JOSEPH ALEXANDER SHEMANCHUK, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Clara Shemanchuk, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Wednesday, February 28, 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.

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.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2024-02-28
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta