It is with great sadness and love that the family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Joe Blahun, on September 22, 2020 at the age of 85 years after a courageous battle with cancer.  Joe will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Hope, of 64 years; five children, Patricia Russell (Alan), Victoria Patten (Darcy), Greg (Jackie), Anna, and David (Jennifer); sixteen grandchildren, Kim Benesch (Brad), Michelle Willett (Steven Livingston), Brandy Bundt (Jeff), Clayton Russell (Lyndsay), Candice Russell (Dustin Wilkie), Meagan Lockhurst (Matt), Jayson Russell (Linnea), Darren (Vicki), Mark (Barb), Scott, Jordon (Vicky), Shawn (Cailey), Nadia, Monica, Dalton, Lillian; numerous great-grandchildren; sister Anne Wahlund (Bob) and brothers Alex (Sylvia) and Bill; sisters-in-law Ann and Elizabeth, brother-in-law Mike Yakiwczuk as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents William and Dora; daughter Susanne Slemko; two infant great-grandchildren; brothers John and Mike; sister Olga and sister-in-law Dianne.

Joe was passionate about farming and made it his life-long occupation.  He raised cattle and hogs, planted grain and forage crops and loved running his CAT to clear more land to plant even more crops!  In his opinion, being a farmer meant driving a tractor, CAT and truck, and being a carpenter, electrician, plumber, and any other trade that was required to keep things running smoothly.  When he wasn’t farming, Joe loved fishing, going on trips in their motorhome, spending evenings playing cards, attending jamborees and visiting with friends and family.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and a wonderful friend to so many.  He will be dearly missed. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the Mayerthorpe Hospital, the Evansburg Home Care Team, the Kipnes Urology Centre/ University of Alberta Hospital Urology Unit, and the staff at the Cross Cancer Institute for taking such great care of him.

Due to COVID, a private family funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Mayerthorpe Hospital Auxiliary Association, Box 582, Mayerthorpe, Alberta, T0E 1N0.