Delbert "Del" Edwin Hadler

Delbert (Del) Hadler passed away peacefully on October 24th, 2023, at the age of 86 years. After 66 years together, he was predeceased by his loving wife, Marion, in July of this year.  Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Lori (Doug) Streifel; grandchildren, Chad Hadler and Michelle (Chad) Hurlbert; great grandchildren, Jaxon Hadler, Rio Hadler, Jada Hurlbert (Damon Jahraus) and Camryn Hurlbert; sister Cheri Knol; daughter-in-law Diane; as well as several nieces and nephews. Del was also predeceased by his son, Darrell Hadler; parents, Vic and Thelma Hadler; brother Dirk and his wife June, and brother-in-law Walter Knol.

Del was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, a younger brother to Dirk and a much older big brother to sister Cheri, who arrived twelve years later. The family moved to Medicine Hat in 1949 when his dad purchased the Greyhound Cafe and renamed it Vic’s Terminal Cafe.  Outside high school hours, Del was busy working at the cafe – serving up 25¢ double dip milkshakes, 45¢ loaded burgers, 75¢ roast beef dinners, and, inevitably, hand washing never-ending loads of dishes. In 1953, he joined his dad in opening the first of several small grocery stores, the last of which closed over 40 years later.  It was at that first store where an attractive cashier caught Del’s eye, and he married Marion Knodel in June of 1956. They were blessed with a son, Darrell, and a daughter, Lori.

Del was very social and enjoyed chatting with his grocery customers, most of whom he knew by name.  Customer service was important to him, from providing convenient charge accounts to grocery carry-outs. He took pride in maintaining an attractive store, designing many prize-winning product displays for supplier-sponsored contests.  He was pleased to have his son join the family business following his high school graduation. Del had a strong interest in interior design and decor, and it became a sideline business for well over a decade. Following his 40+ years in the grocery business, Del worked in real estate sales until his retirement.

 As the kids were growing up, many summer weekends were spent at the family cabin in Elkwater, boating, water-skiing, and visiting with friends who would drop by for a barbeque. Annual vacations were often spent travelling to British Columbia to enjoy camping in the mountains and lakeside.  In later years, Del and Marion enjoyed travelling in their RV.  Del was always a strong supporter of his kids’ many activities.  When grandchildren and eventually great grandkids entered their world, Del and Marion were overjoyed. They spent endless hours entertaining them and had as much fun as the kids did. Del’s Alzheimer’s Disease eventually necessitated a move into care at Masterpiece Southland Meadows.  The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Masterpiece for the excellent care provided to Del over the past several years.  As well, heartfelt appreciation is extended to the dedicated nursing staff at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice for their compassion and kindness during his final days. 

No formal service will be held as per Del’s request.

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