Benard Stegen

Ben Stegen

February 1, 1923 ~ January 24, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our wonderful Dad, Benard Norvi Stegen.  He humbly came into this world February 1, 1923, born in the homestead house on the ranch and left us January 24, 2022, just a few days shy of his 99th birthday.  Ben was a dashing young man and quickly won the heart of Mavis, the new Jenner school teacher from England.    They travelled back across the big pond to England in 1959 for their wedding. Together they raised their family in Iddesleigh and then on the Stegen homestead ranch east of Jenner.  Over the years, Ben ran a hardware store and propane sales in Iddesleigh, was the serviceman for the I & J Gas Co-op, as well as his farm and ranch operation.  He especially enjoyed “branding season” and was active in the community organizations, always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.  After their retirement to Medicine Hat, Ben continued to enjoy good health, played ball, curled and fished into his early nineties.  One of the highlights of his senior slow-pitch career was pitching a shutout game at a tournament in Castor, AB at the age of 73.  Dad liked to volunteer his time at the the Kiwanis Club, especially for the annual Christmas Dinner Program.  He and Mom loved their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they came along and stayed active in the Medicine Hat community.

 Ben taught his family so many practical skills growing up on the farm/ranch, but it was his subtle teaching by example that resonates the strongest; his kindness, humility, generosity and genuine concern for other people.  In his simple words recently, “I just think its important to be nice to people.”  He was a gem of a person with such a playful and easy-going temperament.  The family he created of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved him and will dearly miss him, but we are comforted knowing that he is now comfortable and reunited with our mom.

 Dad moved into the Wellington Retirement Residence, where he quickly grew to be a favorite with the staff and resided until his passing.

Ben was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mavis; his parents, Helmer and Bertha; his three brothers, Harry, Leonard and Norman; his sister-in-law, Alice, and his niece, Marilyn.  He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Grant (Leanne) and his daughter, Carol (Dale); his grandchildren, Jenna (Rory), Tiffany (Kyle), Todd, Carly, Kayla and Janelle, and his two great-grandchildren, Ben and Luke and his niece, Marj (Gerald).

 A Celebration of Ben’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street SW, Medicine Hat on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Carl Bogda officiating. Due to current Covid restrictions, attendance must be kept to 50 people. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to contact Cook Southland Funeral Chapel at 403-527-6455, to have your name included on the attendance list. The Chapel Service will be live-streamed and anyone wishing to experience the service is welcome to visit www.cooksouthland.com and select the View Broadcast Button on the homepage at service time. Memorial donations in Ben’s name may be made directly to the Rainy Hills Lutheran Church, PO Box 65, Jenner, Alberta, T0J 1W0 or to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2H 0G5  or online www.kidney.ca (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455