Joseph George Vitkauskas, son of Vincent and Marie Victoria passed away on July 1, 2012 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was the young age of 55. Joe was born on April 6, 1957 in Langenburg, SK. He was predeceased by his grandparents Joseph and Alice Pelletier; uncle Frances Pelletier; aunt Alice St. Pierre; common-law wife, Lynda Juba; father, Vincent Vitkauskas; uncle/god-father, Robert Pelletier; aunt/god-mother, Edna St. Pierre and brother-in-law, Richard Warden. Joe lived most of his childhood in Yorkton until the family moved to Alberta in 1972. He returned to Yorkton and in 1981 married his childhood sweetheart, Nancy Brazeau. Together they had two children, Jennifer and Joe. Sadly their marriage ended. Shortly thereafter Joe met Lynda Juba and her daughter, Michelle. They lived in Moose Jaw, Yorkton and settled in Calgary until Lynda's passing in 1999, which had a devastating effect on the rest of his life. To deal with this loss Joe moved to Saskatoon to be closer to family and friends. Joe enjoyed and was a dedicated worker as a roofer which was his lifelong occupation. Stuccoing on occasion was another source of income. Joe was down to earth and enjoyed the simple things in life. Although he loved all sports he shared his passion for hockey with his brothers, Jim and Bruce, even if they played on the street, on ice or in the living room. It wasn't unusual for sisters to be recruited when there was a shortage of players. Joe looked forward to any gathering with family or friends. We teased Joe over his special "dinner pants" which he wore when eating one of mom's hearty meals, which he also doused in pepper. Joe loved to sing even though family and friends wished he wouldn't. Due to a very unfortunate incident in Saskatoon in January 2004 Joe entered the Y.D.N.H on March 5, 2004. Joe resided in the nursing home and had the love and support of his family, especially his mother who was by his side daily. He will always live on in the hearts and memories of his children, Jennifer Pritchard (Daniel), Joe Vitkauskas, Michelle Arcand (Pat) and seven grandchildren, Daniel, Jaleesa, Danessa, Madix, Laticia, Cory and Gary; one great-grandchild, Kaylea; mother, Marie Victoria Vitkauskas; sisters & brothers, Verna Peepeetch (Terry), Jim Vitkauskas (Nancy), Mardell Warden, Bruce Vitkauskas (Ida), Stephanie Flamont, Fanta Flamont (John), Shilo Dawe (Glen), Jerry Flamont (Colleen), Darcy Martineau (Laura) and numerous nieces and nephews. A Prayer Vigil was held on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home with Dolores Spreitzer as lay presider. The organist Lorraine Lysak led in the singing of the hymns, "I Will Never Forget You", "Psalm 63" and "Amazing Grace". The Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Fr. Francis Hengen as the Celebrant. The cross bearer was Rachelle Peepeetch. The pianist, Pam Yaremko led members of St. Gerard's Choir in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art", "Psalm 103", "Peace is Flowing Like a River", "On Eagle's Wings", "Song of The Angels" and "Though The Mountains May Fall". The readings were given by Angela Vitkauskas and Randy Fleury. The Offering of Gifts was by Melissa & Randy Fleury. Serving as honorary bearers were Stewart Brazeau, Robert Lafontaine, Jason St. Pierre, Lyle Pelletier, Milton Lafontaine and Lester Shingoose. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Aron Nielson, William Vitkauskas, Chris Vitkauskas, Derick St. Pierre, Justin Vitkauskas and Steven Vitkauskas serving as casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Joe may be made to the Yorkton & District Nursing Home towards furnishing for patient comfort. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
