Joseph “Joe’ Vavrek, born in Blairmore, AB, on September 9, 1925, to John and Anna Vavrek, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023, at the age of 97 years.

Joe was the third oldest in a family of four. Oldest Verna Lieskovsky (deceased), second oldest Mike Vavrek (deceased), and youngest John Vavrek (93). John and Anna moved from Blairmore, where John worked in the coal mines when Joe was 2 years old, to start a family farm west of Sexsmith, AB. Joe grew up participating in various farm activities which led to him developing his lifetime love of farming and eventually buying his own farm not far from his parents.

Joe married Irene in 1955, and moved to the farm to start a new life and raise their four boys. Joe's life centered around farming. His early days on the farm included raising all sorts of farm livestock as well as field crops. As the children grew older, Joe left the livestock behind and concentrated on growing many bountiful crops. He loved being an active part of the farm and could be seen running various pieces of farm machinery well into his 90's.

Joe will be missed by his wife Irene (nee Wrzosek); children: Fr. Dennis (ofm), Lawrence (JoAnn), Jody (Joanne), and Darryl; grandchildren: William, Amanda, Christine, Jayson, Jillian, Joslyn, Rebecca, and Koen.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 10:00-11:00am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grande Prairie (10404 102 St.). Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am. Luncheon to follow in Tranquil Hall. Interment to take place after the luncheon at Webster Community Cemetery.