August 28, 1945 ~ December 13, 2022

Darlene Gloria Burgevitz passed away at the Good Samaritan South Ridge Village in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at the age of 77 years​.  She was able to spend time with her sons Warren and Colin, and their families following her stay in the hospital in mid-November 2022, and are blessed to have had that precious time with her.  Prior to her decline in health, Warren was able to spend Halloween with Darlene at her residence handing out treats to costumed kids, which she greatly enjoyed.

Born on August 28, 1945, in Medicine Hat, AB, Darlene grew up during difficult conditions on the family farm near Elkwater after the great depression, the oldest of three children born to Karl and Hertha Sulz.  Darlene developed a very strong work ethic and was involved on the farm from an early age, learning how to cook many delicious homemade German family recipes, tending to various livestock, and cultivating a vegetable garden.  After completing high school in Medicine Hat, Darlene studied hairdressing and worked in a salon in Medicine Hat.  It was during this time that she met her husband John Burgevitz, who was a farm and ranching neighbour from the Little Plume/Tothill area, near where her parents farmed.  On August 29, 1969 Darlene and John married and moved onto the homestead house in the Little Plume, AB area near the Goose Lake school.  John used to attend the Goose Lake School by riding his horse back and forth from the ranch during his school days in actual conditions where if one had to walk – one actually would have had to walk uphill both ways and in -40 weather!  Darlene and John’s first home came without running water, nor indoor plumbing.  At that time, this was common of ranching homesteads, but the pair didn’t mind too much.  Darlene and John lived in the homestead house for two years, then were able to purchase some adjoining land with an improved house, which was formerly owned by Jack Stuber.

In 1970, Darlene and John were blessed with their first son Warren, and later in 1972, they were thrilled to welcome their second son, Colin.  As the boys grew up, they learned to help their mom and dad on the ranch, looking after temperamental roosters, chickens, ducks, cows and the like.  Darlene excelled at teaching the boys, using her own experience growing up on a farm.  She had many city customers wanting to buy a fresh farm-raised turkey, or farm-fresh eggs.  Darlene became an exceptional homemaker, and often fed the men working on their ranch.  A caring hostess, Darlene enjoyed preparing big dinners for her family and friends on every occasion.  One of the many delicious recipes requested at family gatherings was German strudel, which Darlene and her mom liked to prepare together.  She took exceptional pride in her home and always graciously hosted the majority of family gatherings over the years.

In February 1990, John passed away unexpectedly, which devastated Darlene and the boys.  After trying to keep things going on the ranch, Darlene decided it was time to sell.  She decided to move to an acreage near Medicine Hat so that she still had some land for her wonderful garden.  In her new home, Darlene would often get together with friends to play cards, sight see, go on day trips, and take in local rodeos.

Darlene loved becoming a grandma so much, that she received a total of four beautiful granddaughters; Taylor, Mykayla, Camryn and Sydney.  She was happy to be a large part of the girls’ lives, taking care of each of them in every way as they grew up, and offering lots of grandma-wisdom.

Darlene caught the travel “bug” later in life, and was fortunate to take a bus trip with a group of her friends to Branson, Missouri.  After Warren completed University, Darlene and he took a road trip to the United States, where they went to the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo and exposition.  It was a terrific adventure!  In 2005, Darlene decided to downsize, and moved into Medicine Hat, finding a home that still had a large garden.

In 2013, Darlene’s son Warren married Rea, and Darlene quickly built a close friendship with Rea’s mom, Betty.  In 2014 all decided to take a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean, giving Darlene her first opportunity to travel outside of North America.  Going on a cruise was a lifelong dream for Darlene.  Her favorite part of the trip, to her own surprise, was a deep-water submarine excursion in the Bahamas.

Darlene was a soft-spoken, gentle soul with a giant heart who loved her family and friends above all else.  She was in her element having a house full of family and friends, no matter what the occasion.  Darlene was the best mother and Grandmother a family could ever hope to have, and was always willing to offer a helping hand whenever needed.  She was so incredibly proud of her children, and grandchildren, and it was her family that was her greatest treasure, and accomplishment.  Darlene will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Darlene leaves to cherish in her memory her sons, Warren (Rea) and their son Nathan; Colin (Tammy) and their daughters, Taylor, Mykayla, Camryn, and Sydney; siblings Lorette (Jim) Banack and their families, and Clint (Barb) Sulz as well as many cousins, and their families.  Darlene was predeceased by her husband, John, his parents, John and Katherine Burgevitz, and her parents, Karl and Hertha Sulz.

A Celebration of Darlene’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat  on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. A luncheon will follow thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting 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.

• Date : 2022-12-13
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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