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1927 -2018

Following a brief illness, Joseph Usten Shapitka, 91, died peacefully on Friday, July 20, in his own home with his family at his side.

Joseph was born in Gronlid, Saskatchewan, on June 25, 1927. In his early years, he assisted his parents on their family homestead in Saskatchewan. He met his first wife in Calgary and married May 21, 1951, in Acme. While in Calgary, Joseph worked in a cabinet shop, set up Harmony Construction, and built many homes. He also assisted with building the Calgary and Acme churches.

In 1967 Joseph moved his family to Michigan so he could serve his church. He built Spring Vale High School and the girls’ dormitory. In 1970 Joseph moved his family to Eugene, Oregon, and raised them there. He built many homes and was instrumental in establishing Sis-Q-Meadows camp and building the Parkland and Harrisburg churches.

Joseph was active with his immediate family, extended family, and church and was always willing to help everyone. He took pride in his business dealings and relished his friends. His family and friends will all miss his infectious, positive, tenacious outlook on life and faith that made such a lasting impact.

Joseph is survived by his daughter Vona (Harold) Ogren; daughter Carol (Paul) Lundgren; son Oran (Sandy); sisters Eve Hrenyk, Esther Shortt, Anne Clark; brother Stanley (Linda); six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, two stepdaughters, several stepgrandchildren/step great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian (2011); second wife, Marybell (2017); parents Aksenty and Petrunela, brothers William and John, sisters Anita Zalopany, Marion Monroe Dean, and nephew Mark Shapitka.