KLIMEK, Joseph
March 9, 1917 - August 11, 2012
Joseph Klimek of Drumheller, beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, passed away peacefully August 11, 2012 at the age of 95 years. Joe was born March 9, 1917 in Fir Ridge, Saskatchewan to Anton and Katherine Klimek. After grade school, he worked on the family farm before moving to Southern Ontario to work on farms harvesting tobacco and fresh produce. He then pursued a career in hard-rock diamond drilling in Ontario and Northern Quebec for several years. He then returned to Toronto working for General Motors and Bendix Eclipse, then enlisted in the Armed Forces where he contributed to the war efforts by securing the waterways of the Welland Canal. At war’s end he came to Drumheller and began working in the coal mines where he met and married Helen Leonhardt March 22, 1946. After the mine closures in the early fifties, Joe started his own construction company retiring in the early 80’s. He continued working, even into his 90’s, doing projects he loved including building a family home. Besides his loving wife Helen, of 66 years, Joseph is survived by 2 daughters, Carolyn Gingera, Innisfail, AB, Darlene (Doug) Johnson, Lacombe, AB, 2 sons, Dwight (Margo), Red Deer Lake, AB, Myles (Stacey), Calgary, AB, 6 grandchildren Christine (Dallas) Gustafson, Ferintosh, AB, Jennifer (Marcel) Mahnkopf, Edmonton, AB, David Gingera, Edmonton, AB, Laura Gingera, Tofield, AB, Samantha Klimek, Calgary, AB, Grayson Klimek, Calgary, AB, and 3 great-grandchildren Brenden and Carter Gustafson and Biancia Mahnkopf and 1 brother Stan Klimek, St. Catherines, ON as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Joseph was predeceased by his parents Anton and Katherine Klimek and 3 sisters and 6 brothers. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church, 620-2nd Avenue West in Drumheller, with Pastor Curtis Boehm officiating. Private Inurnment at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to The Stained Glass Memorial Fund in memory of Joseph Klimek at Grace Lutheran Church, 620-2nd Avenue West, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y3.
