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Minneapolis, Minnesota
Joseph Shulka Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Shulka
Laurie Brickley
September 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe today....
Love and peace to Dallas and Joe's family.
David Stern
July 28, 2009
Joe was a very dear friend of mine back in the late 80s in Washington, DC. We'd lost touch over the years, but I was devastated when I learned the news this morning. Even then, the courage, compassion, and outspokenness that he showed throughout his life were very much a part of him. I'm so sorry I never got to meet you, Dallas, but I know what a special person he was, and I grieve for your loss.
Joe Van Thomme
October 15, 2008
Joe had a big heart, great sense of humor, contagious laugh and a genuine personality that--in a world like this--is truly and utterly priceless. It was absolutely my pleasure to have known and worked with such a lovable person. Although he will be dearly missed, the way in which he touched us all is a guarantee that he'll truly live forever.
We love you Joe!
Timothy Rose
October 9, 2008
I met Joe years ago in the 90s when as a brave young man he found the courage to tell the story of his bashing in the media as part of an effort to prevent it from happening to others. It became a lifelong commitment. I also remember my surprise later when I read Joe's story in the book 'Farm Boys' and realized it was someone I actually knew; what a remarkable man!
How saddened I am to just now learn of his death and how much better we all are for having known him.
Dallas and the rest of Joe's family, please accept my deepest sympathies.
Michele Miller
October 8, 2008
Lisa,Dallas and family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Though i never met Joe i have heard many great stories about what a wonderful human being he was.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Victoria Lindsay
October 7, 2008
My heart goes out to each one of you who loved Joe. I hope you know how much he loved you, also.
Last year at Evie's and Joey's birthday party, Joe told me how very much he enjoyed his work at the AHS...especially the people there. I'm sure he felt that way about all who've written and all who are remembering him silently or in the company of friends and family.
I will forever carry pictures of you in my mind from the day of the service. I will remember those who spoke, those who sat and listened and sometimes laughed...Those who stood as an honor guard.
One-of-a-kind, lightness with a heart, Joe lived out loud. He knew life is about loving, serving and laughing.
The last picture in my mind is Joe's truck with its stickers. I will remember on November 4th, Joe.
Be well, all of you. Together, we can all carry on the good work and the good fun. Don't hesitate to write for encouragement.
Blaine Larson
October 6, 2008
I met Joe at PFund a number years ago. He was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly. The family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Christopher Shad
October 6, 2008
Dallas and family,
I met Joe several years ago at the Center for Homicide Research. We often times spent autumn afternoons side by side at the computers, working, joking and enjoying each others company. I will miss walking with him and Dallas to the Chinese buffet, going out to dinners and for ice cream, and most of all, our conversations. His company was always appreciated. My love goes out to Dallas and Joe's family and friends.
Michael Haefer
October 2, 2008
I first met Joe when he and I were just six years old and we remained friends from that moment forward. Although he was a little younger than me, by two weeks, he was often a mentor to me as well as an inspiration. He and I went off to college togather and lived in the same dorm our first year and shared an apartment our second year. He lived me with again when he first moved to Minneapolis and after that he had his own apartment just one floor above me. My deepest sympathies to his sisters, to his co-workers, his dearest friends and relatives and of course to his partner Dallas. His passing leaves quite a void which will never be filled or replaced, but is a reminder to me of the special memories we shared and that my life was made richer and more meaningful because of his presence.
Sue (Shulka) Lindsay
October 1, 2008
I want to also say thank you to all of Joe's friends and co-workers who have helped Dallas, my sisters, and I during this time. I gain comfort in knowing how loved my brother was.
Thank you,
Vicky Mezera
October 1, 2008
I and my sisters would like to thank everyone for their kind words on our brother Joe's behalf. It is comforting to know that he touched many lives and to hear the stories about him. Thank you again,Vicky Mezera
Kate Lehmann
September 30, 2008
I knew and enjoyed working with Joe on the PFund Board of Directors. It's hard to come to grips with this loss and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Barbara Satin
September 29, 2008
I just heard about Joe's death. Know that my prayers are with you, Dallas, and Joe's family. He made a mark on this world - as have you - and that is a marvelous legacy to leave for others to pick up on.
Niel Ritchie Jean Johnson
September 28, 2008
Dallas and Family,
Joe was an amazing spirit who made this community and our world a better place. We send you our love in this time of loss and pray that peace will come to you soon.
Kate Varns
September 27, 2008
Joe will be terribly missed. His smile and humor brightened my day on many an occasion, and everyone who met him enjoyed his presence. My heart goes out to Dallas and all of his loved ones.
