Riverside Funeral Home Inc.

07/13/2026

Elisabeth Auguste Dorothea Dina Boettcher

Elisabeth Boettcher passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital on Thursday, July 9, at the age of 96. She died of natural causes after spending her final three weeks in the care of the hospital's dedicated staff.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, personal support workers, and physicians at Peaceful Meadows Retirement Home in Brunner, and the staff of Stratford General Hospital's Department of Medicine, for their compassionate care and kindness.

Elisabeth was born in Hannover, Germany, and immigrated to Canada with her family in 1978. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Herbert, in 2019 after 59 years of marriage, and by her son Dirk in 1985. Elisabeth's loss is felt deeply by her loving family: her sons Chris (Gabi) and Jan (Mary Jane); grandchildren Erik (Edda), Martin (Maria), Olaf (Amanda), Peter (Johanna), Ingrid (Dylan), Sascha (Taylor) and Maika (Robert); and her six great-grandchildren. Elisabeth will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her quiet strength, and the warmth and dedication she showed to family and friends. She was a wonderful, loving, and supportive mother to her three sons, and she remained deeply interested in the world around her. An avid reader and history enthusiast, she also kept a keen eye on current events throughout her life.

Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations may be made out to Peaceful Meadows Retirement Residence (Brunner) or Stratford General Hospital.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340 Brussels N0G 1H0 or dropped off at the service.

The Memorial Service will be celebrated on Sunday, July 26, 2026, 11 a.m. at Riverside Funeral Home, 401 Albert Street, Brussels.

View Elisabeth Dorethea Dina Boettcher's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/25/2026

George Alexander Adams

Passed away peacefully at Huronlea Home for the Aged on Tuesday June 23rd, 2026, just one month shy of his 98th birthday.

Beloved husband of the late Maxine Farrish (1930-2013).

Loving father of Susan Adams, John Adams, Carol Adams & Jose Candanedo and Jean & David Beard.

Proud grandfather of Adam Beard and Michelle Ross.

Dear brother to Helen (Adams) Edmonds and brother-in-law to Helen (Irwin) Farrish.

George will be remembered by his surviving first cousins in the Adams and Doig families, the remaining Whyte and Love first-cousins-in-law families and many nieces and nephews in the Farrish families, and especially remembered by his nephew Steve and Donna Adams and his family.

Predeceased by his parents Russell Adams & Merle Doig, and siblings Bruce (1930), Lois (1936) and Rae (1997), in-laws in the Farrish family including Elmer & Hilda, Jasper & Cherie, Bower, Millie & Don Leader and Johnstone Farrish.

George was born, raised and farmed in Howick Township until he was 70 years old. George was a veteran serving with the WWII as part of the Reserve Class C and the 99th Field Battery from 1944 to 1945 when the war ended. He celebrated his 16th birthday at the Petawawa Base.

George was an avid traveler, since the 1970’s starting with exploring his Scottish roots, then continuing with Huron County Cattlemen's Association organized trips and finally travelling with friends to every continent including the Antarctic. George and Maxine made many friends while traveling and especially loved their trips to New Zealand and England. Several times they toured their international friends across Canada from Vancouver Island to the Maritimes. George also loved to fish with his buddies across Northern Ontario, the Northwest Territories and took many salmon fishing trips to the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Once he and Maxine retired from farming and moved into Brussels in 1997, George took up woodworking which evolved into building furniture and tables, Adirondack chairs, BBQ scrapers and over 2,500 birdhouses. George was delighted to learn that following a series of articles about his birdhouses in the "More Our Canada" magazine and on the CBC, the story was picked up by the British newspaper The Times; "Not bad for an old farmer from Ontario" he would say. Birdhouse sales went to the Masonic Lodge Prostate Cancer Research Fund raising nearly $25,000. George was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and the Brussels Legion for 25+ years. He loved to cook for the Brussels Legion’s Famous Fish Frys.

Friends and family are invited for a visitation on Saturday, June 27th from 3-5 pm at Riverside Funeral Home at 401 Albert Street, Brussels ON.

Interment in Wroxeter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to Fordwich Masonic Lodge: Birdhouse Account or the Brussels Legion would be appreciated.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

06/20/2026

John Klasen

Passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by family at Stratford Hospital on June 19th, 2026, in his 70th year.

Loving husband to Jane for 45 years.

Proud Dad to Jeff & Nicole Klasen, Michelle & Mike Holden, Kristi & Brian Hoogstra and Bryan Klasen.

Papa to Priscilla and Rosalie Klasen, Lincoln and Parker Holden, Zack and Reseda Hoogstra.

Brother to Gerty & Henk Ottens, Jane & Bill Krul, Irene & Bernie Dobben and Stan & Charlene Klasen.

Brother-in-law to Ed & Audry Rooseboom, Marg & Christian Pauquet, Harry & Marielle Rooseboom, Rick Rooseboom, Al & Jeanette Rooseboom and Sandra & Peter Visscher.

Missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.

Predeceased by parents George & Alice Klasen.

John was a man deeply rooted in his faith, guided by his love of Christ and a strong work ethic that shaped every aspect of his life. More than anything, he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and family, and nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with those he loved most. Through nearly seven decades of hard work, service, and dedication to others, he touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

He was...

Never afraid of hard work.

Never one to sit idle.

Never missed work.

Never missed an opportunity to help, volunteer, or lend a hand.

Never let sickness slow him down.

He...

Always placed Christ first.

Always loved his family, no matter what.

Always willing to help others.

Always working on a project.

Always had to win.

He...

Loved the outdoors.

Loved working in the yard and caring for his property.

Loved camping, motorbiking, and spending time in nature.

Loved a good stout beer.

Loved staying active and productive.

Loved using even his vacations to work on a project or help someone in need.

Cremation has taken place.

Friends and family are invited to visitation at Blyth Christian Reformed Church on Thursday, June 25th from 5-8 pm.

Funeral service will follow on Friday June 26th at 11am. Service will be streamed via the Blyth CRC Youtube Channel.

Pastor Bart Eisen officiating.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to Mission to Haiti Canada would be appreciated.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 199 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View John Klasen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/03/2026

George Cowan

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 23rd at London Health Sciences Centre in his 78th year.

George is survived by his brothers Dwight (Marion) and Chris (Barb).

Loving uncle to Sherri, Wendi, Tim, Jeff & Julie.

Predeceased by parents William & Violet Cowan.

George will be deeply missed by many cousins and friends.

A private, family service has taken place at Blyth Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Huron Perth or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View George Cowan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/27/2026

Janet Haertel

Haertel, Janet Catherine (née Stewart)

Passed away peacefully at Seaforth Community Hospital on May 14, 2026, in her 93rd year.

Janet was a trailblazer for her time, known for her adventurous spirit. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, and caring for the many animals she loved. Strong, spirited, and unforgettable, Janet was truly a force and will be greatly missed.

A come & go gathering for Janet will take place Sunday, June 14th from 2-4 at Riverside Gardens (401 Albert St. in Brussels).

Memories of Janet will be shared at 3 pm.

Donations to the Brussels Lions Club, Brussels United Church, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, ON, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

View Janet Haertel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/27/2026

John Boneschansker

Passed away peacefully with family by his side at Seaforth Hospital on Tuesday May 26th in his 92nd year.

Beloved wife to the late Carol for 67 years.

Loving dad to Bill (Susan) Boneschansker, Dorothy (Bob) Cummings, Annette (Brian) Benson, Cathy (Brad) Clarke, Bruce (Shelley) Boneschansker and Robert (MaryAnne) Boneschansker

Loving grandpa to 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Brother to Gus (Rita) Van Buren, and Steven (Ina) Boneschansker, and Hilda Dykstra.

Brother-in-law to Kor (Antje) Meijer of Holland, and Jean Boneschansker.

Predeceased by brother Bob Boneschansker, brother-in-law Ralph Dykstra and brother-in-law Dirk Meijer.

John immigrated with his family from Holland on July 29th, 1949. At 15 years old he started as a vegetable famer in the Holland Marsh. While at church he caught the eye of a young Carol Meijer and they were married on October 28th of 1954 during Hurricane Hazel. They honeymooned in Holland, then came home and settled in the Newmarket area where they started a family. While living on Scugog Island John worked at GM in Oshawa, while operating a small mixed farm and adding 4 more kids. With all the kids in tow they packed up and moved to the Ethel Area in 1968, to own his first farm, a dairy farm, then switched to vegetable farming before retiring.

John was active in the Brussels Lions Club, the Brussels Agricultural Society and was a 4-H leader. John enjoyed going to church and was a member of Melville Presbyterian Church since 1968. He was the taxi driver for all the kids running them to different sports and hobbies. In 2022 after losing the love of his life John bought his 1988 Chrysler LeBaron convertible in red and drove it all over the place.

John was very social and had a unique sense of humour that will be missed by all his friends.

Visitation will take place on Monday June 1st from 10am-11am at Melville Presbyterian Church with funeral service to follow at 11 am.

Interment at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Ethel.

Doug Sargent officiating.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to Melville Presbyterian Church, Seaforth Community Hospital or the Brussels Lion's Club would be appreciated.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340 Brussels, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View John Boneschansker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/19/2026

Janet Haertel

Haertel, Janet Catherine (née Stewart)

Passed away peacefully at Seaforth Community Hospital on May 14, 2026, in her 93rd year.

Janet was a trailblazer for her time, known for her adventurous spirit. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, and caring for the many animals she loved. Strong, spirited, and unforgettable, Janet was truly a force and will be greatly missed.

