during World War II aboard the Hospital Ship Dogwood. In 1969 he joined the Faculty of Education of the University of Lethbridge as Director of Educational Research. After his retirement, he returned to farming on the land homesteaded by his grandfather in Carbury.
Besides his loving wife of 61 years, Vernon is survived by his son Jonas Eric, and daughter Elsa, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by five brothers and three sisters.
He could always be counted on for a warm smile, a kind word or a gentle kiss on the hand. His generosity and loving spirit was only exceeded by his sense of humor, evidenced by his skill with the proper turn of a good Norwegian joke.
He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday January 2, 2013 at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 11th Ave South, Lethbridge, with Pastor Tom Peterson, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Canadian Lutheran World Relief, www.clwr.org.
Send condolences at
www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com


GORUK
LINDA CATHERINE GORUK, beloved wife of Bill and mother of Christopher and Gina, passed away suddenly at the Foothills hospital on Friday, December 28, 2012 at the age of 54, with her family at her side.
Linda was born in Lethbridge on October 5, 1958 and spent much of her early life in Taber where she met the love of her life, Bill. They married and lived in Lethbridge where they raised their two children together. At the time of her passing Linda was the Early Learning Coordinator at Ecole St. Mary where she shared her passion and enthusiasm for teaching. Linda enjoyed golfing, traveling, taking walks and spending time curled up with a good book.
Besides Bill, her husband of 30 years, her son Christopher and daughter Gina, Linda is also survived by her five siblings: Steve (Trudy) Wilson, twin sister Leona (Lynn) Marthaller, Doris (Rae) Hopkins, David (Cindy) Wilson and Richard (Janet) Wilson. Also left to mourn is Bill’s mother Frances, as well as his siblings, Elaine (Gary) Ash, Karen (Ron) Taillefer, Doug (Nevis) Goruk, Neil (Della) Goruk, and Denise (Ian) Cole; along with numerous extended family members. She is predeceased by her mother Frances Wilson, her mother’s friend Andy Schaafsma, and her father-in-law Jack Goruk.
Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at ST. MARTHA’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at ST. MARTHA’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, with Father Fernando Genogaling, celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K7, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Send condolences at
www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com


JESSIE JOHNSTON
July 6, 1923 – December 29, 2012
JESSIE JOHNSTON of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Dr. Lloyd Johnston, passed away on December 29, 2012 at the age of 89 years.
Jess is survived by her daughters Lynn, Pat, Marcia, Rae, Pam and their spouses. She is also survived by her grandchildren Catherine, Court, Erik and Tim; great grandson Midnite; two nieces Ann and Erin and nephew Clayton and their families.
Jess was predeceased by her loving husband Lloyd, her daughter Susan, and her parents Edith and Jack.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Jess was the only child of the late Edith and Jack Booth. She attended school in Edmonton and completed her nursing degree at the Royal Alexander Hospital where she met Lloyd Johnston, a resident at the time.
Lloyd and Jess married on May 29, 1945 at St. Stephens College in Edmonton. Jess was a devoted wife, extraordinary mother, exceptional artist, and compassionate nurse. She was an active member of the United Church, CGIT, and a volunteer to many organizations. She enjoyed golf, skiing and world travel with their many friends. Time with her family at the Gladstone Valley cabin was always a special time for everyone.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.
Donations in Jess’ memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 9Z9.
Send condolences at
www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com


LYONS
GLENN BETTS LYONS, beloved husband of Sharlene Lyons of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at Chinook Regional Hospital on December 23rd, 2012, at the age of 65 years.
Family and friends are invited to meet the family from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LETHBRIDGE WEST STAKE CENTRE, 560 Highlands Blvd. West, Lethbridge. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S., P.O. Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7
Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home Ltd.
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB   T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sign guest book:  www.generationsfh.ca


