- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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Elfriede Dworsky
1922 - 2006
Elfriede Dworsky was born July 7th, 1922 in the small village of Spachendorf, Czechoslovakia. Elfriede and Ernas’ loving parents were Richard and Emma Hampel. In 1939 the Hampel family made a decision to leave Czechoslovakia due to the Nazi occupation. This was quite an accomplishment to leave country, home, possessions, and family to make a better life for their family. They made it in unprepared conditions and sacrifices, for that better life they have given us. In the process of their exodus to Canada, the Hampel family sponsored Rudy, to be included in their immigration to Canada. The kindling of the romance between Elfriede and Rudy was the beginning of the Dworsky family as we know it today. They left Liverpool, England, aboard the Duchess of Bedford on June 20th, 1939. The train trip across Canada came to an end at the little train station in Tupper Creek, B.C. The CPR was responsible for the colonization of the new settlers on what was once the Gundy Ranch. And so began the new life in the Canadian wilderness for Elfriede.
It was here that Rudy chose Elfriede Hampel to be his wife. They were only the second couple married in the new community following the lead established by
Mr. & Mrs Bill Schwertner. Their new home was the recently vacated house of Erich Stoehr located in what was known as the Nordwest Gruppe of Tomslake. In 1941 their first child, Trudy was born. While in Tomslake, three more children were born to Rudy and Elfriede, Ralph in 1948 followed by Robert in 1955 and Ron in 1956 to complete the Dworsky Family. In 1944 the Hampel family was blessed with a surprise birth of little brother John. In the years to come John and Helen and family spent countless occasions of camping and fishing adventures with Elfriede and Rudy.
Elfriede held down the fort in Tomslake to run the post office while Rudy worked in Dawson Creek. The Dworskys moved to Dawson Creek in 1957. Elfriede was definitely the heart of her home. She was always there for her family and grandchildren. Elfriede liked to crochet and made countless doilies and tablecloths, to read, do crossword puzzles, and play cards but not to lose. It is important to recognize Elfriede's son, Ralph, for his dedication for helping out Elfriede through the seven years since Rudy, Elfriede's husband, passed away. Elfriede had a strong conviction to never want to leave her home of almost 50 years. She was determined to live there until her last breath.
Elfriede is survived by her daughter Trudy (Roger) Lauzon, sons; Ralph,
Robert (Shelia), Ron (Barrie Anne), 8 grandchildren; Marie, Anne, Rachel, Heidi, Frank, Nicole, Thomas and Paris, and 10 great grandchildren; Christian, Kelton, Brennah, Sascha, Cassandra, Ethan, Bailey, Emily, Claire, and Nathan and brother John (Helen) Hampel and families.
A memorial service was held on December 21, 2006 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel. Officiated by Pastor Gordon Miller. Inurnment followed in the Tomslake Cemetery Columbarium.
Memorial arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Anna Lyste
1917-2006
Anna Lyste was born on July 26, 1917 to Tonnes and Justina Amundson. Her parents had emigrated from Norway to Weldon, Saskatchewan. Anna had ten siblings born in Norway. She was the first child born in Canada, with three more children joining the family after her. She moved to Surrey BC with her parents and worked in a dry cleaning plant for several years and cared for her aging parents. March 10, 1958 she married Chester Lyste, whom she had met through Chester and Nettie Forseth.
At their Cherry Point homestead Anna used her knowledge of gardening and was able to grow a variety of vegetables. It was her ability to nurture and produce some beautiful flowers that always caused me to marvel at her green thumb. As Chester and Anna did not have running water they made efficient use of rain and dug out sources by hand watering her many plants. During the last few years on the farm it seemed that the deer also appreciated her hard work. Anna was an all season gardener and could keep her geraniums blooming inside throughout the cold winter in their wood heated home. When Chester and Anna moved to Dawson Creek one Christmas, Chester gave Anna a poinsettia which she nurtured and it looked as good in July as it did in December.
Anna was a very hospitable individual even when you arrived at their place without notice. She could get a delicious meal ready without all the appliances and conveniences often considered necessary. Her homemade whole-wheat brown bread was a particular favorite of many a visitor.
Anna enjoyed her life on the homestead, but in the fall of 2001 she fell and broke her hip. She was in the hospital in Dawson Creek for a few weeks then she and Chester moved into an apartment in Dawson Creek. For a few years they were able to spend summers on the farm and winters in town and eventually they made Dawson Creek their year round residence.
Anna came to know the Lord as her personal Saviour and friend at a very early age. Her life portrayed a genuine love for Jesus and even in her final days on earth she would quote scriptures and inquire after her home care workers spiritual state. Her soft-spoken manner and pleasant attitude were truly an encouragement to those around her. Anna went to her eternal home December 16, 2006.
Anna is survived by her husband Chester, two brothers; Joseph (Frieda) Amundson and Rueben (Julia) Amundson and one sister Olivia Priece still residing in Saskatchewan.
