Lorna Roberta Ganter

Lorna Ganter
November 13, 1940-January 25, 2023

Lorna Ganter passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Lorna Roberta Walker was born, along with her twin brother, Laurie, on November 13, 1940 in Lacombe, Alberta. The youngest in a family of eight, she grew up on her family’s farm in the Lacombe area. On October 31, 1959, Lorna married Tony Ganter from Reward, Saskatchewan. They started their married life in Red Deer, and started their family with their first son Dave while there. They later moved to Lacombe, where they added to their family with their first daughter, Linda. In 1962 they moved to Reward and took over the Ganter family farm. After moving to the farm, they completed their family with the additions of Fred, Dan and Kathy. Lorna was a devoted farm wife and mother, taking care of the house and helping in the field when she could. As long as she was able, you would still find her out at the farm during harvest time helping out.  

As her children grew, left home, and started their own families, Lorna happily took on the new role of Grandma. The family would eventually grow to 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Lorna was a proud attendee at hockey games and dance recitals, and never missed an opportunity to support her family. Family meant everything to Lorna, and she was never happier than when the house was filled with family. Later in life she also became an avid golfer and curler, and never missed an opportunity to watch the Brier and the Scotties on TV, or when she could, in person. Lorna was also a woman of deep faith, and was heavily involved in St. Peter’s Church as a sacristan and serving for a time on the Parish Council.

In October, 1997, Lorna’s world was changed overnight when Tony unexpectedly passed away. Lorna remained on the farm for a short time, but then decided to move into Unity. Through this time, Lorna grew closer to long-time family friend, Val Sperle, who was also grieving the loss of his wife. A bond formed, and Lorna and Val were married on November 25, 2000. In the late 2000s, Lorna became a devoted caregiver for Val as his health worsened, and after he was put into long-term care, she spent hours each day by his side until he passed in 2013.

Lorna is survived by her five children and their families: Dave (Carlotta) Ganter, and children Melissa (Vic), Michael (Megan), and Kimberley (Josh); Linda (Pat) Boser, and children Steven (Kalla), Ryan (Jelaine), and Travis (Curtis); Fred (Jewel) Ganter, and son James (Amber); Dan (Sharon) Ganter, and children, Bryce (Erika), Colby, Dylan (Caprice), and Chelsea; and Kathy Ganter (Jamie Gerein) and children Lisa, Chris, Craig (Courtney) and Jessica. She is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren, and by Val’s children, Judy (Cliff) Knowles, Joan Sperle (Gerry Guggenmos), and Glen Sperle, and their families.

Lorna was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Alice Walker; her first husband, Tony Ganter; her second husband, Val Sperle; and Val’s oldest son, Doug Sperle.

Lorna’s life was celebrated in a private family service at St. Peter’s Church on Monday, January 30, 2023. Following the service, she was buried next to Tony at the Holy Rosary Shrine Cemetery near Reward.

Tributes can be made to Unity Long Term Care Activities Fund.

Cards may be directed to: Dave Ganter: Box 1378, Unity, S0K 4L0

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