JOE SOOS

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JOE SOOS Peacefully, with his wife by his side, Joe passed away Friday morning, February 5, 2016 at Portage General Hospital at the age of 90 years. Joe has left to mourn his loving wife of 56 years, Marg and his five children. Daughter, Bernadette (Kevin) LeLievre; Sherry Ann (Ryan), Dreydan, Keadan; Chris (Jen), Kristian; Colleen (Dwayne), Kianna, Seth; Brittany (Jeff); Sara (Garrick); daughter JoAnne (John) Kleemola; Cheryl; Matthew (Nicole), Matthew Jr., Jordana, Kieran, Sydnie; Taralynn; and Jody (Kevin), Janice (Norbert), Jamie (Chancie) and their families; daughter Louise (Glen) Emerson; Trina (Kevin), Riley, Kailey; Kayla (Jerod); Bryce (Kendra), Teagan; son Stephen; daughter Veronica (Steve) Roth. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters Julia, Anne (Larry), Teri, and Mary (Will); his sisters-in-law Sheila, Merlaine, Sandra (Glen), Myrtle (Bill), brothers-in-law Bob, Bill (Donna), Warren (Devra), Ken (Evelyn), Richard (Kim) along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Lazlo and Margit, brother Les, brother-in-law Louis, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Sandy and Betty, in-laws BettyAnn, Ross, Jonas, Anne, Clifford, and great-grandson Cooper. Joe was born in Stephenfield, Manitoba. After trying farming in a few different communities, he and his family finally settled in Langruth in 1928. His parents emigrated from Hungary and he was very proud of his Hungarian routes, speaking the language and making a visit back to see where his parents grew up. Joe is the eldest of six children. He attended Langruth school after which he worked on the family farm and commercial fished in the winter. He often spoke about travelling with the family in the horse and sleigh. He taught himself to play both the violin and accordion. At a local town dance, he caught the eye of a young Callander girl, Margorie. On August 22, 1959 the two were married. She was the love of his life, whom he respected and trusted every day. He may not have been one to always say it but he showed it. Joe and Marg raised five children on the family farm. The kids were taught a strong work ethic, farming was a family affair. Fun was had as well, particularly the wiener roasts after chasing cattle to or from the pasture. He had a special affection for his polled Herefords and every summer he had the traditional farmer's tan from spending days out in the field on the open tractor. He was very involved in his community. He was a council member in Lakeview Municipality, a lifelong member of the Langruth Elks and President of Manitoba Elks in 1982. He belonged to the Manitoba Hereford Association, was an avid hunter, taught square dancing, was a 4-H leader, called bingo, liked curling, and enjoyed a Saturday evening listening to the polka party. Sometimes he agreed with the choices of the tunes played but often he wished they would play his favorite fiddlers. He was a quiet and proud man. A man of few words. Remembering him is remembering him playing the fiddle at home, playing solitare at the kitchen table watching the snow and thinking about the upcoming spring and the crops to plant, and dancing beautifully with Marg on the dance floor. Oh how they could dance. In 1998, they moved into town in Langruth, leaving their son to take over the family farm. Then in 2009 they moved to Gladstone to the Centennial Apartments. With these moves many good friends were made. In 2003 when he had a severe brain aneurism that resulted in permanent limited mobility and a restricted lifestyle he changed. But he still could brighten the room with his smile as he listened to a hunting story or talking about the good old days. His health gave him many troubles since then, however his heart and spirit were so strong. It was his strong faith and love of Mom that helped him overcome his disabilities allowing him to live with Mom which he so wanted until his passing. It gave us many more years with him than we ever thought possible. We are thankful for this every day. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to Dr. Ross and nurses for their care and compassion during Dad's final days. We would also thank the staff and friends at Centennial Apartments and Gladstone Hospital for their above and beyond care and support. Dad was a man of faith, teaching his children by example the importance of your trust in God. We have peace knowing that he is at home in heaven. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Clarke's Funeral Chapel, Gladstone. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, Neepawa with Father Mark Filips. Interment will follow at St. Emeric's Cemetery, Langruth. Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone-MacGregor www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2016