Lynn Unger
September 26, 2008
Dallas,
I am so sorry for your loss. And this worlds loss of Joe. What a wonderful man. And what great energy he was to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I am here for you if you need anything. May you let those around you help you through this terrible time of need. Allow us the gift of caring for you when you need it most. Love and hugs to you, Lynn
Joel Nelson
September 26, 2008
Dallas and family:
I'm so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. I wish I could be there in person to offer my support.
Please take care and know that there are people everywhere praying for you and supporting you.
September 26, 2008
Dallas & Family-
Both Alfredo and my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Dave Maier & Alfredo Olarte
Ray Aboyan
September 26, 2008
Joe will be missed. He had a great affect on everyone he touched. He moved people with talent, integrity, and a positive outlook. He lit up a room. That's how I will remember Joe.
Laura Hagen
September 26, 2008
Dallas and friends,
I hope that you are able to find peace during such a difficult time. Joe was such a great colleague and I feel that I have learned so much from my experiences working with him, and his passing will definitely leave a void in the lives of all of those who were fortunate enough to work with him or know him. His dedication to his work was profound, and I hope that you can find some comfort in these coming days knowing how many people Joe (and also Dallas) have touched with their commitment to difficult subjects. My deepest sympathies are with everyone.
Maggie Beranek
September 25, 2008
Dallas and Shulka Family-
My deepest sympathy goes out to you all in this time of loss. Dallas and Joe worked so hard and the work that is done at CHR is so amazing. Your passion drives those of us as students to help "change the world" and fight for what we believe in. Joe's personality was one of a kind and he will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sarah Kirkwood
September 25, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I worked with Joe many years ago at the MMA. On my first day at work I witnessed Joe's biting wit and somehow knew that at least the "water cooler" moments of the job would be fantastic! It was true...he was an amazing storyteller, a funny person (so hard to find these days!), and just a good soul.
Laurie Brickley
September 25, 2008
Our hearts are heavy at the Animal Humane Society with the loss of our Joe.
Joe lived a big life and we are richer for having known him. His wit, kindness, intelligence and curiosity about the world and those around him constantly amazed me. And, as one of my colleagues put it, “Joe was so nice to everyone for being so much smarter than everyone.”
Dallas, Vicky, Lisa, Susan and Krista—we loved hearing Joe’s stories about you all and how much you meant to him. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
William Waite
September 25, 2008
Many in the world have strong opinions, but very few have the strength and courage to act on those opinions and make a difference in the world. Having known Joe since high school and college, I have seen the odyssey through which his convictions led him. It is a legacy that few leave behind them, and his family should be very proud. I am deeply saddened by the tragic early loss of Joe from our lives and my sincerest condolences to Dallas, Vicky, Lisa, Sue, Kris, and all the many others of Joe's family and friends.
David Gordon
September 25, 2008
I knew Joe from volunteer work at the Center for Homicide Research in the summer of 2001. No matter where I encountered Joe, I could always count on his friendly demeanor. He always made me feel less alone in rooms full of people. I am greatly saddened that I will no longer be able to talk to him.
Patrick Lochwood
September 25, 2008
Dear Dallas, How sad I am to learn of Joe's passing. I so appreciated learning of your work and getting to know you both as our paths crossed over the years. My thoughts are with you and those who love Joe. Peace.
Ken Cheney
September 25, 2008
Dallas and family -
There are so many things that I will always remember and cherish about having known Joe. The annual transformation of your home into Graveside Manor - the year we were carving pumpkins in 86-degree weather and storing them in the porch with the air conditioner going was classic. Hearing about how if God hadn't wanted us to eat cows he would have made them fast with sharp teeth. But one of my favorite memories will be the dinner you hosted where I met Danny. Joe's death is a terrible loss for all of us. He will be missed.
Warm regards -
Deb Balzer
September 25, 2008
Joe's honesty, humanity and humor will be sorely missed. A friend, a colleague, a brilliant man who made a difference. Prayers and love to Dallas and Joe's family and friends.
Helene Haapala
September 25, 2008
Dallas and the rest of Joe's family,
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you today and for many days to come.
Stacy Arvidson
September 25, 2008
Joe will be missed by all of us at AHS, and I'm grateful that I got a chance to know him at all. I'm so sorry for the loss felt by those who knew him best and loved him most. You are in my thoughts.
Amy Rosenthal
September 25, 2008
Joe's friends at the Animal Humane Society are aching over our loss, and we will miss him terribly. We were lucky to have been touched by his resourcefulness, humor and grace. My deepest sympathy to Dallas and the rest of Joe's family.
