Earth cried while Heaven rejoiced as Joseph Leslie Ukrainetz was called home by his Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Novemeber 20, 2016.
Joseph was born on June 21, 1941 to Ephim and Eudokia Ukrainetz on the home quarter northeast of Erwood becoming the seventh of eight children. He began school at Erwood Rural, graduating high school at Hudson Bay.
Joe married his love Phyllis Marion Nice on January 22, 1966. Joe and Phyllis were blessed with four children, Sonia, Terry, Glen and Joanne.
He worked various jobs including obtaining his Journeyman certificate in ironworking before returning home to Erwood to pursue farming fulltime.
Joe was involved in various organizations including being a trustee for the Erwood Church of God, Hudson Bay School Division, Erwood Community Club, Sask Wheat Pool and Greenwater Bible Camp.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as hunting, fishing, trapping, curling and golfing with his passion for the outdoors intertwined with his daily life.
Joseph cherished his family dearly and loved his Saviour. He will be missed here, but we will meet again at the feet of the Father.
Joe is predeceased by his parents Ephim and Eudokia, brothers Daniel, Harry and Jack, sister Sonia, sisters-in-law Connie Ukrainetz and Audrey Ukrainetz, brothers-in-law Don Nice, William Lloyd, Erwin Moore, and Frank Krajci.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, children Sonia (Reg) Hildebrand, Terry Ukrainetz, Glen (Candace) Ukrainetz, and Joanne (Colin) Staruiala and his grandchildren Joel, Leah, Delaine (Skye), Ashlynne, Emily and Luke.
He is also survived by his brothers Paul, John (Cathy) and sister Pauline (Dave) Beshara; sisters-in-law Helen Krajci, Jenny (Terry) Brown, Elsie Moore, Yvonne (Jack) Krajci, Karen (Jerry) Bondarchuk, Rena Ukrainetz and brother-in-law Ray (Charlotte) Nice, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.