LASTUKA, Edward

Edward “Ed” Lastuka

1936 – 2021

Edward Nicholas Lastuka of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Julie Lastuka for 61 years, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 10th at the age of 85 years.

Ed was born in Lethbridge, the youngest of four children born to Nick and Mary Ann Lastuka. Ed grew up on the family farm near Stirling and went to school in Readymade. He started farming at a very early age helping out his family. As a young man he liked hunting, fishing and going to Lethbridge with his friends. One of his hunting expeditions found him 3 miles east at the Stanko farm. This is where he met the love of his life and married Julie on October 22, 1960. Ed and Julie had 3 children; Gord, Connie and Mary-Jo. Everyone in the family learned all the skills needed for farming and worked together to succeed. Ed and Julie retired to Lethbridge in 1993.

Ed was immensely proud to be a Councilor for the County of Warner serving the community he loved so much. He was an active member of many clubs including the Lions Club of Stirling, Indian Hills Golf Club, Lethbridge Elks Club, Italian Canadian Club and the Knights of Columbus council 1490. Ed enjoyed BS-ing with friends, auction sales, golfing, curling, snowmobiling, sausage making and even singing. After retiring from the farm, he enjoyed trucking trips to California and driving tour bus for seniors, sport teams and bands.

Ed made miles! Countless hours spent going down gravel roads checking on crops, farmers and friends. Ed & Julie took trips with family and friends and enjoyed vacations travelling throughout Alberta, BC, Montana and numerous states from California to New York. Many winters were spent travelling south to enjoy the sun. They went on cruises, salmon fishing expeditions and trips to Europe and Hawaii. Ed loved to travel!

Another passion was his John Deere toy tractor collection. In retirement he travelled to toy tractor shows and exhibitions making friends, sharing stories and trading tractors. There were so many that oak cabinets were custom made to house his amazing collection. A true John Deere man!

Besides his loving wife Julie, Edward is survived by his son Gord Lastuka and his children Brad and Kenny; daughter Connie Bourassa (John Roos) and her children Madison and Nicholas; and daughter Mary-Jo Lastuka (Dan Brandon). He is also survived by his sister Barbara Doe and brother-in-law Jack Harmon.

Edward was predeceased by his parents Nick and Mary Ann Lastuka, sisters Ann Bobinec and Dorothy Harmon, brothers-in-law Vince Bobinec and Holly Doe.

Due to Covid 19 Restrictions a private Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.

A private Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.

Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

A public Reception will be held following the Interment at the Italian Canadian Club. Please be advised that the REP Program will be in effect, meaning you will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test that was taken within the last 72 hours.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.