Michael "Mike" George Hatala

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Michael “Mike” Hatala on January 18, 2021 at the age of 92.

Mike was born December 23, 1928 in Coleman, Alberta to John and Martha Hatala.  In 1930 the Hatala family bought and moved to a farm in the Crestomere district.  Martha along with her children Joe, Louis, Anne and Mike quickly adjusted to life on the farm while John remained in Coleman continuing to work in the coal mine and support the early days of the farm.   Mike attended school at Wilmot and his love of the land and passion for farming were key to him remaining on the family farm and becoming a proud farmer.  

Mike married Doreen Larsen of the Bobtail District in 1954.  Mike and Doreen remained on the original family farm and grew their family and farm over the following decades.  Mike and Doreen were blessed with two daughters Val and Janet and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.   

In 2001 Mike and Doreen were honoured with the Farm Family of the Year award by the province.  Mike had a keen interest in his grandchildren and their activities, he was eager to lend a helping hand and expertise with their 4-H Projects. Mike enjoyed visiting with family and friends to share farming stories and catch up on local news.  Mike was well known in the community, if someone needed a hand Mike was there to help.  He was instrumental in getting natural gas brought to the Crestomere area and was on the Gas Board for many years.  

His family and farm were his love, life and passion and he was able to enjoy both until the time of his passing.  Mike was faced with many health challenges over the last couple years, however, this strong spirited husband, father and grandfather was able to remain in his home surrounded by the love of his family until he went home to be with his Lord and Savior. 

Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Doreen; daughters Val (Rob) Somerville and Janet (Ron) Sperber; grandchildren Matthew, Nicole, Brayden (Kennedy), Colton Somerville, Samantha (Vince) Havelaar, and Jessica Sperber; as well as great-grandchildren Declan, Abigail, Silas, Michael, and Charlotte.  Mike was predeceased by his parents John and Martha Hatala; his brothers and their spouses Joe (Agnes) and Louis (Lillian) Hatala; and his sister Anne (Fred) Sachs.

Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, a private family Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the Ponoka Funeral Home.  A live-stream broadcast will be available at service time and the recording of the service will remain on this page for 90 days.  The viewer is located at the bottom of this page.

Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to Rimbey Home Care c/o Rimbey Hospital & Care Centre or any charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael "Mike" George Hatala, please visit our floral store.