December 26, 1928 - July 2, 2021
Ed Reierson, 92, passed away July 2, 2021, in Camrose, at Bethany Meadows long term care centre. Edvin Bert Reierson was born December 26, 1928 in Edberg, AB, one of seven children born to Reier Reierson (Uvdal, Norway) and Bertha Jensine Sorensen (Aarhus, Denmark.) In his teen years he began working for Central Alberta Dairy Pool in Edberg, starting at the bottom as a cream can washer. With a strong work ethic, and leadership skills, he began training at various small-town creameries to learn the dairying business. Living in Coronation, Red Deer and Calgary he became skilled in butter making, poultry, egg production and supervisory skills.
Ed met Marie Frances Obermeyer while working in Coronation in the early 1950's. They were married May 17, 1954 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Coronation. By this time Ed was working for CADP in Red Deer and their only child, Donna Marie, was born there 11 months later. Always a hard worker and eager to lead, Ed progressively moved up the managerial ladder through various positions back to Coronation, then to Calgary and on to Stettler in 1965 as the Branch Manager of Alpha Milk Co., while Marie taught Grade One at Stettler Elementary School. Ed was actively involved in the community where he belonged to the Lions and Rotary Clubs, as well as serving as President. Ed and Marie made many dear friends through the years. Dancing, dinner and card parties and Birthday Club celebrations were always looked forward to. They loved to socialize and entertain friends and family. Marie was a dedicated member of Christ King Catholic Church and Ed attended church with her and Donna.
Ed and Marie purchased a lot at Buffalo Lake in 1974. This became their favourite place to be. However, in February 1978 Marie was diagnosed with cancer and passed away November 9, 1978 at age 47. Shortly thereafter, Ed was transferred to Lethbridge as Branch Manager and retired at the age of 60. He built a permanent home at Rochon Sands and traveled to Mesa, Arizona each winter. He had many friends at Venture Out and enjoyed golfing, dancing, cooking meals and many "Happy Hours" with his dear friends. Always an avid sportsman, Ed curled, played baseball, golfed, hunted geese and wild turkey with his brother LeRoy and went on annual salmon fishing trips to the coast. He served on the Student Finance Board for the Province of Alberta Advanced Education department for six years.
Donna married Terry Arseniuk in 1977 and Ed had the pleasure of watching his two grandsons Stephen and Shawn grow up and spend time at "the lake." He celebrated their achievements and welcomed their wives Danielle and Susie with open arms. He was excited when the great-grandchildren were born and everyone came to the lake. He cooked great meals, made homemade pie for dessert and always made sure there was wine to drink. The lake became the family gathering place to share laughter, love and memories. When Donna retired from teaching in 2015, she moved in permanently.
Always a strong, social and determined man, Ed began to decline at age 89. Dementia, the loss of use of his right arm, loss of speech, balance and mobility left him dependent on Donna for his daily living, until he was required to go into long term care. While waiting for a placement at Heritage House in Stettler, he spent time in Stettler and Coronation Hospital and a temporary placement at Bethany Meadows in Camrose. He will be dearly missed.
Ed was predeceased by parents Reier and Bertha Reierson; his beloved wife Marie; sisters Elvia Schulze and Viola Peterson; brothers Raymond and twin George. He is survived by daughter Donna Arseniuk; grandsons Stephen Arseniuk (Susie) and Shawn Arseniuk (Danielle); brothers LeRoy (Marcene) and Lawrence (Miriam); sister-in-law Maria (George), great-grandchildren Lucas, Elise, Isaac, Iris, Elliott.
Special thanks to Dr. Lockhat and nurse Paula Konschuh who went above and beyond in their care for Ed.
Funeral Prayers were held on Friday, July 9, 2021 and Mass was held July 10, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Christ King Catholic Church. Interment was held at Lake View Cemetery. Family and friends gathered in the Parish Hall for a time of fellowship. Memorial donations may be made to Animal Haven Rescue or the Mustard Seed Ministries.
Condolences can be sent to the family at
www.stettlerfuneralhome.com
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted
with the care and funeral arrangements.
403-742-3422
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium