Obituary - Wallace Wutzke

Born at home in Norton, Alberta on June 21, 1928, Wallace passed away peacefully with family by his side at Masterpiece Southland Meadows Retirement Residence in Medicine Hat on June 29, 2025, at the age of 97 years.

He is survived by his daughters, Marlene (Larry) Hodinsky of St. Paul, Karen (Kevin) Bjornstad of Spruce Grove, Jeanette (Barry) Brown of Calgary, Janet (Fred) Lawrence of Elk Point, and Susan Gassner (Gary Holland) of Kindersley, Saskatchewan; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Jean Maier and Shirley Vossler of Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Wallace was predeceased by his wife, Irene; daughter, Linda Bartee; son, Darryl; sons-in-law, James Bartee and Mark Gassner; step-grandson, Lawrence Bartee; parents, Theodore and Matilda Wutzke; two brothers, Dave (Ruby) and Archie (Emma) Wutzke; sisters, Alice (Bill) Ulrich and Lily (Dave) Stock and brother-in-law, Sam Maier, all from Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Wallace married Irene Young of Medicine Hat on January 8, 1952. After their marriage, they lived in Medicine Hat where Wallace worked at Maser’s Lumber. Several years later, the family purchased a farm near Seven Persons. In 1966, Wallace acquired a family farm in Elk Point where they lived and raised their seven children. Farming was challenging and Wallace often took jobs off the farm to supplement their income, including pipeline work and as a Foreman for the gravel crusher at Bucks Construction in Elk Point. He retired from farming in 1987, and the farm was sold. Subsequently, he moved to Elk Point and became a Foreman of the gravel crusher for the County of St. Paul, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. Wallace and Irene decided to return to their roots in Medicine Hat. While living in Elk Point, he traveled back and forth to Medicine Hat where he stick-built a new home essentially by himself.

Ten years after Irene’s passing in 2002, Wallace was blessed to reside 12 years with his companion, Alma Gutfriend.

He was a hardworking, independent and conscientious worker who tackled any project fearlessly. It was hard to keep up with him, and he never knew when to quit. Despite limited education, Wallace’s achievements were remarkable. His work ethic, energy, and physical abilities continued until his passing and he instilled these traits in his children and grandchildren. Wallace loved fishing and was a competitive fisherman with family and friends year-round. He earned the nickname "Disco Wally" for his love of dancing and at the age of 85 he became an avid bowler.

He was known for his willingness to assist others and share his expertise, despite his busy routine.

The family is grateful for the care that Wallace received for the last seven months from Masterpiece Southland Meadows continuing care facility.

Cremation has been entrusted to Cook Southland Funeral Chapel. A private family celebration will be held at a later date with interment at Pochaiw Cemetery, Stoney Lake. Memorial donations in Wallace’s name may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 119 - 14 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6.