Donations to the Brussels Lions Club, Brussels United Church, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, ON, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

View Janet Haertel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/07/2026

John & Wilma Hessels

Tragically on May 5th, 2026 in Wyoming, Ontario John and Wilma Hessels of Goderich went to be with their Lord and Saviour and became reunited with their daughter Tina and great granddaughter Lyla.

Loving parents to Patricia & Richard Roetcisoender and Susan & Robert Crump.

Adoring grandparents to Katelyn (Jake) Greg (Christina), Melissa, Daniel .

Great grandparents to Austin, Myles, Madison.

Missed by many siblings; Everett & Cheryl Hessels, Florence & Ken Janower, Peta Branderhorst, Janie Wilts, Koos & Rita Verburg, John & Margaret Verburg and Sylvia Nonkes.

Predeceased by parents Frank & Tryntje Hessels and Johannes & Antje Verburg, siblings Jenny & Fred Veenstra, Arend Hessels, John Branderhorst, Martin Wilts, and Tony & Roely Verburg.

John and Wilma will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Friends and family are invited to visitation on Friday May 8th from 7-9pm at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Goderich, and Saturday May 9th from 10-11am. with funeral service to follow at 11am.

Interment at a later date in Maitland Cemetery.

Pastor Tim Keep officiating.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to Trinity Christian Reformed Church or Belwood Lodge and Camp would be appreciated.

Please forward donations to Box 340 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View John & Wilma Hessels's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/01/2026

Dale Wanless

The eldest son of predeceased parents, Dorothy and Wilkie Wanless, rode off into the sunset on April 11, 2026, leaving behind brother Marty of Vancouver and Gary (Nancy) of Red Deer and their children Leissa (Jamie) and great nieces Madison and Samatha and a great nephew Tyler; Cory (Cora) and great niece Maya; and Ethan.

Born May 18th ,1947 and raised in Edmonton Alberta, Dale and his brothers relocated as their father’s employment opportunities changed. After completing his BA degree at Western, he then went on to receive his Teaching Certificate. His booming no-nonsense teacher voice still echoes in the halls form schools in Burlington, Brussels and Wingham. When he retired, he continued working on the Dockett Farm on the outskirts of Brussels. Dale was character who wore many hats. He will be remembered for driving the stagecoach in the production of The Outdoor Donnellys or a horse drawn carriage for a newly married couple. However, Dale’s first and greatest love was for his horses and dogs. The Wanless Family truly appreciate the locals and neighbours Scott and Garth and close teacher friends Lois and Colin for supporting Dale over the years, especially during these last few difficult ones.

Friends can say “Happy Trails’ to Dale on Tuesday May 19th, 2026, from 2-5 pm at Riverside Funeral Home Brussels, as he follows the Call of the West.

In lieu of flowers and expressions of sympathy donations in Dale’s memory may be made out to Adopt a Pet Rescue and sent to Box 340 Brussels ON N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

“It’s not the end of the trail for me. I’ve just travelled, you see, up ahead where the green pastures grow and the cool water streams dance as they flow.”

View Dale Wanless's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Emily Ann Cousins

Emily Ann Cousins of Brussels, passed away at the age of 84 on March 31st at Victoria Hospital in London with her family at her side.

Emily was the beloved wife of the late George Cousins (2016). Proud Mother to Tim (Krista) of Cambridge and Laura (Jorge) of London. Also loved by her grandson Dean Cousins, Dean's mother Angela, and by her many nieces and nephews. Sister to Lewis Metzger and David (Elaine) Metzger.Predeceased by parents Sylvester & Dora Metzger (Schaus), sisters Audrey (Rodney) Helwig, Gloria (Cliff) Van Slyke, brother Bill Metzger and sister-in-law Patricia Metzger.

Emily was born in Neustadt Ontario on February 22, 1942, and grew up in Hanover. At the age of 17, Emily began her career as a teacher in a country school house in Bruce County. After attending Teacher’s College, she moved to Brussels to teach at Brussels Public School for the remainder of her career where her dedication and love for teaching shone through, earning her a special place in the hearts of many students. Emily had a gift for delighting audiences, delivering thoughtfully crafted, clever and hilarious speeches at Grade 8 graduations and family reunions. Emily’s love for playing the piano stayed with her throughout her life, and her music was deeply cherished by all who heard it. Many fond memories were made gathered around the piano, singing together with both the Metzger families and Cousins families. Some cherished favourites by her family and students include The Boogie Woogie Ghost, Blueberry Hill and Columbus. After retirement, Emily continued her love of teaching by inspiring children through piano lessons and tutoring, guided by her passion for helping children learn. Emily also loved knitting, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board games, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to Brussels United Church on Saturday April 11th at 11:00 a.m. for the funeral service. Reverend Alex Jebson officiating. Interment in Brussels Cemetery to follow.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy can be made to the Brussels United Church or to One Care Home and Community Support Services would be appreciated. Condolences may be shared at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

View Emily Ann Cousins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.