Obits | DrumhellerMail - Page #166
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Condolences to the family of Niels Larsen

NielsLarsen

LARSEN
Niels

April 6, 1937 - June 21, 2021

It is with heavy hearts, we announce that Niels passed away peacefully on Monday, June 21, 2021 in Strathmore, Alberta. Niels Christian Larsen was born on April 6, 1937 in Bassano, Alberta. He is predeceased by his parents Kay and Kirstine Larsen and siblings Ejla, Bitten, Kai, Bella and Ellen. He is survived by brothers Bob and Bill Larsen.
He leaves his forever love, Barb and 2 children, Brenda (Ralph) Rickes and Rob (Kim) Larsen; 4 Grandchildren, Trish (Mark) Alexander, Stephanie (Joe) Schultz, Kai Larsen and Kirstina Rickes; and 1 Great Grandchild, Jackson Schultz.
Niels left home at the age of 16 to work but his heart soon brought him back to marry the love of his life, Barb Armstrong on July 18, 1959. Niels and Barb worked for Eric Selgensen for 2 years, during which time their daughter, Brenda was born. They then moved to Wintering Hills to farm Barb’s Grandfather’s land. In February 1966, their son Rob was born and, one month later, they moved to Niels’s Dad’s homestead to farm the land which became their home for 33 years. Niels was a hard worker, never one to sit idle, there was always work to be done. He got Rob on the tractor early and shared his wisdom and love of farming as they worked side by side throughout the years. In 1999, Niels and Barb moved to Hussar. Niels seldom missed a day driving to the farm to work and tinker on machinery. All this tinkering resulted in his collection of 18 old tractors being brought back to life, as well as many others “in the works”. Niels was also proud of his 1952 Chev truck which he restored. He loved to bring his tractors and truck to the parade in Hussar and have the Grandchildren ride along.
The coffee was always on at the Larsen’s and they loved to have company stop by. Niels especially enjoyed when his brothers and sisters visited for a lively time of cards, heated discussions and roars of laughter.
Niels was very proud of his family and cherished the time spent with them. Niels and Barb enjoyed 61 years of marriage together and made many memories including a family trip to Denmark in 1979 and numerous vacations and camping with friends and family.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hussar at 2:00 p.m. with lunch to follow at the Hussar Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or the Hussar Cemetery Fund, both in Hussar, Alberta.
To send condolences, please visit Niels obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca


Condolences to the family of Barry Byrtus

BarryByrtus

BYRTUS
Barry

May 27, 2021

Our beloved and cherished Barry passed on May 27th, 2021 at the age of 54.
Barry was born and raised in Drumheller where he enjoyed the outdoors and had a great love of animals. After high school he moved to Calgary but after suffering a stroke, sold his house and travelled to Central America. He also travelled to Southeast Asia then canoed from Drumheller to Saskatoon, where he lived for several years. Another canoe trip led him to The Pas, Manitoba where he passed.
Barry is survived by his mother Nora, sister Shelley and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his father John, and all four Grandparents. A service is pending when Covid restrictions have eased.

Condolences to the family of Jeanette Katherine Ellen (Uttley) Kowalchuk

JeanetteKowalchuk

KOWALCHUK (Uttley)
Jeanette Katherine Ellen

February 15, 1930 - June 17, 2021

The family of Jeanette Kowalchuk is deeply saddened to announce her passing following surgery at the Red Deer Hospital on June 17, 2021.

Jeanette was born on February 15, 1930 in Big Valley, Alberta, the youngest of four children born to Bert Uttley and Blanche Grice. Growing up Jeanette lived in Alberta and British Columbia. On October 29, 1952, Jeanette married the love of her life, Bill Kowalchuk. The next sixty-two years were spent farming and lovingly raising a family at Rumsey then retiring to Trochu. Jeanette was a faithful member of the United Church where she taught Sunday School, enjoyed Seniors Drop In centres, loved music, travelling and their little dog Millie. Following Bill’s passing in 2015, Jeanette moved to Drumheller to live in the Sunshine Lodge and then Hillview Lodge where she received excellent care.
Jeanette is survived by her five children and their families: Dorothy Gwynn, Bill & Becky Kowalchuk, Marilyn & Harold Kenzler, Kathy MacDermid (Gordan Friedley) and John & Paula Kowalchuk. Grandchildren are: Heather, Erin (Ron), Lindsey (Travis), Travis, Jared (Emma), Ryan (Leah), Daniel (Julia), David (Jennifer), Brandin (Steph), Amanda, Kassidy (Kyler), Jayden and Kaley. Great-grandchildren: Archer, Beau, Hayden, Alina, Bronson, Carson, Devin, Claire, Jack, Owen, Adelyn and Henry. Jeanette is also survived by her sister, Geneva Balcom of Stettler and many nieces and nephews.
Jeanette was predeceased by her husband, Bill, her son in law Brian, her grandchildren: Brent, Katherine, Christopher and Morgan; a sister Wilma Spargo and a brother, Vernon Uttley.
Due to current restrictions, the funeral service will be immediate family only. The funeral will be held on June 25, 2021 at the Courtney-Winters Funeral Home Chapel with interment at the Rumsey cemetery. Courtney-Winters Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 403-823-2666. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillview Lodge in Drumheller or a charity of your choice.

The service will be livestreamed at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 25, 2021. Refer to www.courtneywintersfuneralhome.ca website for further instructions.