March 10, 1934 — Oct. 16, 2025
Joseph (Joe) Arthur Tarnes entered eternal life on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the age of 91 years.
Joe was born in Estevan, Sask. on March 10, 1934, the son of Joseph Sr. and Katherine Tarnes. Joe is survived by his beloved wife Jeanette (Jan) of 48 years; son Michael; daughter Melissa; sisters Dorothy Fornwold, Marjorie Heidinger, Margaret (Dale) Norris, and Bonna Tarnes; brother Richard (Betty Anne) Tarnes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Joseph Sr. and Katherine Tarnes; sisters and brothers-in-law Anne and Frank Johner, Pauline and Henry Peters, and Bernice and John Besplug; brothers Albert and Dennis Tarnes; brother-in-laws Stanley Fornwald and Joseph Heidinger; nephew Calvin Tarnes; and niece Lorena Wolensky.
Joe arrived in Fort Macleod from Estevan in 1961 with Estevan Mobile Homes. After the facility shut down, Joe worked at Edgar’s Plumbing. He then decided to get his journeyman papers for plumbing. Joe took his schooling at SAIT in Calgary and Medicine Hat College. After completion of his studies, he was hired at the Fort Macleod Hospital and worked there until his retirement in 1999.
Joe’s most important priorities in his life were his devotion and faithfulness to the Catholic faith and his family. He was a very spirit-filled person and was friends with everyone. Joe was a very easy person to love. He accepted his trials and crosses in life quietly.
Joe was a fun-loving person who loved people and socializing. He could turn a dull party into laughter with his humorous jokes, sharing his life experiences and playing tricks on his friends in a fun-loving way. Joe could talk to a complete stranger, and you’d think they knew each other for years. That was Joe!
Joe was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 64 years and was an honourary life member. He held different positions including Grand Knight and Warden. At age 91 years, Joe sold the most tickets for the K of C/Lions Duck Race fund-raiser. Joe was a lifetime member of the Fish and Game Association and loved going fishing with all his friends.
Joe’s hobbies included fishing, camping, antiquing, woodworking, and playing cards. There was never a garage sale in town that he missed. We will miss him dearly.
“May eternal rest grant unto Joe’s soul, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May Joe and the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2604 Third Ave., Fort Macleod.