MENGE

Ida “Helene” Menge of Red Deer, Alberta, formerly of Rimbey, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the age of 98 years.

Helene and Reinhold lived and worked for many years on their farm in the Lavesta community near Rimbey.  Helene suffered a stroke in 1986 and relocated to an apartment in Red Deer the following year.  A few years later, she moved into the Pines Lodge and lived independently for 30 years.  After suffering a fall and a broken femur, Helene had to move to supportive living at Extendicare Michener Hill and has resided there for the past 2.5 years. 

Helene was known and loved for her fierce independence, her perseverance, her honesty, her smile, and her sense of humour.

Helene is survived by her loving and devoted family:  her daughters Sieglinde James of Chemainus, B.C. and Honey Menge of Kaslo, B.C.; her sons Lutz (Lori) Menge of Red Deer and Edgar (Angelika) Menge also of Red Deer.  Helene (“Oma”) will also be lovingly remembered by her treasured grandchildren Jeanne, Marina, Jason, Jolene, Jenny, Janis, Steven, Tracy, Pamela, and Maxim, and their spouses; as well as numerous great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her son-in-law Colin James of Chemainus, B.C.; her daughter-in-law Diane Hayden of Rimbey; and two sisters-in-law Gertrude Hollasch of Calgary and Brigitte Hollasch of Ontario; in addition to many nieces and nephews.  Helene was predeceased by her former husband Reinhold; her son Ronald; her granddaughter Julia; a great-granddaughter Irene; two brothers Albert and Walter Hollasch; and her sister Anna Ulmer.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Pines Lodge for all the years of loving, dedicated care and friendship to Mom.  We are also grateful to the few special people who went the extra mile to show kindness and patience towards Mom in her time at Extendicare, and the compassionate care received by staff at the RDRHC, Unit 33, in Mom’s final days.

With respect for Helene’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held.  A Private Family Graveside Service took place at the Iola Fairview Cemetery, Bluffton on Thursday, October 24, 2024.  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Service and Burial Arrangements for the Late Ida “Helene” Menge entrusted to the care of