Obituary - Colleen Dehmke
Colleen Dehmke
1958 - 2026
Our beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Colleen Helen Dehmke, passed away in Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the age of 67 years.
Colleen was born on September 7, 1958, in Biggar, Saskatchewan, to Walter and Joan Dehmke. She spent her early years in Saskatchewan before moving to Saskatoon to pursue her education. She attended the University of Saskatchewan and Kelsey Institute, where she trained to become a Registered Nurse.
Colleen dedicated much of her life to caring for others. Over the years she worked in pediatrics, orthopedics and long-term care. Later, she devoted many years to elder abuse prevention, advocating for and protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
While living in Saskatchewan, Colleen welcomed her first three daughters. She later moved to Hanna, Alberta, where she continued her nursing career before welcoming her youngest daughter. In the years that followed, Colleen embraced life as a stay-at-home mom while also pursuing several small business ventures. Later in life she lived in Sylvan Lake before eventually retiring to Medicine Hat.
Retirement didn’t slow Colleen down. She had a deep love for travel and adventure, and turned that passion into another chapter of life by becoming a certified travel agent, helping others explore the world as well. In recent years she enjoyed trips to Mexico, Greece, Germany, and a memorable cruise through the Panama Canal that included time in Costa Rica. She also loved spending time on Vancouver Island, where she enjoyed house-sitting and taking in the beauty of the West Coast.
Colleen had many passions. She loved painting, traveling and spending time outdoors. She especially enjoyed going for walks with her friends and taking in the fresh air. Nothing brought her more joy than cheering on her grandchildren at their sports. She was a proud ringette grandma and rarely missed the chance to watch from the stands and support the kids she loved so much.
Colleen is survived by her children, Heather (Ben), Bonnie, Jenny (Kyler), and Elizabeth (Nolan). She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Jetaime, Danton, Leighton, Samuel, and Ellie, as well as extended family members and friends who loved her dearly. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Joan Dehmke and her sister, Brenda.
Colleen will be remembered for her caring heart, her strength, her quick wit and the love she poured into her family and the many people she cared for throughout her life.
Celebration Of Life
Victory Lutheran Church, 2793 Southview Drive S.E., Medicine Hat
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Roland Weisbrot officiating
Luncheon to follow
The service will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience the celebration may visit the following link: https://victorylutheran.ca/livestream Memorial donations in Colleen’s name may be made to Lymphoma & Leukemia Society of Canada, PO Box 9713 Station M, Calgary, AB, T2P 0E9.
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Sandy Bexon:
Mar 10, 2026 at 05:38 PM
Colleen has been a true gift in my life since the day I met her in Hanna all those years ago. We shared many of life’s big milestones together and she was a kind, engaged friend. She loved her four daughters and their families above all else. I share your grief.
Susan Herity:
Mar 10, 2026 at 05:42 PM
I am so incredibly sad to hear this news. My heart goes out to her daughters whom she loved greatly.
Dorie Tennant:
Mar 10, 2026 at 07:02 PM
The news of Colleen’s passing is such sad news. The world was a better place to have her in it. My heart goes out to her family, friends and all those touched by her loss
Linda Peddle:
Mar 10, 2026 at 07:43 PM
I have been truly blessed to have had lovely Colleen as a close friend since we met in our twenties. She was always a helpful optimistic kind and joyful friend who was in my cheering section. She loved her family above all else and was so proud of her children and grandchildren. We had enjoyed many a day walking along a beach in B.C. enjoying nature. She has left us a legacy of joy and peace. We will all miss her dearly.
Laura Zimmerman:
Mar 10, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Many prayers and tender thoughts sent to her family and friends… loss is a struggle for all of us, let her memory’s be a comfort🌺
Irene and Norm Claassen:
Mar 11, 2026 at 12:01 AM
What a beautiful tribute to your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Colleen was a kind and caring friend. She had a heart for others and deeply loved her family. Her love for nature and the sea was reflected in her artwork so creatively. I will remember fondly our times of visiting and exploring and picking Saskatoons with our big floppy hats on. We pray for peace and calm for you all. She will be deeply missed.
Laurie Templar:
Mar 12, 2026 at 12:26 PM
My deepest condolences to all of Colleen’s family and friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Berarducci (Netter):
Mar 12, 2026 at 02:15 PM
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was one of the first people I met when my parents moved to Hanna, and her beautiful personality and smile made us all love her and my daughter, Darian and Beth quickly became good friends. My deepest condolences, love and prayers to her daughters and family. ❤️🫂🙏
Trish Hickle:
Mar 12, 2026 at 04:11 PM
My condolences to all Colleen’s family! Her kindness and nursing skills were a gift to our world. Colleen will be missed by many!🙏
Cheryl Hirst:
Mar 12, 2026 at 04:56 PM
My sincere sympathy to all the family. She will be missed at the condo. She had such a kind heart.
Elizabeth Martin:
Mar 12, 2026 at 11:33 PM
I always enjoyed my time spent working with Colleen at Hanna LTC. She was a fine nurse and a truly good soul. Sincere condolences to Colleens beloved daughters and grandchildren along with all family members and friends.
Donna Tohm:
Mar 13, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Colleen was the first friend I had when we moved to Hanna. She made me feel so welcomed and I often stopped by her house for coffee. I so enjoyed those visits. My sincere sympathy goes out to her daughters. Your mom was a loving, caring person.
Angie Warwick:
Mar 13, 2026 at 11:49 AM
My sincerest sympathies to Colleen’s family. I was always inspired with her enthusiasm as a small business entrepreneur & spent many hours in conversation & purchasing her products over the years. This comes as a huge shock at an age much too young.
Mary Ellen Herzog:
Mar 13, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Sending our sincere sympathy
Randy, Mary, Ellen, Ashley and Marcus Herzog and family
Cindy Werner:
Mar 14, 2026 at 09:42 PM
I had the pleasure of meeting Colleen first as our church secretary when I began my ministry in Hanna. She welcomed me into the church family with open arms. She hosted me many times in her home for meals as I was in Hanna by myself. I miss her and cherish her. I am happy for her that her physical struggles are over and she is in the arms of Jesus. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Adeline Cottrell:
Mar 18, 2026 at 09:18 AM
My sincere condolences to the family & close friends.