Joe Ell

1945 - 2020

 Joseph Leonard Ell of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the age of 75 years.

 As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19 and the government recommendations, a private funeral service was held at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Taber. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden. 

 Joe is survived by his four sisters Anna Marie Warren of Pilot Butte, Saskatchewan, Beatrice Ell of Taber, Teresa (Paul) Illerbrun of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan and Jackie (Scott) Oddie of Red Deer; seven nieces and nephews who he was so very proud of Heather (Rod) Nielsen, Stacey (Heather) Warren, Josh (Bobbi-Jo) Smith, Jared (Alyson) Smith, Jesse (Rebecca) Smith, Cassie Oddie and Logan Oddie (Kim); eight great nieces and nephews Brantly Bose, Christopher Warren, Caitlyn Warren, Jordan Smith (Josh), Kyle Smith, Carson Smith, Lena Smith and Eleanor Smith.  

 He was predeceased by his parents Bolcer and Lena Ell.

 Joe was born in Taber on October 25, 1945 and raised in Grassy Lake. In his younger years growing up he was always referred to as Joey. Being the oldest of five children he took great pride in being the big brother to four sisters. He received his education at Chamberlain School in Grassy Lake. As a young man he enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. Joe loved to play games and was avid crib player. As a young adult he moved to Lethbridge to enter the work force. Joe was always a huge sports fan even driving as far as Portland, Oregon with his nephew Stacey to watch the Memorial Cup. For many years he was a season ticket holder to the Lethbridge Bronco's and rarely missed a game. Joe was a foreman at AEL Microtel in Lethbridge until it closed in 1984. He so enjoyed the friendships he made from those years. His last career which he was so proud of was as a correctional officer. Joe’s first placement was in Grande Cache, Alberta but only for a few years. Eager to get back to southern Alberta to be close to family and friends, he was able to get a posting back in Lethbridge. He retired in 2010 at the age of sixty five after serving twenty five years. After suffering a stroke in early 2014, his new home became Extendicare Fairmont Park in Lethbridge where he received wonderful care and we are forever very grateful.

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe's name may be made directly to the Parkinson's Society of Southern Alberta, Lethbridge Chapter Office, 1254 - 3 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0J9 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7 www.heartandstroke.ca.