Obituary - Eugene Chevlekly

Mr. Eugene 'Gene' Chevlekly, passed away while surrounded by his family at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Monday, January 12, 2009 at the age of 79 years. Eugene was born in Russia on July 16, 1929. During the war, his mother took Gene to Canada to avoid him from being conscripted into the war as she had already lost her husband and Gene's older brother in battle. They moved around until 1950 when they immigrated into Canada at Halifax. They eventually settled in Fort Macleod where they started a family farm. Gene married Linda Jauernig on August 1, 1953. The couple resided in Lethbridge where Gene's career began. In 1963 they moved to Medicine Hat and the family business 'Gene's Bakery' in Crescent Heights was opened. Gene worked hard in the family business for 15 years. He was an excellent baker and was well known for his pastries and bread. Gene was extremely talented when it came to decorating birthday and wedding cakes. After selling the bakery, Gene continued to work as a baker with at various locations including Co-op and Safeway. He enjoyed reading - his favorite subjects were anything to do with history. He loved to debate and talk about historical events. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing billiards at Pete's Billiards. He will be remembered by his wife, Linda; children, Loris (Darrell) Schuetzle and Ralph and one granddaughter, Dana Wright. He was predeceased by his mother, Alina; father, Nikolaus; step-father, Frank Mark; brother, Valentine and a son, Robert. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13th Street S.W., on Thursday, January 15, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and again one prior to the funeral service from 1:00 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. The Funeral Service in Celebration of Gene's life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13th Street S.W., on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gene's name may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 124, 430 - 6th Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8.