JOE FEKETE

1927 - 2011

Joseph Fekete, beloved husband of June Fekete, passed away in Lethbridge on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at the age of 83 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell officiating. A private family burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge.
Besides June, his wife of thirty six years, Joe is survived by his children Sandra Wiest of Lethbridge, Beverly (Dale) Wickenheiser of Lethbridge, Robert (Marlene) Wiest of Enchant and Dave Stuart of Coquitlam; grandchildren Jason Lay, Adrian (April) Wickenheiser, Kerri Wickenheiser, Kenny Wickenheiser (and friend Karmyn), Mathew Wiest (and friend Britny), Stephanie Wiest, Rylan Wiest and great grandchildren Shayla & Rand Wickenheiser. He is also survived by his sister Julie (Dennis) Zelenka of Taber, brothers Les Fekete of Lethbridge, Steve Black of Vernon and their families. He will be fondly remembered by June’s siblings Muriel Vaile of Calgary, Harold McAlister of Edmonton, Kathleen (Ken) Mack of Lethbridge, Shirley Jarvie of Lethbridge, Darlene McAlister of Salmon Arm, brother-in-law Aub Root of Calgary and by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Joe was predeceased by his parents; brother and sister-in-law John and Elizabeth Fekete; in-laws Eleanor Black and Marion Root; nephews Larry Fekete, Monty Root; niece Joeline Booth and parents-in-law, Andrew & Julia McAlister.
Joseph Fekete was born in Hungary on April 28, 1927, the third son of John & Julianna Fekete. Joe, along with his mother and two older brothers John and Steve, immigrated to Taber in 1930. His father had immigrated in 1926 to prepare for their arrival.
He grew up in Taber and Drumheller and spent time in Kelowna, where his family owned and operated some fruit orchards.
Joe worked at a variety of occupations throughout his lifetime, some of which included farming, raising cattle, building homes, raising honey bees, welding, trucking, mechanics and working over thirty campaigns at the Taber Sugar Factory.
Upon his retirement, Joe devoted his time to his home, garden and honey bees. He raised beautiful gardens and flowers, especially roses. He loved to share his bounty with friends and neighbours. Joe was proud of his accomplishments and was very meticulous in everything he did. He was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed socializing with his coffee buddies at the A&W. He never missed a morning or afternoon coffee unless he had to.
Joe was happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren and loved them all unconditionally. He was so thrilled to become a great grandfather to Shayla & Rand. He never thought he'd live long enough to see them. Joe loved children all his life and was happy to be part of a loving family.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 210D - 12 ‘A’ Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 2J1 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7.