NIELSEN
(nee Newsome)
Karla Katherine

February 14, 1973 - June 15, 2024

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Karla Katherine Nielsen (nee Newsome) on June 15th, 2024, in Drumheller, AB. Karla passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, bringing an end to her long fought battle with cervical cancer.
Born Valentine’s Day of 1973 in Calgary, Alberta to parents Darrell and Flora Newsome, Karla was born to love the world and everyone in it. Karla was a proud farm kid, growing up on a grain and cattle farm near Cremona, Alta with her siblings Shannon, John and Rachel. Karla attended the University of Lethbridge, getting a dual degree in English and Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Steven Nielsen, who she married on a memorably cold December 28th, 1996.
Karla spent most of her early 20’s travelling around the world and teaching English with her husband in South Korea and Abu Dhabi, UAE. After giving birth to their first born Alia Katherine in 2001, Karla and Steve returned back to Canada, settling on an acreage between Delia and Morrin, where they would remain for the next 23 years. It was in Drumheller that Karla would give birth to her two other daughters Sonya Marie and Stefanie Jayne in 2002 and 2004. Karla taught at Morrin School for over a decade and was beloved by her students and colleagues alike.
Karla was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Spring of 2022. She proved without doubt that it is possible to be a lover and a fighter, as she fought ferociously, wielding the power of her love. Through treatments, procedures, complications and surgeries, she was steadfast in her strength and determination, touching the hearts of countless people in her community and in every hospital and treatment room she entered. Her fighting spirit was fueled by the endless support and compassion of countless doctors, nurses and community members who we will be forever grateful to.
A service will be held for Karla on Sunday, June 23rd at the Morrin School at 2 p.m. The service will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person. If desired, donations can be made to the Drumheller Community Cancer Centre. To know Karla was to love her, and to be loved by her. She will be missed dearly.

KIRKPATRICK
John Douglas

February 10, 1939 - June 12, 2024

With heavy hearts and much love, we announce the passing of Doug Kirkpatrick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.
Doug was born in Drumheller and was proud to call Hussar home for the next 85 years. Purchasing his first piece of equipment, a CAT D6, was the beginning of building a successful construction company. Doug’s Earthmoving started in 1977 and is still in operation today.
Doug had a strong work ethic, but he also made time for family and friends. Throughout their 53 years together, Doug and Shirley enjoyed curling, golfing, camping, going on numerous cruises, and spending winters with friends in Arizona. Doug loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he was very proud of all their accomplishments.
Doug was young at heart, a model of kindness and positivity, and he will be dearly missed.
Doug is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Sherri Snydmiller (Dan) and Ryan Kirkpatrick (Kristi). He will be missed by his grandchildren: Erica Thew (Mitch), Jessica Douglass (Scott), Danielle Dougan (Jared), Jared, Adam, & Megan Kirkpatrick, and 2 great-grandsons, Dax Thew and Liam Douglass.
Doug is also survived by his siblings: Margaret Munro, Winnie Peake (Hughie), Andy Kirkpatrick, & David Kirkpatrick (Judy), as well as brothers-in law Larry Gross & Allan Gross (Lucienne), sister-in-law Joanne Murtagh (Gregg), and numerous special nieces and nephews.
Doug was pre-deceased by his best friend and Wife Shirley Kirkpatrick, parents, Jack & Jess Kirkpatrick, in-laws Phillip & Ella Gross, brother-in-law Nick Munro, sister-in-law Yvette Gross, and son-in-law Ed Sage.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wang for his dedicated care, and the staff at Strathmore Hospital for their compassionate support during Doug’s time there.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Hussar Community Hall, at 2:00 p.m. If you so desire, donations in Doug’s memory will be gratefully accepted by the Hussar Cemetery Fund or the Hussar Ag Society.
To send condolences, please visit Doug’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.
Wheatland Funeral Home, Strathmore, AB 403-934-4404