JOE KLEMEN

1925 - 2014

Joseph Klemen, beloved husband of the late Anna Klemen, passed away peacefully in his sleep, with family at his side during the evening hours of Monday, September 1, 2014 at the age of 89 years.
Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 7:30 P.M.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber, on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Vincent TuanHa Celebrant. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.
Joe is survived by his loving sons Edward (Mary Jane) Klemen of St. Albert, George (Pat) Klemen of Medicine Hat, Anthony (Jane) Klemen of Taber and by his grandchildren and great grand children.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Anna in March 2011, son Richard in November 1967 and his mother Teresa in August 1977.
Joe was born on March 1, 1925 in Toranj, Croatia and emigrated along with his wife Anna from Austria to Southern Alberta in October 1948. He was actively involved in the early 1950s in farming and working at the building of the Taber Sugar factory. He then entered the meat processing industry, working for several different companies over the years. Joe and Anna farmed with their family from 1960 to 1967 and then they opened their own butcher shop. He fully supported and was involved in not only rearing his family of four boys but applied to the family farm, the butcher shop and his most dear love to provide the best customer service to clients coming to the family operated custom meat processing business. Joe took pride in family gatherings, the art of barbecuing pork and lambs on a spit, which became his trade mark in the surrounding area.
As a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he endeared having his family around him. Joe was a self taught musician and it was obvious at these family gatherings as he enjoyed playing his accordion, harmonica and his many different mandolins to entertain the people around him.
Joe had a wealth of family and friends and anyone was welcome to drop by for a coffee or a meal. He instilled in his family faith in God, work ethic, honesty and love for each other. His most special smile and loving hugs will be missed but never forgotten.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe’s name may be made directly to charitable cause of one’s personal choosing.