Frances Bochsler

Joe lived a very full life indeed and leaves a legacy to family and friends that will not soon be forgotten. Joe would like to think that everyone who mourns his passing would also spend time celebrating his remarkable life. Joe was born Friday, May 16, 1924, in Biggar, Saskatchewan to Arnold and Pauline Bochsler. After living in Biggar until 1933, Arnold and Pauline gathered their children Anne, Arnold Jr., and Joe and moved to The Pas, Manitoba. It was in The Pas that Joe as a youngster developed his talent for earning his way in the world. His 3 paper routes and talent for selling newspapers for a hefty profit helped his mother and father to pay the bills during the depression. Joe joined the army in 1943 and participated in the liberation of Holland. He met and married his wife Guurtje (Juda) in Holland in 1945 and they returned to The Pas as newlyweds in 1946. Joe and Juda welcomed their daughter Josie in 1946 and embarked on their first business venture in 1947 as they ran a small restaurant in Flin Flon. In 1950, they returned to The Pas and purchased the Alouette Hotel. The Hotel business did well and they welcomed their son Arnold in 1952. In 1957, Joe and Juda saw an excellent business opportunity in opening the Dutch Drive-In which remains to this day, operated by their daughter Josie…. a favorite spring and summer lunch stop for countless residents of The Pas. Who could forget Joe with the customers reminding them that he was an “Eye Specialist”…an expert at removing eyes from potatoes or that he was “The Gretzky of Potato Peelers”. Business flourished and in the 60’s Joe and Juda began their annual winter get-away to Acapulco. “Acapulco Joe” and Juda enjoyed their winter escape to the beaches of Mexico for almost 20 years. In 1983, Joe was devastated by the loss of his wife Juda. He searched for and found the second love of his life in 1986 when he met Anne Aspen. Anne and Joe developed their loving relationship in their annual winter escapes to Acapulco and their many adventures and travels to Australia, Europe, the Carribbean, and trips around the US and Canada. Joe and Anne seemed to be made for each other and as their love for each other grew, so too did the respect and admiration for Joe by Anne’s family and friends. In 2007, failing health brought Joe to live with Anne on the farm near Porcupine Plain where he enjoyed the loving care and attention of his sweetie Annie. In addition to family and friends, Joe had many loves. He loved to play crib (How many of us have been skunked by Joe Bochsler??). He loved watching sports on TV, especially baseball and hockey. He loved to crack jokes and share his pearls of wisdom with family and friends. Joe touched the lives of so many people with his sharp wit and generosity. He had a wonderful skill for conversing with people and maintained his trademark sense of humour all the way to the end. Joe passed away peacefully Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Tisdale Hospital, Tisdale, Saskatchewan, age 87 years. Joe was predeceased by his parents Arnold and Pauline; wife Juda; sister Anne; and brother Arnold. Joe will be forever loved and remembered by his loving partner Anne; his devoted children Josie and Arnold; treasured grandchildren Brad (Bonnie), Darryl (Sharmaine), and Karen (Brian); precious great grandchildren Brett, Bryce, Brooke, Savannah and Halle. Joe will also be lovingly remembered by Anne’s children Carol (John), Robert (Jane), Allan (Brenda), Lenora (Max), Leanne, Kenneth (Rebecca) and their families. He will also leave a lasting loving impression with Anne’s brothers and sisters Bert (Sophie), Lena (Al), Mike (Betty), Jean, Marvin and Josie. In addition to family members, Joe leaves countless friends and community members whom were blessed to know him. In keeping with Joe’s wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Joe’s life was held Saturday, October 29, 2011, 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba with James Hemauer presiding. Memories of the heart were shared by granddaughter Karen Ballantyne and Robert Aspen. A scripture reading was proclaimed by Debbie Lane. Urn bearer was grandson Brad Olson. Honor guard was the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19. Immediately following the service, a reception was held at the Guy Hall. A private family interment was held at Riverside Catholic Cemetery, The Pas, Manitoba. In Lieu of flowers, Joe and the family would welcome donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 19, Box 478, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K6. On behalf of the Bochsler and Aspen families, we would like to thank each and every one of you for coming to share in the celebration of Joe’s life.