A Celebration of Life Service was held on December 22, 2006 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel in Dawson Creek. Officiated by Oral Benterud. Interment in the Cherry Point Cemetery.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd, Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Otto Wuthrich
1927-2006
Otto Wuthrich was born on March 10th l927 in Eptingen Switzerland. He was the 9th child of a family of 11 children and their parents were Fritz and Rosa Wuthrich. He was raised on a farm and had a dream to have his own farm someday.
Otto was born into a musical family and music continued to have an important place throughout his life. He loved to sing. Solos-or-duets with his wife Ruth –quartets with his brother and sister in law Karl and Madlen- in choirs- playing his trumpet or alphorn – jodeling……all this gave Otto much joy and was important for him.
Otto lost his mother when he was 20 years old. At the funeral of his mom the Church choir sang and through his tears Otto saw Ruth Hofer singing in the choir. He told us many times, that at that very moment God showed or confirmed to him, that Ruth would be the one, to become his wife. And she did!
In l949 Ruth and Otto traveled to Canada on their honeymoon. Not for a holiday but with their Immigration visa in their pockets.
In 1950 he became a partner with another Swiss man at a Milk Pasteurizing plant at the Fort St. John Airport for one year.
In l951 Otto purchased the present home quarter and bought 30 Heinz 57 cows. Hard work followed as they cleared land, gathered feed and built barns. Later Otto purchased some purebred Holstein and he took pride to build up a herd and a visible dairy farm.
Otto also gave his gifts and talents to other causes: he was President of the Peace River Dairymen’s Assoc. for many years, active members of the congregation Peace Lutheran church, the hospital board, the Peace Lutheran care home society. Otto had another gift: he knew how to work and play: hunting, fishing, traveling and enjoying God’s creation. Otto and Ruth enjoyed 11 winters of their retirement in Mesa, Arizona, making many close friendships and sang in 2 of the resort choirs.
Otto had 3 wishes for his life: To have a farm, to be the father of 6 children and that all his children would know and walk with the Lord. All these wished are fulfilled and I have much to be thankful for.
Otto certainly wore that crown proudly and each of you children, grand children and great grandchildren were a delight for Grandpa.
Otto suffered a disabilitating stroke and needed constant care. Again God showed His kindness to Otto and Ruth and provided excellent caregivers for him, Roy, Darlene and Larry. The family also showed incredible love in action and it was truly heartwarming to watch how the sons and daughters with their spouses cared for their Dad to the end.
Funeral service was held on December 2, 2006 at the Peace Lutheran Church. Officiated by Pastor Willy Olesen.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Anna Benterud
1902 - 2006
Anna was born May 6, 1902 in Norway. She was the second youngest of eleven children – 7 girls and 4 boys born to Tor and Ingeborg Andreasen. Anna immigrated to Canada in the spring of 1930 with her future sister in law, Anna Benterud. On her arrival to the Peace Country she obtained employment at the Hart Hotel in Pouce Coupe. She married Ole Benterud July 16, 1932. The Benterud family were already settled in Groundbirch so Anna and Ole built their house on the NW ½ Sec. 17 the original house is where Anna has lived these many years. Anna helped clear out the trees to open up the yard.
The hungry thirties were difficult not $1.00 to be had so she could become a Canadian citizen along with her husband. Anna and Ole had three children: Vivian, Lorine and Raymond.
Anna had a heart of gold, full of hospitality to everyone who entered her home, a bowl of pudding left over from dinner or whatever else she had for a neighbor walking to the store. A tablecloth was a must for friends, and special guests and relatives. Anna worked hard to maintain her home with no conveniences. Anna could make an old garment look almost like new, repairing and patching. She knit socks, and mitts. She made lots of homemade cheese – boiling milk all day until into the night, churned pounds of butter. Anna shared the fruit of her labor with many who came to her home. Mother’s specialty was sweet and sour gravy made from beef soup broth. It was delicious.
Anna believed in honestly, integrity and good morals. She was a kind, loving, caring individual. She did not tolerate nonsense talk. She loved piano music. She had a musical ear and a voice for singing. She believed in God and read her Bible faithfully until she no longer could see to read anymore.
God has blessed her with good health during her later years of life. Anna will be sadly missed by her family. She loved children, her four grandchildren: Sheila, Trevor, Shane and Jason, were very special to her, as well as her sixteen great grandchildren.
Anna is survived by her son Raymond, daughters Vivian and Lorine,
niece – Gerd (Len) Paul of Winnipeg, nephew – Rolf (Pat) Flaten of Seattle and
Jean Nyhuse of Penticton, sister in-law Mayme Benterud of Edmonton and many relatives in Norway. May she rest in peace.
A funeral service was held on December 5, 2006 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Officiated by Pastor Lee Stephenson. Interment followed in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Anna by way of a donation to the Peace Mission Chapel Box 100 Progress, British Columbia V0C 2E0.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd, Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Carl Arnold Sandnes
1930-2006
Carl Arnold Sandnes was born on March 29, 1930 at North Rolla, second child of Torgeir (Ted) Sandnes and Ingebjorg Aamlid.