MARKLINGER "Gerry"
1929 - 2012
GERALD A. MARKLINGER, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Margaret "Peggy" Marklinger, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, December 26th, 2012 at the age of 83 years.
He will be truly missed by his wife Peggy (Wilde) Marklinger and his children Karen Boyd (Bill), Blaise Marklinger (Sandy), and his grandchildren Shayne Hamilton, Levi Guerra (Bev), Devin McKee (Lynsey), Bradley Marklinger (Sandra), Jesse Anderson, Kenzie Anderson, Matthew Marklinger and five great grandchildren. Gerald’s siblings Lorraine Mellin (Max), Myrna Steele (Ken), Harvey Marklinger (Trudy), Connie Hall all residing in California.
Gerry was pre-deceased by his parents, sister Jan Torrance, daughters Kathleen Flak and Loreen Guerra plus many dear friends and relatives. Gerry was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan, on November 18th, 1929. He worked at Whitbeys Hardware in Estevan. He met and married Peggy in Edmonton, Alberta in 1955.
They moved to Raymond where he worked for John Deere, then Bendix and then they moved to Lethbridge where he worked for Nova Corporation as a consultant. Gerry loved to go fishing, hunting and camping and enjoyed spending the winter months in sunny Arizona for many years.
Gerry overcame several health issues until his passing. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend and encouraged to join us at the reception to follow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME - 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, A.B. on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 at 1:00 P.M.
Donations may be made to the CANADIAN KIDNEY FOUNDATION - Lethbridge Chapter - 400, 740 - 4 Avenue South - Lethbridge, Alberta - T1J 0N9 or CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY 317 - 10 Street South Lethbridge, Alberta,T1J 2M7
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
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PACKHAM
Darren Packham of Claresholm, AB passed away on December 26, 2012 at the age of 52 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at EDEN’S FUNERAL HOME, 2424-5th Ave., Fort Macleod, AB, with Major Jack Cullen, Officiating.
Memorial Donations may be made in Darren’s memory to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4700 Stn South, Edmonton, AB T6E 9Z9.
Eden's Funeral Home and Crematorium
2424 - 5 Avenue
Fort Macleod, AB
Phone: 403-553-3772
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.edensfuneralhome.com


PATERSON
JAMES D. (JAMIE) PATERSON of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at the Fairmont Park Extendicare on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at the age of 83 years.
A gathering to celebrate Jamie’s life will be held at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at MARTIN BROS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge. A Private family inurnment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make donations in Jamie’s memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #D, 210 – 12A St N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2J1, 403-327-4114 or to the charity of your choice.
Send condolences at
www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com


SCHOENING
MR. CONRAD SCHOENING of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, December 28, 2012 at the age of 93 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Send condolences at
www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com


STRYKER
EMILE "EMMA" STRYKER of Bow Island, beloved husband of the late Earl Stryker, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the age of 90 years.
Emma was born on January 6, 1922. She immigrated to Canada from Yugoslavia with her parents and two sisters in 1934 and settled north of Manyberries, AB. In 1943 she married married Earl Stryker and lived south of Orion until moving to the Foremost area in 1966. In 1975 they retired to Lethbridge. In 2007 she moved to Bow Island to reside in Pleasant View Lodge, where she called home until her passing.
Emma enjoyed a quiet life. She embraced farm life as she raised and guided her sons on the farm. Emma loved her family and loved being a grandma. She was particularly fond of gardening. In her early years she kept a big yard and garden and later in her life nurtured her plants in her room. She liked to keep her hands in the soil.
Emma is survived by her two sons, Daniel (Brenda) Stryker, and Paul Stryker of Foremost and her two grandsons, Kent Stryker of Foremost and Trevor Stryker of Coaldale. She is also survived by her sister Rose Stryker and brother George (Doreen) Bechtloff as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Besides her loving husband Earl, she was predeceased by her parents Anna and Karl Bechtloff, her sister Minnie Jetter and her daughter-in-law Blythe Stryker.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 3, 2013, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4th Street South, Lethbridge, AB., with Rev. Mac DeWaal officiating. A private family burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Pleasant View Lodge, 1039 1 St. East, Bow Island, AB., T0K 0G0.
Send condolences at
www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com


