BEXTE, Reinhard ‘Reno’ W. 1941 – 2024

Reinhard W. “Reno” Bexte of Strathmore (formerly of Mossleigh), beloved husband of Lydia, passed away at the Strathmore Hospital on December 30, 2024 at the age of 83 years.

Reno was born June 12, 1941 in Freischlag, Germany, to Bernhard and Anna Bexte. His family emigrated to Canada in 1953, settling in Picture Butte. In 1959, they left Picture Butte and arrived in the Arrowwood area. Like his brothers, he worked for farmers needing help, and for some years, worked for B&B (Beagle and Bexte) Service at Arrowwood.

He married Margaret Murdoch in 1962. At the time, Reno worked at the West End Garage in Arrowwood. In 1964, he began working for the Alberta Pacific Grain Company in Arrowwood, and in 1965, moved to Mossleigh where he managed the Parrish and Heimbecker elevator for the next 40 years. Reno and Margaret raised their two children, Lori and Bruce, in Mossleigh and kept busy over the years with their activities and community events.

Reno loved every minute of his job. The local farmers knew Reno had the coffee on every morning and many of the world’s problems were solved in his office at P & H! The kids knew that he always had chocolate covered coins in his top drawer to share with them if they were brought to the elevator when grain was hauled or moisture tests were needed. He enjoyed working with farms and their families, and always looked forward to planning the annual “Customer Appreciation Steak and Lobster Feed”, as well as the annual group trip to Las Vegas. After working for P&H, and then B&B, and then P&H again, Reno finally retired the last time in 2015.

Reno was a member of the local Lions Club and in 2022 received his 55 year pin, of which he was very proud. He was especially passionate about the creation of, and ongoing improvement of the Mossleigh Lions Park. He was “the Park Guy” who collected dues, took bookings, and mowed acres of grass. For many years, he and Marg camped there every chance they got. In 2016, the Lions Club surprised him with the honor of renaming the park the ‘Reno Bexte Lions Park’. It was one of his proudest moments.

Both Reno and Marg were active members of the Mossleigh Community Club – they both enjoyed it as they were always working elbow to elbow with friends. In February of 2009, Marg unexpectedly passed away, breaking our hearts.

In 2010, Reno married Lydia Kern of Mannville. They lived together in Mossleigh until 2016, and then moved to Lambert Village in Strathmore, where they made many good friends and enjoyed hours and hours of laughter. Just like when Reno and Marg they lived in Mossleigh, they became the unofficial Social Directors for the community of friends they made in Lambert Village.

Reno is survived by his loving wife Lydia, his daughter Lori (Guy) and their children Geoff (Heather) and Andrew (Jenn), and a Great Granddaughter Agatha, his son Bruce (Helen), his sister Sylvia, sisters-in-Law Nadine, Edna, Monica, Gladys, brothers-in-law Michael McLeod and Bruce Christensen, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Reno was predeceased by his parents Bernhard and Anna Bexte, his first wife Margaret, siblings Hugo (Charlotte) , Adolf (Dorothy), Clem (Tina) , Benny, Hubert, and Fred, brothers-in law Bernard Vogt, Pete Huckulak, and Jack Murdoch, sisters-in-law Rhonda McLeod and Vicki Christensen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mossleigh Community Hall with Pastor Dawn Nelson officiating. Family Inurnment at Arrowwood Cemetery immediately following the service. Live Stream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/o_OqAbDBGWE

Tributes in Reno’s memory can be made to the Mossleigh Lions Club (Box 17, Mossleigh, AB T0L 1P0) or to the Alberta Children’s Hospital (28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8.) or via e-donations at https://my.childrenshospital.ab.ca/give/.

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.