Joseph Nemez

Joseph Nemez

1935 - 2025

Joseph Nemez was born on the family farm north of Minitonas on June 26, 1935. He was the fifth son of Paul and Bertha Nemez and was five years older than his only sister, Anna. Joe attended the Floradale School for approximately seven years until the responsibilities of the family farm required his attention. During his teenage years, he worked for various farmers and engaged in bush work among other jobs. He later worked underground in the mines at Snow Lake and Lynn Lake.

Upon returning to Swan River, Joe was hired by Frank Leggett to assist on his farm, where he met his future wife, Ellen Naomi Hunt. The couple married on April 23, 1958, at the Harold Hunt family farm. Together, they had three children: Shirley, Stuart, and Kevin. The family lived in Swan River for a few years before moving to Bud and Myrtle Caverly's farm, where he worked as a farmhand.

In 1966, the family moved to Winnipeg, where Naomi attended the University of Manitoba to obtain her teaching degree. After her graduation in 1967, they returned to Swan River, where Joe drove truck for George Hunt in the Thompson area. He then worked for many years as a mechanic at Hunt Motors in Swan River. In 1969, Joe and Naomi purchased the Hunt family farm following the passing of her father. Joe began raising horses, cows, pigs, and chickens and eventually started a dairy farm. After a few years, due to health reasons, he could not continue with the dairy and sold the dairy cows. His passion for horses never diminished, and he always kept several horses and a few head of cattle on the farm. He shared his love of horses with others as a leader in the Big Woody 4H Pony Club.

After his retirement from Hunt Motors, he started working for Larry Kooistra, with whom he developed a lasting friendship. During his retirement, Joe also enjoyed working in his workshop, creating everything from beautiful picture frames to fine furniture, horse-drawn buggies, and sleighs.

This farm remained their home for 55 years until it was sold, and they moved into Swan River in the fall of 2024. His last few months were spent at the Swan River Valley Personal Care Home, where he was well cared for by friendly, professional healthcare workers. Many of his family members were with him during his final three days. He passed away peacefully, with Naomi by his side, on the morning of Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Joe and Naomi were long-time members of the Little Woody Baptist Church, with Joe serving as the head usher for much of that time. His trust in the Savior and God was evident and genuine.

Joe was a sociable person who loved being around others and was well-liked by everyone. His smile could light up an entire room. Family was especially important to him, and he cherished being part of his children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's lives.

Joe's mother passed away when he was only sixteen years old, and his father died in 1969. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Karel (Nancy), Paul (Helen), John (Anne), Bill, his daughter Shirley, and his youngest son Kevin.

Joe is survived and sadly missed by his wife, Naomi, of sixty-seven years; his son, Stuart (Rhonda); daughter-in-law Margaret (Tim); grandchildren: Cassidy (Jordan), Kenzie (Will), Dion (Rebecca), Kyle (Kim), Ryan (Chris), Reise (Jenna), Addison (Chandra), Peyton (Josh); fifteen great-grandchildren; his sister, Anna (Tom); sister-in-law Ardelle; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusted in Thee." - Isaiah 26:3