Aloysius Bischoff

August 23, 1932 ~ September 22, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Aloys Bischoff announce his passing at the Medicine Hat Hospital. With family by his side, he passed peacefully on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the age of 92. Aloys loved his roles as a father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was an especially devoted husband to Bernadette. Aloys was born on August 23, 1932, to John and Irene (née Grimm) Bischoff. He lived and worked on their cattle and grain farm near Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. He met and later married the love of his life, Bernadette Deck, on October 22, 1960. Aloys had a deep love for the land. Though he faced a challenging start, he built a home and farm that he and Bernadette lovingly cared for well into their late 80’s. Alongside farming, he worked as a skilled carpenter, building homes, cabinets and other creative wood projects. In his 40’s, Aloys studied to become a piano tuner technician; serving clients in the surrounding communities. He officially retired as a farmer at 65, but Aloys never slowed down. He continued his carpentry work and piano tuning, tuning his last piano at the remarkable age of 85. Music was a lifelong passion. Every Sunday night he filled the house with accordion music. His children were inspired to dance so vigorously that it was necessary to brace the kitchen floor with fence posts. In later years, he and Bernadette annually attended accordion festivals in Kimberley, BC, and Naicam, SK, where they made many lasting friendships. Aloys had an unwavering commitment to his home community of Richmound. His countless hours spent on the construction of the community hall earned him the affectionate nickname “Mr. Chips.” He also crafted the church’s altar and tabernacle in the shape of a chalice and the well-loved gambling wheel for local events. Generous with his time, he was always ready to lend a hand to his farm neighbors, members of the community, and family. Aloys served on the church pastoral council, the community hall board and was a dedicated member of the Richmound Lions Club. He eagerly participated in club meetings, helping to prepare meals for those gatherings. He received one of the highest honors as a Canadian Lion – the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship Award. Above all, Aloys was a devoted family man. He took great pride in his children: Cyril (Pearl), Elan, Janine, Colin (Elizabeth), and Rejeanne; eight grandchildren: Christopher (Breanne), Stacey (Zach), Kye (Lauren), DeaElle (David), Alyssa (Cole), Brandon, Jeremy, and Aleiyah as well as eight great-grandchildren: Daemian, Camille, Lexi, Reece, Tucker, Faith, Hank, and Keith. Aloys is survived by his wife, Bernadette; brothers: Martin, Pat (Debbie) and Jeff (Karen); in-laws: Marina Klotz, Jack (Josie) Deck, Terri (Roger) Lajoie along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Irene; brothers: Nick, Len and Ben; sister, Eleanor; son-in-law, Keith Ehresman; sisters-in-law: Joyce, Kathy, Helen and Lucille as well as a brother-in-law, Harry Klotz. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, generosity, and community spirit. A Celebration of Aloys’ life will be held at the Senior Citizen’s Centre, 103 Cypress Street in Maple Creek on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Fellowship and socializing to follow. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting Cook Southland’s website at www.cooksouthland.com) Donations in memory of Aloys may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation Of Alberta, 119 – 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB., T2N 1Z6 or to the Alberta Lung Association, 103, 1259 – 91 Street S.W., Edmonton, AB., T6X 1E9. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4.  Telephone:  403-527-6455 or toll free at:  1-877-528-6455.

• Date : 2024-09-22
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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