Obituary of Nora Wallan

It is with a deep sadness that we announce the passing of our wife and mom, Nora Wallan. She was a lifelong resident of the Beaverlodge, Hythe and Goodfare areas. Nora passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, August 6, 2022, in Beaverlodge, at the age of 79 years.

Nora was born on August 2,1943 to Nils and Jorann Kjemhus. The twins, (she was a twin to Norman) were born at home on the farm, 7 miles NE of Hythe. Nora attended school in the Royal Banner District. She loved to play ball and was very competitive. Nora was very social as a young girl and loved to be around people. She grew up on the family farm with her six siblings, until her marriage

 to Leslie (Les) on January 7, 1961.

Nora and Les moved to the farm in Goodfare in March of 1961 after the sudden passing of Les’ dad. On June 19,1961, their first son, Ricky, was born. They continued farming, growing grain, putting up hay, milking cows and shipping cream. They also raised beef cows, a few pigs, and chickens. Les continued to work in the bush over the winters. Nora had help most winters and was able to know which calf belonged to which mama cow without looking at the tag number. As the cow herd and farmlands increased, so did their family. Carey was born May 19,1962, followed by Kevin on June 13,1963, Barry on August 13,1964 and finally Wade on July 5,1968.

Nora and Les were involved in the oilfield with storage tank rentals, Cat rentals, fire fighting equipment rentals, and Vacuum trucks. They had shares in a meat packing plant in Beaverlodge as well. As the oilfield slowed down, they sold off their activities and returned to farming and increased their cow herd.

In 1995, they sold part of the farm at Goodfare and kept 6 quarters of pasture. They bought 2 quarters close to Hythe and built a house. They kept 20-30 cows at home just so they wouldn't forget what it was all about. Health issues was the deciding factor that seen them move into Beaverlodge in 2018. Nora was not really happy about the move, but accepted the decision. Nora always kept her yard and garden immaculate, and she was very proud of how green her lawn would be. Nora did the bookkeeping for most of the ventures and the farm. She even worked for awhile doing payroll and accounts for Carey's company.

Nora was an excellent cook, she set the “gold standard” for her buns, liked to pickle, and can fruit. First out of necessity and then for the enjoyment. The coffee pot was always on when she welcomed visitors into their home. A few things rubbed off on to her daughter in laws, but not much! Over the years the family grew to include 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Mom loved to watch all her sons play hockey and was very involved with the Hythe Mustangs Hockey Club. Gramma was the #1 fan for all her grandchildren and tried to make as many events as possible. She rarely missed a birthday or birthday party.

Mom was the center of our family. She loved nothing better than when the kids or grandkids would stop in. She loved being around her children, grandchildren and great -grandchildren. Our family camp out was a highlight for her. She was always smiling and up for a hug. She might have been small in stature but she was a powerhouse!

Nora is survived by her loving husband of 61 years; Leslie, sons; Rick (Jackie), Carey (Renee), Barry (Carla), and Wade (Helen), daughter-in-law; Sherri (Alan) Wenzel, grandchildren; Karci (Lincoln), Deri (Colin), Allie, Kelsey (Sheena), Brendan (Danielle), Carling (Jesse), Camryn, Jensyn, Darby (Tori), Kori (Cass), Kaylene, Shae, Aimee (Kody), Reid, great-grandchilren; Eller, Eastyn, Daylen, Duke, Grayson, Halle, Kade, Hunter, Berlin, Emery, Rand, Bentley, Colt, Weston, Brett, Maddie, Ayden, Avery, Annika, Brynn, Breah, Asher, Harlowe, Romee, and Chey, sister; Gunda (Lawrence) Napen, brothers; Arnie (Lila) Kjemhus, Harold (Faye) Kjemhus and Norman (Margo) Kjemhus, sisters-in-law; Faye Grimm, and Betty (Elmer) Valin, as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Nora was predeceased by her son; Kevin, parents; Nils & Jorann Kjemhus, sister; Thora Kjemhus, brothers; Finn (Bethel) Kjemhus, Ole (Bernice) Kjemhus, parents-in-law; Waldimar & Mary Wallan, sisters-in-law; Doreen Murphy and Vi (Allan) Atkinson and brother-in-law; Glenn (Joanne) Wallan.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 1:00pm AB Time at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Hythe, Alberta. Pastor Kevin Throness will officiate. Interment will follow in the Gimle Cemetery, Goodfare, Alberta.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Nora to the Gimle Cemetery, Box 323, Beaverlodge, Alberta, T0H 0C0. 

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium