Category Archives: Obituary

MARLENE ANN FRIESEN (1940-2026)

It is with sadness and heavy hearts the family of Marlene Friesen announce her sudden passing, April 23,2026, at the age of 85 God called her home to start a new journey as an Angel.

Mom was born Aug 5, 1940, she was the second daughter of Lyle and Evelyn Lonsberry of theWiseton/Dinsmore Area. Mom grew up on the family farm with her older sister Connie and younger siblings Mary Lou and Vernon. Our family of six moved to Davidson in 1970 where we were blessed with the addition of our brother. As a family our weekends were spent going to small town fairs-participating in chuckwagon & chariot races and gymkhana.

Mom worked at the hospital in Davidson as a Nurse’s Aide for many years. Later she moved toClaresholm, Alberta where she created many memories with family and new friends. Since returning toDavidson, she has enjoyed spending time with family and friends.Some of her pass times were watching the Toronto Blue Jays, watching curling, doing puzzles and reading. Last year was an exciting year for mom as the Blue Jays went to the World Series–and mom shared Canada’s disappointment when they lost game seven. If there was a game on you could not call her as she was too busy to take the talk. Christmas was a special time for our family as mom would setup her Christmas Village. The village holds a special place in our hearts as it was built from our mom’s love of Christmas and each of our contribution to make the dream come alive.

Mom is survived by her children Cindy (Doug), Jackie (Terry), Dianne (Garth), Carolyn (Scott) and Brent(Anne). By her Grandchildren Dwane (Crystal), Bradley (Larissa),Kyle, Kevin (Heather), Dean, Kayla(Darcy), Shane (Chalcey), and Brina (Jason). And by Great Grandchildren Dylan, Lexi, Kaden, Miller,Kohen, Elizabeth, Nyla, Mckiinley, Emmett, Atlee, Kennedy (Conner), and Brodie. Mom is also survived by her baby sister Mary Lou (Cecil), numerous nieces and nephews. Mom is predeceased by her parents Lyle and Evelyne, older sisterConnie and younger brother Vernon, Les Friesen and Reg Turner.

A family celebration will be held at a later date when we take mom to Alberta. 

DOROTHY ANN ZDUNICH (1947-2026)

Dorothy Ann Zdunich, 78 of Kenaston, Saskatchewan, past away on April 28, 2026, after fighting a hard battle against Cancer. Dorothy was born on December 23, 1947 to Aileen and James Sanderson in Saskatoon. Dorothy grew up in the Kenaston/Hanley area and attended both Kenaston and Hanley Schools. Dorothy married Louis Zdunich in 1966. They moved straight to their farm they had purchased. It is here where they raised their four children Debra, Kenneth, Michelle and Jason. Dorothy remained here until she went to the Davidson Health Centre. Dorothy was a great farm wife, she went to the field, cooked meals, looked after the yard and garden, and raised a family. She was always busy gardening, canning and running children to sports. She was involved in the Zid School Community Club, and CWL. After her children grew up and left she started catering, making quilts, buns and running her grandchildren to sports when needed.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Louis, parents James and Aileen Sanderson,parents-in-law Tony and Marie Zdunich, son-in-law Dean Blenkinsop. Dorothy is survived by her Children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy will be held on May 22, 2026at 11:00am at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church in Kenaston, Saskatchewan. For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Dorothy may be directed to St. Andrew’s Cemetery or the Davidson Health Trust Fund (cheques to the Health Trust payable to the Town of Davidson). Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements. 

EDITH ELAINE RINK

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Edith Elaine Rink on

April 8, 2026.

Edith was born on the family homestead at Young, Sask. It is there, working alongside her father, that her love of farming began. Edith married Walter Rink on November 7, 1959, they enjoyed 52 wonderful years together. They purchased a farm in the Arm River area, where they farmed side by side for 49 years, before moving into Watrous for their retirement.

On the farm, Edith’s love of driving began, a passion she continued until she passed. Edith loved to stay busy, she always had somewhere to go, someone to see or something to do. She loved to travel, taking trips were always a highlight. She traveled the province to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many activities. She will be remembered for her generosity and kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

As to her wishes, a graveside service for the family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Edith may be directed to Telemiracle.

We cannot express enough gratitude to the Watrous Hospital, Dr. and nurses, Hanson’s Funeral Home, her dear friends at Jubilee Court, Cancer Centre and to all the many family friends for all their love and support.

Edith was predeceased by her parents, John and Katherine Dempsey, Father and mother-in-law Henry and Theresa Rink and husband Walter Rink. Edith is survived by her children: Son Daryl (Joan) Rink, daughters Tammy (David) Remmen and Raelene (Grant) Aseltine; Grandchildren Justin Rink, Daris (Becca) Rink, Kristy (Blaine) Struck, Colton (Stephanie) Rink, Tiara (Tony) Calverley, Kaylee (Luke) Stephanson, Austin (Alysha) Remmen, Brayden Remmen and Kade Aseltine; Great-grandchildren Noah, Emmett, Adleigh and Beau Rink, Acey Toye, Bentley, Dash and Duke Struck, Thomas, Evelyn, Hannah and Clara Rink, Alexis, Josh, Tegan and Kamden Calverley, Lachlyn, Norah, Lexson and Rhett Stephanson, Eli, Athena, Ansel and Teller Remmen; Sisters Shirley Deneiko and Lois Didur and Brother Jim (Tena) Dempsey.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Edith may be directed to Kinsmen Telemiracle, donations may be made online at telemiracle.com

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

GERALD CLIFFORD LUCKI (1955-2026)

In Loving Memory of Gerald Clifford Lucki
November 25, 1955 – April 11, 2026
of Hawarden, Saskatchewan

Gerald Clifford Lucki of Hawarden, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 70 years.

Gerald was born on November 25, 1955, and built a life centered around family, hard work, and the people he loved most.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Rhonda; his daughters, Denise (Neal) Sanderson and Crystal (Jason) Zdunich; his cherished grandchildren, Tyson and Cole Sanderson, Jessica (Adam) Zacharias, and Shannyn, Matthew, and Justin Zdunich; and his great-grandson, Charlie Zacharias.

Gerald will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Donations may be directed to the Outlook and District Wildlife Federation https://swf.sk.ca/…/outlook-district-wildlife-federation/  or Lung Saskatchewan https://donate.lungsask.ca/.

To share memories and express condolences, please visit outlookfuneralchapel.com. The family is being cared for by Outlook Funeral Chapel (306.867.8255).

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ARNOLD MORRIS TAYLOR (1943-2026)

Arnold Morris Taylor passed away peacefully at his home North East of Kenaston on March 4, 2026 . Born January 7, 1943, to Jacob and Pearl Taylor of Kenaston, SK, Arnold lived a life defined by agriculture, community, and family.

Arnold was educated at the Zid School, Kenaston School and went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan.  He later earned his Certified Medical Representative (CMR) credential. 

Arnold married his beloved wife, Sharon (Stratton), on September 4, 1965. In 1972, they established their farm in Kenaston. Arnold was a devoted father to Brad, Lisa, Doug, Meaghan, Daniel, and Wendy, and a proud grandfather of nine and great-grandfather to one.

Arnold loved his community and was active in it right up until he died.  He coached hockey, was a long standing member of the Lions Club, and volunteered for local community organizations including Super Draft, Santa Clause Day, Kenaston Dinner Theatre, Anglican Church council, PFRA pasture board, National Farmers Union, the Kenaston Cemetery Board just to name a few.  His volunteerism wasn’t limited to local endeavors but included both national and international initiatives. 

Arnold transitioned to organic farming, becoming a passionate global advocate for organic agriculture. He was invited to speak around the world including Australia, England, Costa Rica, Mexico and various places around the United States and Canada.  He served and held various leadership positions including  Organic Agricultural Protection Fund, Saskatchewan Organic Directorate, Canadian Organic Growers, and more.  He received the Organic Hero Award in 2018. 

Arnold found joy in simple things: farming, gardening with Sharon, reading history, birdwatching, playing bridge, coffee row and playing pool.

A funeral service was held at Kenaston Place on March 12th.  We are deeply touched by the support of the community and Arnold’s many circles.

EMILY SCHMALTZ (1923-2026)

It’s with love and gratitude for a life well lived; we announce the passing of our mother Emily Schmaltz on February 26, 2026 at 102 years of age. 

Emily was born on May 21, 1923, at the family farm near Liebenthal, Sask. She was the 4th youngest of 14 children born to Mary Eva and Frank Mastel. Her sisters: Pauline (Mike) Moser, Melonia (Gregory) Weinberger, Veronica (Peter) Scherger, Mary (Mike) Hittel, Rose (Paul) Kuntz, Gertrude Mastel. Brothers: Mike (Anne) Mastel, Joseph Mastel, Maynard (Katie) Mastel, Pius Mastel, Eugene (Tracy) Mastel, Cecil (Stacia) Mastel. The Mastel family farm remains in the hands of Emily’s brother Maynard’s son, Keith. 

