PREGODA

With broken hearts we announce the passing of Dennis Charles Pregoda of Bluffton, Alberta.  Dennis passed away at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Monday, January 1, 2024, at the age of 83 years.      

Dennis was born in the Rimbey Hospital on October 30, 1940, to Charles and Charlotte Pregoda.  At the age of 17 years, he went to work on the drilling rigs for Petrolia Drilling at Cynthia, Alberta.  Dennis continued to work the rigs for about ten years from 1957 to 1967.  He bought his first quarter of land in 1963.  Dennis met the love of his life Phyllis Olesen from Rosalind, Alberta, and they were married in 1966.  Together they raised two children; Darla in 1969, with Doran following in 1972.  Dennis started employment with Christensen Diamond Coring in 1967, which took him on adventures all over the world.  His job also enabled him to work for them in the winter months and enjoy his passion for farming in the summers.  In the mid-1980s, Dennis and Steve Kenzle started up Kengoda Oilfield Services, which they operated until the Going, Going, Gone Sale in 2001.  Dennis also grew a remarkable collection of Caterpillar equipment over the years.  With his enthusiasm for the farm and his love for the land, Dennis retired to farming full time and continued to buy land and put up fences. 

“The history of the land is etched on the faces

– and in the hearts – of the farmers who till it.

Rest in peace, Dennis, amongst the winter wheat… ”

Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis; his daughter Darla Pregoda (Darcy Allen) of Ponoka; and his son Doran Pregoda (Kendra Olson) of Bluffton; as well as one very special and precious granddaughter Ava Pregoda.  He will also be lovingly remembered by two sisters Dolores (Leo) Arsenault of Winfield; and Debra (Richard) McMechan of Bluffton; in addition to three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; many nieces and nephews; other relatives; and a countless number of close friends.  Dennis was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Charlotte; his sister Dianne Kenzle; two brothers-in-law Clifford Kenzle and John Stadman; and one sister-in-law Linda Roth.

A Family Graveside Service took place at the Iola Fairview Cemetery, Bluffton on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Dennis’ Life was held at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre, 5109 – 54 Avenue, Rimbey on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., with Life Celebrant Brenda Watts presiding. 

*The pre-recorded funeral service video for Dennis is no longer available for viewing. Please contact us for additional details.

If desired, memorial donations in Dennis’ memory may be made directly to the Iola Fairview Cemetery, c/o R.R. 2, Bluffton, Alberta  T0C 0M0.  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 Dennis Charles Pregoda entrusted to the care of