Father Joe passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. He was born in Spy Hill, Saskatchewan, the first born of Joseph and Mary (Orosz) Firkola on March 24, 1930. He was educated in Grove Park School and St. Peter’s College in Muenster, SK. Joe continued his studies in Philosophy and Theology at St. Peter’s Seminary, University of Western Ontario, receiving Bachelor of Arts in Honours Philosophy in 1954. He answered the call to the priesthood and continued his study of Theology at St. Peter’s Seminary, London Ontario. Father Joe was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1956 at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Kaposvar, SK. Father chose as his Motto the words of Jesus, “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly”. (Jn 10:10)
Father Joe served the parishes of St. Cecilia, Sacred Heart, St. Martin de Porres in Regina and the rural parishes of Lestock, Esterhazy, Stockholm, Kaposvar, Cupar and numerus Adjoining Missions.
Father Joe extended his service to include special ministries. The Lestock Metis Co-op Farm, numerous Youth Camps, Catholic Family Movement, Vocations to name only a few and has enjoyed many lifelong friendships made in each.
In 1984, Father Joe continued his studies in psychology at the U of R. When he retired from active parish ministry in 1987, he embarked on a new career in Real Estate until 1998 – and continued to enjoy replacement Ministry in the Archdiocese of Regina until his health made it impossible.
He was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Bertha Poncsak and Agnes Blompied. He is survived by his brothers, Frank (Martha) and Denis (Shirley), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Prayers will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Cathedral, 2104 Garnet Street on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. with Archbishop Don Bolen officiating. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. Flowers gratefully declined. Those so wishing may make donations in memory of Father Joe to the Marian Centre, 1835 Halifax Street, Regina, SK S4P 1T4.
