July 10, 1935 - April 9, 2021
Joe Kohlen was born July 10,1935 near Archerwill, Saskatchewan. He was the youngest of 10 children and most beloved by parents and siblings alike.
Joe married the love of his life Angela (Huska) on November 9, 1959, in Prince George, BC. What could be better than a wedding in November? A honeymoon to Saskatchewan directly after the nuptials. This would be the first time Angie would meet Joe's family.
Joe and Angie quickly got to work creating their own family and one child quickly led to seven in total. Apparently, they really got the hang of it. Their children in order from oldest to youngest are: Kelly, Trent, Jeffrey, Monica (LeComte), Richard, Michelle (Klapatiuk) and Mark. This family of Joe and Angie's had blossomed into a herd of 46 that includes 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Joe's #1 priority has always been family. He taught us love. He provided for us.
He showed us how to enjoy all that life has to offer. He ingrained in us the importance of family above all else. Our favourite quote of dad is, "have you hugged your kid today?" This is how he would greet us each day after work.
Joe's work life centered around a loyalty to West Fraser. He was there in the beginning and he was part of the growth of the company that is the West Fraser of today. He was a lumber man through and through. I loved the smell of his clothes each day when he would come home from work. The smell of fresh lumber. Sticks with me to this day.
Joe was a kind, generous, fun-loving man. He truly had a zest for life and will be missed very much. He has left a void in our family, but we are choosing not to be sad, because he would not want us to be sad. He had an amazing life and leaves behind a legacy that will endure the test of time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Williams Lake ProLife Society.