Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Joseph Shemanchuk
1927 – 2024
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his sister Mary Luchkow of Edmonton and his son Ron (Sandy) Shemanchuk of Lethbridge; grandchildren: Julie (John Lester) Shemanchuk, Dan (Genna) Shemanchuk, Laura (Joel) Gordon, Jeffrey (Eileen) Shemanchuk and Leah Shemanchuk (Matt Loria), and 13 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Sandy Chrapko and brother-in-law Ronald Chrapko as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his sister Mary Luchkow of Edmonton and his son Ron (Sandy) Shemanchuk of Lethbridge; grandchildren: Julie (John Lester) Shemanchuk, Dan (Genna) Shemanchuk, Laura (Joel) Gordon, Jeffrey (Eileen) Shemanchuk and Leah Shemanchuk (Matt Loria), and 13 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Sandy Chrapko and brother-in-law Ronald Chrapko as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife Clara, Joe was predeceased by his son Allan Shemanchuk.
Joe was born April 28, 1927 in Wostok, Alberta. He graduated from high school in Lamont, AB, then attended and received a diploma from the Olds School of Agriculture, followed by the University of Alberta, where he completed his B.Sc. in Agriculture and M.Sc. in Entomology. Joe worked as a Research Scientist at the Lethbridge Research Station from 1955 to 1991. He served in the militia, in the 18th Field Artillery Regiment, retiring with the rank of Major, and received the Canadian Forces Decoration Medal.
He married his wife Clara on September 1, 1951. Together, they loved to travel and hobby farm the original farmstead at St Michael, AB, near Wostok, AB.
Joe was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows for 50 years and received national recognition in honour of his long service. He was committed to community service and volunteered on several local communities, including the Lethbridge Housing Authority and Southern Alberta Community Living Association. He received recognition from FESC and Entomological Society of Canada.
The family would like to extended a thank you to the staff at St. Therese for exceptional care with our father.
A Celebration of Joseph’s Life will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH - 2329 15 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Trevor Potter officiating. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Joseph’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Guestbook (8)
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So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. May he rest in peace. I knew him from the Research Station. It was a pleasure knowing him and working in the next lab over. God bless. Dawn & Mike Gray
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He and Clara became "Uncle" Joe and "Aunt Clara" when our families became friends after we moved to Lethbridge from Warner in the mid-60s. Now Mom and Dad and Joe and Clara can resume their "nightcap" get-togethers.
Our sincere condolences for the passing of Joe. He and our father Jimmy Brown were dedicated members of the Oddfellows for many years. Known to me as the mosquito man for his extensive research on the subject. Rest easy and we meet again. God bless.
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe when I started volunteering at St. T. Such a sweet and interesting man! I will miss him.
Joe and Clara touched all our lives in special so many special ways. From the impromptu visits at the farm to lunches and dinners at the Legion. We're all so privileged know Joe because of his honorable and generous ways. Warmest regards, Helen, David, Barb Tymchak & family
I worked at the Research Station during some of the years that Joe worked there. I liked and respected him. With Deepest Sympathy, Faye Van Deurzen
So sorry to hear the passing of Joe . He worked with my dad and him my dad and Jerry spent quite a bit of time at my house when I was growing up. Joe and Clara were best friends with my parents. It was a pleasure knowing him and Clara.
Joe was the best neighbour for kids to have on the street.