BREDESON, Ernest Marvin: April 20, 1931 - July 5, 2023 {also on Bredeson grave stone page}

Ernie Bredeson Ernie Bredeson of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of the Crystal Creek/Glen Leslie area, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the age of 92 years.  Ernie was born on April 20, 1931, on the family's homestead near Glen Leslie. Ernie and his two sisters, Evelyn and Marion, would walk those miles to school till Ernie hit grade 8 and then it was decided to stay home and help on the farm. Once old enough, Ernie ventured off on his own to work, finding himself at Trutch Mountain in an army camp. That is where the union of Ernie and Ellen first began. They were married six months later at Royal Banner Church in Valhalla, AB, in a double ceremony with Ellen's sister Esther and husband Chic Einerson, on December 1, 1953. In Ernie's words, they were married 57 years 10 months, and 4 days till Ellen's passing. Four children were born by 1963, and then they decided to move back to the family farm and make a go of it. Ernie took great pride in all his kids, his heart was full admiring his grandkid's zest for life, their gifts of kindness, strengths, and skills.  While farming Ernie was employed for many years as a grader operator for Weyerhaeuser. Even though Ernie would make friends with whomever he'd meet, it was there he cultivated lifelong friendships. He took great joy in clearing and building new roads and was very honoured to have a road dedicated in his name. "Bredeson Trail" which is an hour south of Grande Prairie. Ernie’s main hobbies were golf and fastball. Many years of chatter and skill playing 3rd base for the Crystal Creek diggers, then continued onto senior fastball. Once Ernie retired, he had best-laid plans creating beautifully landscaped flower beds. It was everything to watch wildlife and to listen to the birds while gardening. Bad weather would keep him indoors to read a Western novel or catch up on those Blue Jays!! Another hobby Ernie grew passionate about was cooking and he loved to share his meals with others.  Ernie loved to visit and was always interested in your story. He would have the most amazing stories himself to share, a walking history book one could say. Nothing made him happier than to make someone smile or laugh, that was his daily goal. He was a gentleman who respected every living thing or being and enjoyed every one. Throughout Ernie’s lifetime and union with his wife Ellen, they continued and carried a musical torch passed down from ancestors before them and gifted to their children and them to theirs. The family has played music for over 100 plus years throughout the Peace country.  He enjoyed his new friendships, being able to spend more time teasing his sister Evelyn during the short time he resided at Wildrose Manor and the crazy fun card-playing Tuesdays with his nieces and sister. Ernie's playful nature and giggles will be missed by many.    Ernie will be sadly missed by his four children: Cheryl Thompson (Jim), Les Bredeson (Sonia), Robert Bredeson, and Wendy Lynn Bredeson; grandchildren: Erin Thompson, Kim Thompson (Denny), Kristin Rycroft, Travis Bredeson (Sandy), Steven Bredeson (Amy), Cassandra Bredeson, Devon Bredeson, Dusty Rowland (Robyn), Kylee Rowland (Diane), Shaia Bredeson (Adam), and Skyler Floen (Cassidy); great-grandchildren: Ashton (Logan), Matthew (Alyssa) Kieran, Hadley, Bri, Brett (Taylor) Jackson, Draper, Jace, Ava, Emmery, Thales, Nelli; great-great-grandchildren Indigo and Iyla; as well as sister Evelyn his forever friend and cousin Wilf Bredeson.  He was predeceased by his loving wife Ellen Christina Bredeson; sister Marion Waldner and brother-in-law Andy Waldner; brother-in-law Bruce Rycroft; as well as parents Ed and Mabel Bredeson.  A private family Graveside service will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023. Ernie's children will be hosting a Celebration of Life at the Crystal Creek Hall, on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Please bring musical instruments, stories, and laughter. Memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House (7726 107 St., Edmonton, AB, T6E 4K3). CLIPPED FROM - Oliver's Funeral Home - Web Site -12 Jul, 2 023

Block 55, Lot 1

BREDESON, Ellen Christine (Swanson): February 15, 1932 - October 6, 2013 {also on Bredeson grave stone page}

Ellen Bredeson   Our beloved wife and Mother passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in Grande Prairie, at the age of 81, with her husband holding her hand until the end. Ellen was born in Consort, AB, third child of Swedish immigrants Karl and Elin Swanson. Her parents settled in the Valhalla area to raise their growing family. Three more children followed until tragically, her father died in a farming accident saving her oldest brother Swen's life. Her mother was left to raise six children and an unborn child alone. They endured many hardships, but with the help of neighbors and the strength of family, they stayed at the farm with their mother until they ventured out to begin their own lives. Ellen and her sister Esther went up the Alaska Highway to cook in the camps and it was there that they each met their future husbands. Ellen caught Ernie's eye at supper one night and after losing at horseshoes to her a couple of times, he figured that a girl with an arm like that he’d better marry her. Ellen and Ernie were married December 1, 1953 in a double ceremony with her sister Esther and her husband Chic. They enjoyed many activities while on the Alaska Highway. Both were avid curlers with many trophies, one of them still in the Alaska Highway museum with their names on it. In 1963, they gathered their four children and moved to the Glen Leslie area to take over the family farm. Ellen worked many years at the Plywood Mill in Grande Prairie to supplement the farm income. She and Ernie grew up in musical families and they spent many weekends playing for dances in the community. She passed her musical abilities on to her family, who are very gifted. Ellen was probably most known for her love of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They meant the world to her and she always had hugs and kisses for them whenever she saw them and they in turn adored her. She was officially the #1 pancake maker in the world. Family flocked to her home anytime word got out she was making them. Phone calls on a Saturday night from grandkids asking for pancakes on Sunday were common occurrences. These mornings were often followed by a heated dice game or vociferous card game with them. They loved these times with her. Ellen excelled at her baking and was in demand as bun baker for all family functions. She made many trips to town with steaming bags of buns, raisin bread and cinnamon buns. Ellen enjoyed the three B's – bingo, bowling and babysitting. Until a few weeks before her passing she was still visiting her friends at bingo and having sleepovers with her great-granddaughter Emmery. Ellen will be forever loved and missed by her husband of almost sixty years, Ernie. Their four children and their families: Daughter Cheryl (Jim) their children: Erin, Kim (Denny) and their children Ashton, Matthew, Kieran, Fallon and Hadley; Kristin and her sons Brett and Jackson. Son Les (Sonia) and their children Travis (Sandy) and son Draper, Steve (Amy) and son Jace. Son Rob and his children Cass and Devon. Daughter Wendy and her children Dusty, Kylee and his partner Clarissa and their son Thales; Shaia and her daughter Emmery; and Skyler. Her two sisters Esther and Ruth and many more extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents Karl and Elin, brothers Swen and Carl, sisters Anna and Lil. Ellen's wish was to be cremated. A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 7:00pm at the Bezanson Hall. Please bring your memories. In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated made in Ellen's name, to the Canadian Cancer Society (103 9805 97 St. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8B9). In Ellen's memory, if you would, please hug your children and grandchildren and tell them you love them. "Job well done." Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversgrandeprairie.com CLIPPED FROM - Oliver's Funeral Home - Web Site - 2013

Ellen Swanson married Ernie Bredeson (1953)

Block 55, Lot 2

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