On June 2, 1942, she married Frank Schmaltz.  They lived on the family farm at Glidden, SK for six years then moved to Gem in April of 1948, then Tilley in November of 1948. In 1952 moved to Millington’s Dairy farm in what is now part of Echo Dale Park outside of Medicine Hat. In 1953, they were on the move again to the PFRA in Glidden, SK, managing the Newcombe Pasture where they stayed for 13 years. In July of 1966 they moved to Consul, SK, to take over the Nashlyn Pasture. In 1973, they headed to Davidson to take over the Wilner and Elbow Pastures. Each move created a lot of hard work but allowed them to provide more for their family. During all these moves not only was she having and raising babies, she was gardening or cooking and baking up a storm for her family and hired men. In her spare time, she was the secretary/treasurer for the PFRA pastures that Dad managed. She also held many executive positions in the Catholic Women’s League and was recently presented with her 80-year pin. Mom loved to sing and shared that love with her children. She made sure that each of her kids had an opportunity to learn to play the guitar or chord organ. Emily and her youngest daughter Cyndy provided the music at Saturday night mass at Davidson for many years. Every family gathering and or birthday party always included mom singing with some family member whether it was her sons Ray and Cecil or her daughter Cyndy and Granddaughter Stacey.  Dancing was another love she shared with her family.  There were many nights spent teaching the kids to dance in the kitchen after supper.  Family dances were always a hit. Mom and Dad loved visiting. Many weekends were spent on the road visiting or hosting extended family. What fun we had listening to the grown ups in the kitchen, as long as you were seen and not heard, as they visited and played cards. Mom was a competitive card player and the amount of laughter in the air always told you whether the women or men were winning! She kept her ear on the news and didn’t mind telling you what she thought on a topic no matter what it was. In 1979, Mom and Dad retired to Medicine Hat with their two youngest in tow. Mom continued to cook up a storm for anyone who came to visit whether family or friends.  It gave her an opportunity to stay in touch with Mom and Dad’s siblings and their families that lived in the area. They made their rounds to all their children’s homes to help out however they could. Usually that meant cooking and taking care of grand kids and of course teaching them how to play cards. Mom has spent the last many years making new friends and spending her time dancing and singing and becoming a celebrity thanks to the Meadowlands billboards. Thank you to all of you that allowed her to continue doing the things she loved especially Gladys, Angie and Arlene and the A&W gang who continued to make her laugh. 

Emily was pre-deceased by her husband Frank, sons Donald and Gerard, daughter Theresa, Grandbaby Jamie Siroski, son-in-law Bill Thomson and grandson-in-law Chris Smith, as well as her parents and all of her siblings and their spouses.

Emily leaves to cherish her memory, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren: Raymond (Gail) Schmaltz– Joel (Shannon) Schmaltz: Tyler and Luke Schmaltz, Michael (Kathy) Schmaltz: Sierra and Kaleah Schmaltz   Patricia Thomson – Tim (Lisa) Thomson: Taylor and Matthew Thomson Sheri Thomson-Whiting:  Colton (Daphne) Whiting: (Annabelle, William and Noah), Wyatt Whiting, Dustin (Amy Dolynny) Whiting, Dallas (Kendall Krawchuk) Whiting – Lori (Dallas Millard) Biggs: Ernie (Teagan Wilms) Biggs, Josh Biggs, Danika Biggs, Sophie Millard Cecil (Betty) Schmaltz– Annette (Calvin Sack) Smith: Tristan Smith, Michaela (Sheldon) Barbar, Cheyanne (Ian Leach) Smith, Jesse (Jaylynn Giroux) Smith – Cory Schmaltz: Denovah Boser, Cassidy Foulds, Jadace Mann, Breanna Schmaltz  Jason Schmaltz, Donna (Jim) Siroski– Stacey Siroski: Layne and Grayson Siroski Brett (Brenna) Siroski: Reagan, Nolan, Amy Siroski, Sandra (Lorne) Zentner– Kent Zentner, Kristine (Monty) Koopman: Bronx, Emerson, Holden, Sutton Koopman, Cynthia (Darren) Lutz, Gary (Tammie) Schmaltz – Lauren (Tyler) Murray: Emily and Zoey Murray Jordan (Ashley) Schmaltz: Quinn and Riley Schmaltz.

Prayer Service – Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel – 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, Friday May 15, 2026 at 7pm. Live Stream available at www.saamis.com

Funeral Mass – Holy Family Parish – 1451 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB,                  Saturday May 16, 2026 at 11 am. Interment to follow mass at Hillside Cemetery.