Joe Kurek

1946 - 2025

 Joseph John Kurek, beloved husband of Cindy Kurek, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at the age of 78 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 324 - 2 Avenue North, Vauxhall on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 324 - 2 Avenue North, Vauxhall on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. 

A private commital service was held at the Vauxhall Cemetery Columbarium on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Besides his loving wife Cindy, Joe is survived by his brother Stan (Debbie) Kurek of Hays and his children Stan (Monica Bramley) Kurek and Carrie Kurek both of Grand Prairie; his sister-in-law Mary (Rollie) Paynter, brother-in-law Bruce (Anita) Arsenault and sister-in-law Angela Arsenault all of Tignish, Prince Edward Island and by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Jan and Malwina Kurek, his in-laws Frank and Catherine Arsenault and by his brother-in-law Colin Arsenault.

Joe was born on March 18, 1946 to Jan and Malwina Kurek in Diepholz, Germany. After a long and arduous journey, Joe, his parents and his brother Stan, settled in Taber. The brothers grew up in a small home filled with love, lessons of hard work, a beautiful garden and lots of amazing food. When Joe finished with high school, he ventured off and served in the Canadian Military for fifteen years. During this time, he made lifelong friendships and travelled to far off places like Egypt. He became a very proud father to Stan in 1971 and Carrie in 1972. Following his time in the army, he moved to Vauxhall where he and his brother Stan worked together at the Texaco/Esso service station. Although he may not have realized it, Joe’s presence played an integral role in the upbringing of his three nieces, Lisa, Jamie and Kim. In Vauxhall, Joe met the love of his life, Cindy. The couple married in 1986 on Prince Edward Island. They built a beautiful life together on their acreage near Vauxhall with their dogs and horses. Years later, Joe added a different kind of horse power to his life, his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle. He loved collecting antiques and tinkering in his shop. He was known for being kind hearted and was always a gentleman. He loved his family and friends fiercely, and was always up for a good time.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe’s name may be made directly to Taber Lost Paws Society, 5710 - 66 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1B8 www.taberlostpawssociety.com or to the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, 24 205015 Hwy 512, Lethbridge County, Alberta T1J 5N8 www.ltra.ca.