1940 ~ 2023 (age 82)
The family of Joseph Dubielewicz are saddened to announce his passing on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the age of 82 years.
Joseph (Joe) was born on March 8, 1940 to Jozef Sr. and Eleanora (Rusiecki) at Campagne-lès-Hesdin in the Pas-de-Calais region of Northern France. Eleanora, wanting a chance at a better life, left Poland for France in 1934. Jozef Sr. joined her in 1937 upon completion of his basic training for the Polish army. They were married in France later that year and Joe was born amid the conflict of war in Europe. Joe often shared childhood stories about playing outside and spying various military aircraft flying overhead. He also remembered the thunderous sounds of V2 rockets being launched close to his home, sent on their way to their targets on the other side of the English Channel. They remained in France until 1948 when they emigrated to Canada, again in search of a better life in a new country. Jozef Sr. and Eleanora had considered Argentina or Canada, and consulted young Joseph as to where he would like to move. Joe pointed to Canada on the map because it was at the top and coloured bright red.
Upon arrival in their new home and after a lengthy journey by rail, the family settled in the vicinity of Fusilier and Superb. The family was blessed with younger brother Roger in 1950; he and Joe remained close for their entire lives. Joe attended numerous schools in the area, graduated high school in 1959, and went to work for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1960. During this time, Joe served as a member of the Royal Canadian Army Reservists. The family moved to Kerrobert in 1963 and made this community their home. Joe went to work for the Department of Highways and remained there until his retirement almost some thirty years later.
Joe met Judy Gustafson and they were married in the fall of 1969. The family grew to five with the addition of daughters Rhonda, Shelly, and Nadine. Joe and Judy raised their family in Kerrobert, where all three girls attended and graduated from high school. Later, they were blessed with two grandsons, Mason and Caelan.
Joe was a very community-minded and dedicated individual. Over the years, he sat on many community boards and was a member of various community service groups. Joe served as a Hunter Safety Instructor for 52 years, making it possible for hundreds of area residents to receive certification and learn responsible hunting practices. He was a Life Member of Kerrobert Legion Branch #88. Joe provided service to the Kerrobert & District Wildlife Federation, Museum and Historical Society and the Elks. This service also extended to the United Church and other organizations too numerous to mention here. Joe was very proud to receive the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2003.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Jozef Sr. and Eleanora, brother Roger, father-in-law Henry Gustafson, sister-in-law Florence Gustafson, and brother-in-law Terry Gustafson. Left to mourn is loving wife Judy and their three daughters Rhonda (Terry) Bolz, Shelly, Nadine (Mark) Breadner, as well as grandsons Mason Breadner and Caelan Breadner. Mother-in-law Blanche Gustafson, Sister-in-law Phyllis Dubielewicz, Brother-in-law Randy(Gisele) Gustafson. As well as numerous nephews and nieces.
There will be a Celebration on Life held for Joseph on May 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. from the Kerrobert United Church, 320 Lanigan Street, Kerrobert, SK.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's name may be made to the charity's named below.
Services
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday
May 13, 2023
2:00 PM
Kerrobert United Church
320 Lanigan St.
Kerrobert, SK S0L 1Ro
Donations
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
9 Lancaster Road, Moose Jaw SK S6J 1M8
Tel: 1-877-793-9453
Web: https://swf.sk.ca
Please include a note indicating the program where you’d like your donation directed.
Business charity registration number: 107956518RR0001
Kerrobert Royal Canadian Legion Branch #88
Box 726, Kerrobert SK S0L 1R0
Tel: 1-306-834-5494
Respectfully,
The Staff of Kerrobert Funeral Home & Crematorium