Joe Milder

1926 - 2016

Joseph Milder, beloved husband of Catherine “Katie” Milder, passed away in Taber on Friday, May 6, 2016 at the age of 90 years.

 Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 6:00 P.M.

 The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden. 

 Besides Katie, his loving wife of sixty five years, he is survived by his children Robert Milder (Gina Osadczuk) of Brooks and his children Jennifer Marshall, Mellisa Milder and Jared Milder; Len (Jan) Milder of Great Falls and daughter Kim (James) South; John Milder of Barnwell and his children Stephanie Milder (Nathaniel), Russell Milder and Emily Milder; Susan (Keith) Hooge of Purple Springs and their children Kristine Hooge (Codi Oberholtzer) and Loralee (Riley) Schlosser as well as six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary (Don) Checkley, sister-in-law Anne Chontosh and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 He was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Milder, uncle and aunt Adam and Julia Milder, mother and father-in-law Mary and Andy Chontosh Sr., sister and brother-in-law Mary and Urban Horvath and brother-in-law Andy Chontosh Jr.

 Joe was born in Soklovac, Yugoslavia on January 1, 1926. He immigrated to Canada with his mother Mary in August of 1931 to join his father John in Taber and the family was complete again. Joe attended Wadena and Barnwell school, but quit to help run the family farm south of Barnwell, which he later took over. He helped build St. Augustine’s Church where he married Katie Chontosh on November 28, 1950. Farming was his profession but horses and cattle were his passion. He served as chairman of the board for the Purple Springs Grazing Reserve and Barnwell Grazing Reserve. Joe also served on the Sugar Beet Growers Association board. He was a charter member of St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus. He semi-retired to Taber in 1987. Joe enjoyed the last three years living at Clearview Lodge spending time with lifelong and new friends. Joe will be missed by all who knew him.

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.

 An extra special thanks to the staff at Clearview Lodge and the compassionate staff at Linden View. Thanks also to Dr. Yawni, Dr. Shields, Dr. Yamabe and Anne from Community Care for dads care over the last few months.