Joseph Thomas Gaab, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the age of 77 years. Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Anton and Magdalena (Stroh) Gaab; daughter, Katherine Louise Refvik; brothers, Thomas, Rudy, George, Peter and sisters, Millie Stroh, Betty Kot, Rose Schmidt and Susanna Klatt. Joe, raised on a farm south of Weyburn, began his farming career with his brother Tom in the early 60s. Joe loved life on the farm, he always liked to work with livestock; the early years had a variety from chickens, the milk cow, horses, and beef herd, or anything else that fit on the farm. Joe would live life his way; he worked hard, got everything done in good time. He also played hard, loving time spent with family; his connection with his siblings was very strong. There were many evenings spent over good food, playing cards and much loud laughter. Joe's robust laughter was such that you couldn't help but join in his fun. I am sure everyone can remember the many ways of how Joe was the entertainer. Joe married Dorothy, the love of his life for over 52 years. They took up residence on their farm directly south of Weyburn and began their life together. Their wonderful union produced six children and 17 grandchildren that make any gathering at the Gaab's very lively occasions. Joe really enjoyed his social time with family, friends, and neighbors. Joe always had a lot of fun playing cards with the grandkids. These games always got quite heated and loud, much noise and laughter filled the room. Joe was always the loudest kid of them all. He always stayed involved in community activities and was a member of the Weyburn Ag Society for many years. He served as chairman for a number of committees and also was president in 1978-1979. Joe was also an active supporter of Â鶹ÊÓƵ Weyburn Community Center as director. He always enjoyed going to Red Wing games and just liked to go to the rink to catch up on whatever happened to be going on there. Joe and Dorothy moved to town in 2001. The farm has transitioned over the years to the next generation, but Joe's heart was always in the farm operation. Joe continued to stay involved in the farm in whatever capacity he could. Even as Joe's health began to affect him this fall, you could not keep him away from harvest. He insisted on running the combine for as long as he could, and every day that he could, he would have it no other way. Harvest 2013 wrapped up on the 7th of October. Joe had to be out to see the last swaths go through the combines, the trucks be unloaded, and to give us a ride back out to gather up the remaining equipment in the field. The following day Joe decided he wasn't quite up to going out to the farm. The day following that Joe began the final battle with the devastating disease that has taken him from us. Joe has been an ideal role model on how to live a life. In the role of a husband, dad, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, you have shown us all how to conduct ourselves no matter what challenges life brings our way. You have made us strong because you touched our lives. We love you and we will miss you dearly. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy of 52 years; their children and grandchildren, Jeffery (Tally) Gaab of Weyburn, and their family, Orrie (Brooke), Blair and Fallon; Warren (Peggy) Gaab of Weyburn, and their family, John, Kevin and Ryan; Joan (Glen) Adacsi of Weyburn, and their family, Cortnee, Ashlee, Britnee and Kylee; Jennifer (Darren) Woodard of Weyburn, and their famiy, Chelsea, Megan and Levi;son-in-law, Kurt Refvik of Winnipeg, MB and his family, Nils and Leif; Joel Gaab of Regina, and his son, Jack and stepson, Sam; sisters, Eva Ford and Barbara Kot as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Prayers were said on Tuesday, November 5, at 7:00 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial was held on November 6, at 10:30 a.m. both from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church with Father Gerry Bauche celebrating. The Pallbearers were Orrie Gaab, Blair Gaab, John Gaab, Kevin Gaab, Ryan Gaab, Levi Woodard, Nils Refvik, Leif Refvik and Jack Gaab. Interment took place at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. Donations in memory of Joseph may be made to the Regina Palliative Care Centre at 4F 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
