Joe Nedjelski

Joe Nedjelski

January 15, 1944- July 30, 2015

Memorial Service

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

11:00 a.m.

Wadena Community Legion Hall

Joel Benjamin was born on January 15, 1944, to Benjamin and Margaret (McNamee) Nedjelski. Joel spent his first school year in Lintlaw with his grandparents, Marcel and Rosalia (Wrubleski) Niedzielski. He attended Glengariff country school from 1951 to 1958. In 1958, he travelled by school bus to Kelvington for his high school years.
In 1962 Joe decided that he had absorbed all the education needed for a young man of his age and decided he should join the work force. He worked for J.C McCleod as pipefitter and foreman, installing water and sewer in both Kelvington and Wadena. In 1964, he went to work for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool as a grain buyer, where he earned the nickname "Joe Pool" that stuck with him most of his life. He worked in Elbow, Loreburn, Hawarden, Broderick, and Dinsmore. He managed the elevator in Tichfield, Tyner, Abbey, Young and Wadena, where he semi-retired. After retiring from his full-time job, he kept busy with seasonal employment. He was a Crop Insurance adjuster for a few years, then on to truck driving for Darwin Hoffman. He attributed his truck-driving skill to Darwin, who was an astute teacher. He then went to work on the oil patch, first at Leader, Sask. and then north of 60. He then settled in town, hauling gravel for Terry Neilson. He spent his spring and fall hauling anhydrous ammonia for C.P.S. and as the relief driver for the Co-op fuel truck. Fall brought him back to his childhood roots when helping Donnie harvest. His last and most adventurous employment was with Jim Sowa at Wheatbelt Sales hauling machinery. He loved his work and the comradery with fellow employees.
On November 27, 1965, he married Sharon (Colby) Nedjelski. To this partnership were born two daughters: Kelly and Darcy.
Around 1985 Joe received his private pilot's licence. He spent many peaceful hours winging through the big blue sky.
Joe was a great naturalist and loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to snowmobile, downhill ski (in his younger years) and sometimes just scout the countryside.
Joe accepted his illness with quick wit and quiet stoicism. He endured silently and without complaint. He tried to be independent as long as possible and feared the thought of being a burden.
Joel was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Margaret Nedjelski; son -in-law Allan Smith; and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He leaves to mourn Sharon, his wife of 50 years; daughter Kelly (Craig) and children, Tahra Soderberg, (partner Jamison), Megan Soderberg (partner Adam), Scott Truitt, Mathew Truitt; daughter Darcy (Bob) McHargue; and brothers, Daryl (Linda) and Gerald (MaryAnn).