Joe Badura

1944 - 2022

 Joseph Florian Charles Badura, passed away in Taber on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the age of 77 years. 

 Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 3:00 P.M.

 The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden. 

 Joe is survived by his two children Andrew Badura and Michele (Steve) Straga both of Taber, his grandchildren Tiana (Greg) Schneider and Taylor Straga (Everett Blakley). He will also be remembered by his special friend Judy Workman; his brother Frank (Virginia) Badura; his sisters Mary Kusalik, Lydia (Henry) Brecka, Ann Cudrak, Mildred (Peter) Braat, Helen Zadnik and Rose Badura; sisters-in-law Mary Badura and Nina Skretting; brother-in-law Jake Braat and by numerous nieces and nephews. 

 He was predeceased by his parents Florian and Frances Badura; his brothers Charlie Badura and Johnny Badura; his sisters Beth Braat and Francis (John) Pavka; brothers-in-law Joe Kusalik, Frank Cudrak, Steve Zadnik and by his first wife Patricia Ann Powell. 

 Joe was born on April 16, 1944 to Florian and Frances Badura. He was raised on a farm Southeast of Taber. He grew up in a large family with twelve children. Joe valued family and enjoyed Sunday drives to visit his brothers and sisters and their families.

 Joe was initiated into the Knights of Columbus on Feb 9, 1964 and was a proud Knight for the rest of his life. Although he wasn’t as active in the Knights of Columbus in his later years, it was something he always held dear to him. 

 The 1980s proved to be challenging to farming, so he took a job with Hostess Frito-Lay to supplement his income. He retired at the age of sixty five and cherished the friendships he made while he worked there. During that time, he rented his farmland out but continued living on the farm until 1990 when he settled in town, but always longed for the country life. 

 Joe was also passionate about being a bus driver. He started driving in 1978 and was known for spoiling the children on his route with 7-11 slurpees and chips, from his job at Hostess Frito-Lay. 

 Joe was very outgoing and sociable. He could sit and visit with anyone and made many special friendships this way. He had a knack for memorizing phone numbers and birthdays. He always made sure that he called his family and friends to wish them a happy birthday. He was an active participant of the Lethbridge Singles Club where his friendship was enjoyed by everyone. 

 Shortly into retirement, Joe was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He became involved in fundraising with the Parkinson's SuperWalk and was proud to be the top Lethbridge and District fundraising team of 2013, 2014 and 2015. 

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe’s name may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 2V6 www.parkinsonassociation.ca.

The past couple years have been difficult for Joe. His family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Linden View and the Taber Health Centre for all the care he has received through this time.