JOSIP "JOE" VITKOVIC of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mary Vítkovic, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025 at the age of 87 years.

Joe was born on January 16, 1938, in the town of Sveti Kris, Croatia. At the young age of 17, he escaped communist Yugoslavia and found refuge in Moose Jaw, SK. A few years later, he brought his bride Mary to start a family and begin a better life. With little more than a dream, Joe crafted a successful career in construction, relocating to Lethbridge in 1972. Joe founded Deluxe Painting and Decorating and for the next 40+ years, it seemed like Deluxe painted every house in town!

Joe was a founding member of the Lethbridge Canadian Croatian Club, and extremely proud of his Canadian citizenship. He loved his family, friends, a good soccer game, and was always the first to lend a helpful hand.

Mourning his loss is his loving wife Mary, son John Vitkovic (Lana) and daughter Suzy Christiansen (Darryl). Most of all, he was proud "Papa" to grandchildren Nicholas, Joshua, Daniel, and Adam (Caitlyn). He is survived by his sister Kathy Stayner (Alex), as well as an extended family throughout Canada and Croatia.

A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 PM at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610-4th St. S. 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2415-12 Ave. S. on Friday, October 24 at 11:00 AM.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and a recording will be available online following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Click here to view a livestream of the funeral service.