Obituaries | DrumhellerMail - Page #748
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KOHSEL, Ada May

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KOHSEL, Ada May
(nee Thompson)
July 31, 1913 - June 15, 2010


Our family lost a very dear wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend on June 15, 2010 after a lengthy illness. She was surrounded by her loving family as she made her final journey home. Ada was born July 31, 1913 to Samuel and Annie Thompson at the family home at Victor, Alberta. She received her schooling at Kelvindale, Surprise, Delia and Olds College graduating in 1936 (specializing in home economics). Ada and Alberta Kohsel were married July 14, 1940 in Calgary. During their almost 70 year marriage they farmed in the Victor/Delia district for 34 years where they raised their four children and were involved in many community activities. They retired to Drumheller in 1974. During retirement, Ada enjoyed many interests: traveling, gardening, cooking, sewing, oil painting, handiwork, reading, bowling and furthering her education by taking adult education courses at the University of Calgary. She held office in different organizations: Eastern Star, Majestic-Farrell Lake Women’s Institute, IODE, UCW, Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary and Drumheller Senior Centre. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. In 2004 Albert and Ada moved to the Sunshine Lodge, and in 2008 she needed more care and transferred to the Drumheller Continuing Care facility. Ada is survived by her loving family: husband Albert, son Larry (Carol), daughters Karen (Gordon) Prichard, Elaine (Ray) Gordon and Beverley Schooler. She also leaves six grandchildren: Albert Gascal, Julianne (Bob) Behan, Shelley (Howard) Badowich, Yvonne (Dan) Bishop, Stephen (Johanna) Gordon, Krista (Joel) Schroeder, and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother Wilson Thompson; sisters-in-law Mavis Thompson and Viola Thompson, as well as Canadian and Danish nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Grace, brothers Jim (Lois), Sam (Ruth) and Cecil, sister-in-law Maxine Thompson, son-in-law Don Schooler, and nephew Rick Thompson; Danish in-laws Lourits and Agnes Kohsel, sisters-in-law Ella (Aage) Christensen and Gudrun (Fritjof) Jensen. A Memorial Service will be held Friday June 25, 2010 at the Knox United Church, Drumheller, AB at 2:00 pm with Reverend Jan Richardson officiating. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Ada’s memory to a charity of their choice. Personal Alternative Funeral Services of Airdrie (1-888-216-5111) assisted the family with arrangements.


FIZER, Bernard (Bunk) Vencient

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FIZER, Bernard (Bunk) Vencient
February 14, 1930 - June 6, 2010


Bunk was born in Oyen, AB to Herbert and Theresa (nee Robinson) Fizer. He was the oldest of four and a big brother to Irene, Wayne and Glinda. When Bunk was 3, the family left Oyen and began farming at Clyde, AB. In 1954, Bunk enlisted in the navy where he was stationed in Cornwallis and Victoria before taking leave in 1956. He then returned to Clyde where he drove school bus and delivered milk from the family farm. It was in Clyde that he met Marilyn Pruden, who became his wife in November of 1956. As a new family man, Bunk left work on the farm to become a U.G.G. grain buyer in Westlock. Over the course of the next 34 yrs, he managed elevators in Perryvale, Onoway, Legal, Dawson Creek, Innisfail, and Delia before he retired in 1990. After a weekend of retirement, Bunk joined the Commissionaires at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller where he enjoyed that part time gig until a second retirement in 2000. While in Perryvale in 1957, Bunk and Marilyn introduced their first son Bernie to the world. Onoway welcomed Loretta and son Wally. In Legal, daughter Jo-Anne arrived. Bunk was predeceased by Marilyn in 1991, after 34 yrs of marriage. A few years later through his love for dancing, Bunk met and married his companion Norma Miller who predeceased him in 2005. Besides being a family man and loyal employee, Bunk was actively involved in local community affairs. You could find Bunk organizing hockey leagues, coaching minor hockey teams, umpiring baseball, organizing parades, and handling numerous jobs at the local fair. He was instrumental in establishing the Legal Lions club for which he held the position of first president. His memberships in other community groups included 30 years with the Royal Canadian Legion, and just short of 50 years with Elks Canada. After moving to Delia, Bunk added politics to his resume by being elected to the Mayors chair. Bunk’s other interests included curling, hunting, gardening and dancing. Bunk was a man of integrity, great sense of humour and very few words, but you always knew what he stood for and where you stood with him. He will be missed, but his zest for life will live on through his family: his children: Bernie (Yvonne), Loretta (Gerry) Normandeau, Wally (Charlotte) and Jo-Anne (Larry) Rowden; sister Irene (Larry) Novlesky; grandchildren: Diane and Marie Bannister, Devon and Benjamin Fizer, Braden Normandeau, Kaley Holt, Tarun Fizer; and several nieces and nephews. Bunk was predeceased by his parents and siblings Glinda and Wayne. Service of Remembrance was  held June 11, 2010 at the Hanna Legion  with Rev. Lyn Workman officiating. Burial took place in the Delia cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made in Bunk’s Memory to either Alberta Heart and Stroke Fund #101, 5208-53 Avenue Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5K2;  or   Canadian  Diabetes Association #6 5015-48th Street Red Deer, Ab T4N 1S9. Cathy Watts of Heartland Funeral Services Ltd entrusted with arrangements  (403 854 2758). 

BOUCHIE, Margaret

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BOUCHIE, Margaret
July 14, 1963 - June 13, 2010


After an eight year courageous battle with brain cancer, Margaret passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family and friends. Margaret “Midge” was born July 14, 1963 and grew up on the farm in Picture Butte, Alberta. After graduating from Picture Butte High School, Margaret went on to Marvel Beauty College and after graduating she started her own business at Acute Barbershop in Drumheller. Between cutting hair and raising a family Margaret also enjoyed driving a school bus. The children on the bus always made her smile and laugh. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Mark and their two children Marina and Shawn. Margaret will always be remembered by the Bouchie, Vandenberg, Mcleod, Gerstenbuhler, Zakoc, Gandolfo, Davis, Simituk families as well as numerous friends. A private memorial will be held at a later date at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Children’s Wish Foundation 339 - 50th Ave SE Suite 271 Calgary, Alberta T2G 2B3. Ph 403-265-9039.

Be strong and of good courage,
do not be afraid, or dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9