Carl’s mother passed away when he was three years of age. In 1935 the family moved to Dawson Creek and lived at 1117 – 103 Avenue. Carl took all his schooling in Dawson Creek, graduating from Grade 12 in 1948.
After graduation Carl worked for Northern Freightways as a truck driver. His hauls took him up the Alaska and MacKenzie Highways. When he was 29 years of age he was diagnosed with diabetes. This disease ended his trucking career a year later. Carl then took employment with Bert Lillico and Don Duncan as a carpenter. He later worked at Hanson Sash and Door.
Carl then changed careers again and went farming at North Rolla near his Dad’s farm.
The love of his life, Adeline, joined Carl in 1974 and added a sparkle to his life that only Adeline was able to do.
From 1980 to 1992 Carl and Adeline would pack their motorhome and travel to Arizona for the winter. In 1981 they enjoyed a trip to Italy and Norway to learn of and visit the countries of their heritage. Seeing the country and customs of his wife’s homeland was special. Carl’s father joined them in Norway and made that country come alive with his own roots as well. In 1998 they returned to Italy for another visit. They also motored up to Alaska in 1994 to see the country through which Carl had trucked.
In 1990 Carl and Adeline sold the farm, retired and moved to Abbotsford. They enjoyed the liquid sunshine for ten years. In 2000 they returned north to finish their retirement years in Dawson Creek.
Since returning to Dawson Creek, Carl has enjoyed many hours at the Seniors Center, floor curling and bowling, and going to tournaments. He has his share of trophies to prove his success at those events. He enjoyed his computer and reading. Carl was often seen walking around the block or to the Co-op for coffee.
Carl’s diabetes continued to be a difficult and serious issue in his life. He suffered heart attacks and finally lost his battle with the resulting pneumonia on November 17, 2006.
Carl was predeceased by his mother in 1933, his father in 1996 and his niece, Yvonne (Mills) Carey in 2005.
Carl is survived by his loving wife Adeline, step-son Bruce (Sandy) Keech, grandchildren, Aunja (Lance) Marshall & family, Braxton Keech, a sister, Inga (Clarence) Mills, a brother Albert (Vi) Sandnes, niece Sjanne (Doug) Johnson of Windsor, ON, nephews Darren (Jacquie) Sandnes of Whitecourt, Michael (Shelly) Sandnes and Marvin (Connie) Mills of Kelowna and their families and one uncle, Gunnar Sandnes in Oslo, Norway and one aunt Geneva Sandnes of Abbotsford. All other family members are in Dawson Creek.
A funeral service was held on November 23, 2006 at the South Peace United Church. Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Gerald Paul Kirtzinger
Gerald Paul Kirtzinger was born on January 2, 1928 to Dora and Joseph Kirtzinger in Viscount, Saskatchewan, the eldest of 6 children. After farming there for a number of years, the family decided that Creston BC was the best location for Dora’s health. Gerry was just 14 years old when they moved in November of 1942. While in Creston they grew mixed fruit on a small farm. Shortly after the move, Gerry went to work in Kimberly BC at a logging camp.
A few years later, Gerry pursued his dream of becoming a mechanic and began a new career, working at Creston Motors. In 1946, he met the love of his life, Emily Habart. They were married February 24th, 1949. Their life together began with Emily working as a cook and baker in a nearby restaurant. It was a little challenging as Gerry worked days for the garage and Emily worked afternoons in the restaurant. Somehow they managed to start a family and Gayle Ann was born on August 4th, 1954, Kenneth Gerald on May 1, 1957, Arlene Louise on March 11th, 1961, Douglas Lorne on July 8th, 1965 and Robert Allen arrived as a pleasant surprise on December 3, 1973.
Gerry enjoyed hunting in the mountains, hunting for geese in the fields near Creston as well as fly-fishing in both Duck Creek and the Goat River. Jerry was gifted with the ability to tie flies and many of his own children still use those flies to fish lakes, rivers and streams today.
In the fall of 1961, Gerry traveled north and purchased a half section in Willow Valley. He later rode the rails north with some cattle, pigs, chickens and the dog, sleeping between them for three days.
As their cow herd increased, Gerry became a member of the Sunset Prairie Community Pasture Association, taking the role of president for a number of years. As the work increased, Gerry’s health issues lead them to look for other possibilities. Ken purchased the farm in 1979 and Gerry, Emily, Doug and Robert moved to Mara, BC where they purchased the Mara Foodliner. They operated the store for 2 1/2 years and once again the call of the Peace brought them back. They purchased a quarter section in Bessborough and retired there.
Although Gerry had difficulties with Diabetes, he continued to enjoy many family outings and once again took pleasure in the great outdoors. His health deteriorated over the past year, and on November 17, 2006 at 78 years of age Gerry passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Bessborough.
Gerry was predeceased by his parents, one sister and one brother. He is survived by Emily his loving wife of 57 years, daughters: Gayle (Terry) Taylor and Arlene Hanson, sons: Ken (Sandy) Kirtzinger,
Doug (Betty) Kirtzinger and Robert Kirtzinger, 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held on November 22, 2006 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
