Joe Situm, passed away peacefully in his 91st year at St Joseph’s Hospital, early Monday morning after a short illness.
Joe came to Canada via Italy, escaping communist Yugoslavia in 1958. Once in Canada, Joe worked in several industries. He was a bush worker, worked the pipeline, was a milkman, sold pots and pans door to door and worked heavy equipment as well. During this time, he met his wife Vernest, and they were married in 1964. They had three children, Liana, Milan and Anthony. Joe bought a deli and butcher shop which he owned and ran for 14 years – The Algoma Mini Mart on the corner of Algoma and Ambrose Streets.
Joe never forgot about his family in Croatia and often hosted nieces and nephews that would come visit for periods of time here in Canada. He and his family also made trips back home to stay close to his roots.
After retiring from the store, Joe and Vernest decided to travel in the winter months to the US as Vernest would get nursing contracts. They did this for 10 years and made many friends across the states, many of whom they keep in touch with to this day.
Joe was a quiet man but a good friend. He had many close friends from his home country of Croatia that lived here in Thunder Bay, and they could tell you many tales of their adventures over playing cards. Joe was an exceptional card player. His two closest friends, Frank and Ivan Madunic both passed just over a year ago and you could tell this affected Joe deeply.
Predeceased by his parents, Jure and Maria, brothers Milan and Anton, his sister Dancia and their spouses all of Croatia. Also, his in-laws Edgar and Helen Bisson, son in law Bradley Wright, and his beloved dog Luksi who was a Dalmatian just like Joe.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vernest (Bisson), his daughter Liana (Greg), son Milan (Heather) grandchildren Arthur (Katherine), Anthony, Emily(Bennett) and Milan Jr, son Anthony (Tania) grandchildren Finn and Bradley. He was happy to be a Dida and thrilled on the arrival of his great grand-daughter Violet (Arthur and Katherine) last year.
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews both here in North America and back home in Croatia.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in the chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with Rev. Berchmans Francis. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Donations may be made to the St Joseph’s Care Group. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