TED KAROLAK
April 20, 1946 ~
December 25, 2012
Ted’s life journey is now complete. He passed away peacefully at home late Christmas Day following a six month illness.
With heartfelt thanks to those who cared for him, their discretion and professionalism meant so much. Most especially thank you to Dr. V. Jubber, Dr. L. Oviatt, Dr. M. Brigden, Dr. R. McColl and RN’s Tanya M., Tanya R. and Andrea for their care in this most challenging and difficult transition.
To those closest to him, Ted was the kindest, most good-natured man, brought up with European values and traditions. He was born in Warsaw, Poland right after the Second World War into an impoverished home and a devastated nation. He excelled in school, at one time speaking five languages and earning a Master’s Degree in Political Economics. The beginning of political upheaval (University riots) saw his immigration to Canada in 1970. He earned a Bachelor of Management Degree from the University of Lethbridge in 1981.
He loved mathematics, problem solving, computer science, wood working, classical music and travel. He fulfilled much of his "bucket list" while working first, for Time Air, then Canadian Airlines, in information technologies, travelling on both business and pleasure.
Following the devastating attacks of 9-11 and restructuring of the airline industry, he semi-retired. He then worked for McFadden Honda for a number of years, where he was top salesperson in 2011.
Ted is survived by his loving wife of thirty-five years, Regina, family in Poland, including his ninety-eight year old mum, as well as family in New York State.
Per his request, there will be no funeral or visitation. Flowers respectfully declined. Cremation.
If so desired, those graciously wishing may donate to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society or the Alberta SPCA.
Our time together could never be long enough … till we meet again, dearest husband.
Evergreen Cremation Services
327 - 10 Street South
Lethbridge, Alberta
Phone: (403) 329-4934
Send condolences: www.evergreenfh.ca


THOMPSON
BERNARD (Bernie) ROY THOMPSON peacefully left us after a brief illness on December 28, 2012 at the age of 89 years.
Bernie is survived by Betty Thompson, his beloved wife of 66 years as well as a large and supportive family. Those left behind to miss him include: Wayne (Pam) Thompson, Gary (Gail) Thompson, Gayle (Nick) Bowes, Sherry (Alan) Norris, Joy (Bill) Derry, Teri (John Ondrik) Johnston, Trevor (Wendy) Thompson, Shaun (Michelle) Thompson; grandchildren Shane and Chad Thompson, Tracey and Gerald Wagner, Dan and Lorie Lashley, Jason and Jami Thompson, Jody and Andrea Carpenter, Tyler and Cherie Bowes, Derek Bowes and Sandra McMurray, Mike and Haley Renner, Brad and Dana Johnson, Jesse and Amanda Norris, Shannon Derry, Cameron Derry, Conner Derry, Kyle and Cheryl Johnston, Erin Johnston, Drew Thompson and Jack Thompson. There are also numerous great grandchildren: Dylan, Lindsie, Taneile, Lucas, Tanner Wagner; Jayden, Hunter, Dawson, Maddox Lashley; Riley, Ryder Carpenter, Eason Thompson; Madison, MacKenzie Bowes; Rylan, Owen Bowes; Taryn, Shae-Lynn, Rayfe Renner; Mataya, Tanzi Sue Johnson.
A private family graveside service will be held in the soldiers’ plot in Mountain View Cemetery on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.
Family and friends are invited to a reception at the COAST LETHBRIDGE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE, 526 - Mayor Magrath Dr. South, on Wednesday, January 2, at 2:00 P.M., with a short tribute at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted to the The Kidney Foundation of Canada, #400, 740 - 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 0N9, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 4K7.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it