Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 12:00 a.m.
Kusalik, Joseph "Joe"
It is with great sadness, that we say goodbye to JOSEPH "JOE" KUSALIK, beloved soulmate of Mary. He passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Health Centre after a valiant battle with congestive heart failure at the age of 87.
It is with great sadness, that we say goodbye to JOSEPH "JOE" KUSALIK, beloved soulmate of Mary. He passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Health Centre after a valiant battle with congestive heart failure at the age of 87.
Joe will be forever cherished by his six children: Anthony (Jane Mason) of Saskatoon, SK, Peter (Mary Chan) of Calgary, AB, Christine (Gerry) Kramer of Lethbridge, Marianne Hellawell of Fort Macleod, AB, Daniel (Rowena) of Creston, BC and Mark of Lethbridge, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Joe is survived by sister-in-law Mary of Calgary, AB, his brother Edward of Daysland AB, sister Helen Bruneel of Chatham, ON, many nieces and nephews, the Badura family, and numerous family and friends in Ontario and the Czech Republic.
Joe is predeceased by an infant son Joseph, his parents Steve and Stephanie, brother John, sister-in-law Joanne, and brother-in-law Roger Bruneel.
Joe was born in Fletcher, Ontario and raised on a farm. In May 1954, at the age of 20, he left Chatham, Ontario for Alberta, seeking employment where he met Mary, the love of his life. Joe and Mary were married Nov. 12, 1955 and settled in Taber where he built their first home. They raised five children on the family farm before moving to Grassy Lake, where their last son was born. There they spent many wonderful years working side by side farming with the help of their children. Joe enjoyed being out on an open John Deere tractor. He was instrumental in establishing the Southern Alberta dry bean industry. Work came first, but there was always time for family, fun and his faith. Joe was a man of many talents and ingenuity, and he was not afraid to take up new challenges. In 1987, at the age of 55, Joe and Mary retired to Lethbridge where he enjoyed many of his hobbies, such as growing grapes, making wine, traveling, carpentry and being a grandfather. Joe "loved to talk" and could make friends easily and carry on a conversation with anyone. He was extremely proud of his Czech heritage and truly enjoyed his polka music. Joe was an active member of Assumption parish, volunteered at LSCO, 60+, the Czech club and Knights of Columbus. In January 2016, Joe & Mary moved to Martha's House. Shortly after that Joe was diagnosed with cancer. He put up a strong fight overcoming it, but as a result developed heart failure. It was a difficult journey for him and his family. His quiet courage and sense of humor was with him to the end.
We will miss you and love you always. Till we meet again. "Sbohem Jo?ko"
A Private Prayer Service will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating.
A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. Due to Covid restrictions, the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Joe's full obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Thank you to the nursing staff and Doctors for the wonderful care and support, Joe and his family received at Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Michael's Health Centre.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe's name may be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca)
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We are truly sorry for you loss....Uncle Joe will always be remembered and loved with tons of memories. Keith & Tammy
Dear Mary, my sincerest condolences to you and your family. Because I Know Joe and you are believers, just remember goodbyes are not forever, and not the end. It simply means I'll miss you until we meet again . A "goodbye" is really "see you later."
Dear Mary, allow us to express our sympathy in the loss of Joe. He was always very proud of his Czech origin and very active in our Czechoslovak Canadian Cultural Society of Southern Alberta. He will be missed. Libby and Svat (Jonas)
Deepest sympathies Mary..and your family ? It was great to see you not that long ago. Blessed to recall Grassy Lake memories shared with your family. One that always comes to mind was the year you and Joe drove to Ontario and had the faith to leave you children in my care!! With faith, believe in the eternal blessing and reward that your dear Joe has received. Our loss is their greatest gift. Abundant blessings. In our prayers, from Linda & Brian
We are very sad to hear about Joe's passing. He will always stay in our minds and hearts as the most cheerful, generous, light-hearted and welcoming man. We had the best time when visiting our family in Canada and always enjoyed staying in touch at least through Skype since then. Mary and the whole family, stay strong. We are sending warm greetings from the Czech Republic.
I may not be physically present but a prayer and aching heart is with you. There will be time for stories that bring back the smiles and laughter, for now I share in the tears.
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing Mary. Many the times we had at 60 + .Many thanks for thinking of us for having Peter and I with dinners at St. Marthas , then on Peter's passing inviting me along with Lois and John. God bless. Sharon
So sorry for your lose. He was one of the good ones.
Aunt Mary, I am very sorry to hear of Uncle Joe's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Stephanie
My deepest sympathy to Auntie Mary and her family on the loss of a dear husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. I'll always remember Uncle Joe's quick wit and sense of humour. I can still remember watching slide shows of exciting adventures that you two embarked on. I loved watching those slides. My heart goes out to you all as you say farewell. Until you meet again. May the beautiful memories together fill your hearts and bring you comfort.
Our Deepest Sympathy to you, Mary, and all of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Ed & Kusalik family, Ed I am sorry about your dear brother Joe. He has made his heavenly journey to be with with the Kusalik family, friends & the Lord. Joe lived a full life with a sense of humor. I remember Joe & Mary's visits to Chatham ON. My parents, Joe & Mary also farmers with Czech heritage, enjoyed their visits. May memories of your times together, bring your family comfort & peace. Agnes Mojzis Finfera
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved Joe. He always brought so much joy and life to any event or gathering. Many fond memories of early family visits to Ontario, especially to see the Badura gang. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Condolences as well from Jean (Svehla) Uher (late Joe Uher).
Mrs. Kusalik, Danny, Mark and family - I was so very sad to hear of your husband and dad's passing. May all the wonderful memories you have of him get you through the difficult days.
Dear Ed & Kusalik Family, Ed I am sorry to hear about your dear brother Joe. The Lord has guided him on his heavenly journey to be with his family. I remember their visits to Chatham ON to my parents Joe & Mary Mojzis, who also farmed & lived their Czech heritage. May memories bring your family comfort & peace. Agnes Mojzis Finfera
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Mary,,I will keep you in my prayers at this difficult time,
Richard & Sylvia (Mojzis) Walker
Thinking of you today and remembering all the good things !
I am so very sorry for your loss of your dad Mark and Chris....you have known him all of your life and a parent is a hard one to lose. I hope you're able to find peace and comfort during this difficult time. ...Please accept my heartfelt sympathies.