Debra Behrens
September 25, 2008
My favorite memories of Joe will be from the long talks we would have in my office at the end of the day. I'm sure he never meant to stay as long as he did, but he would come in to talk through an idea and we'd move on from there to strategic planning for our department, for the organization and, next thing I knew, we were on to how we were going to change the world. He made the craziest notions seem possible. As though if we started by solving this one little problem we could then tackle the next thing and eventually accomplish whatever far-reaching ends we set our sights on.
Joe never sought accolades for himself and if someone tried to praise him he would change the subject. But he was so proud of you, Dallas, and often bragged about your accomplishments. Your courage and instinct to rush in and help people in crisis. Your companionship during those long car trips you loved to take together. The life and history you had as partners. It was clear to me that he loved and respected you deeply.
It was also clear that his family was very important to him. He so looked forward to the times he spent in Wisconsin and treasured his connections to his roots. Joe never forgot who he was and he valued the ties he had to the crew he grew up with on the farm.
I cared about Joe very much and am shocked and grieved to lose my friend and colleague. He was so committed to his work here at the Animal Humane Society and he inspired all of us with his brilliance and dazzled us with his charm.
I am going to miss Joe. My heart goes out to you, Dallas, and to the rest of his family. You have all had the gift of knowing and loving him best. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jessie Prom
September 25, 2008
Dallas and family,
My deepest and sincerest condolences to you during this difficult time. I have been interning at CHR and knew Joe briefly, for his warm wit, intelligence and sense of humor. The work that Joe and Dallas have done at CHR is amazing. But it is in the breadth of the many lives they have touched that is truly profound. May the support and love of the many who love you, be with you now.
Jon Cass
September 25, 2008
There is a great sense of sadness in the halls of AHS as we mourn the loss of our beloved colleague and friend. His brilliance and dedication to so many causes was truly inspiring; it is no wonder so many of us looked up to him as a mentor. Personally, I think what I’ll miss the most is Joe’s laugh and his ability to lighten any situation with his quick wit. Now, more than ever, we all need Joe here to tell us a slightly inappropriate story to crack us up and put smiles on our faces. My heart goes out to Dallas, Joe’s family and anyone else that had the honor of knowing him.
Joe we miss you so much.
Richard Long
September 25, 2008
Dallas and the Shulka family,
The sad news of Joseph's death just now reached me and I am so sorry to hear it. Please accept my condolences and know that my thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Paula Herken
September 25, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to you gals for the loss of your brother. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Your "cousin",Paula
Mary Dixon
September 25, 2008
I remember Joe from his days at Prairie du Chien High school. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this sad time. Mary (Mayer) Dixon.
Nancy Morris
September 25, 2008
Dallas,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you for many days to come. I can only remotely imagine the sadness you feel.
Love, Nancy Morris
Ann Lees
September 25, 2008
I wsh you, Dallas, peace at this time. I know you are surrounded by the love of family and friends. May the memory of happy, loving days with Joseph fill your heart with love and peace. May God Blees You and keep you today and always.
September 25, 2008
I knew Joe from the Humane Society and worked an AHS event with him at a Twins game at the Metrodome and had so much fun with him, he made me laugh so much while we were handing out beanie animals. I will miss his smile and laugh at AHS.
Mary Cantin
Scott Rasmussen
September 25, 2008
The opportunities and learning experiences that Joe helped facilitate for me during my time at the CHR will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to Dallas and all those whose lives were enriched by this wonderful human being.
Thanx Joe....
Anica Olson
September 25, 2008
I am a student from Century College and did my Service Learning at the Center for Homicide Research. I learned a lot from Joe while spending time at the center and also when helping with different events. He will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family during these tender moments.
Sue Fredstrom
September 25, 2008
Dallas,
My heart goes out to you and Joe's family. I deeply miss his cheery 'Hi' over the back fence and our chats about, well, anything. His humor, wit, and empathy always brightened the day. The neighborhood will not be the same without him.
Alexandra Roath
September 25, 2008
Joe was a very sweet and kind person. I am very glad that I had the oppertunity to work with him while interning at the CHR. I am so sorry to all his friends and family for thier loss.
Jodi Glaser
September 25, 2008
I shared an office with Joe for 1.5 years when he worked at Planned Parenthood and he was truly one of the greatest people I have known. He was smart and committed to his causes and genuine and lots of fun to be around. My heart is just breaking for Dallas and the rest of his family. Our world is not quite such a bright place this week - it has lost a good soul.
Carmen Peota
September 25, 2008
I worked with Joe at the MMA and appreciated his laser-sharp wit, compassion, creativity, intelligence, and ability to tell a great story. We commiserated about being adults with braces, politics, and winter. He was a bright light in all our lives.
Barb Ryan
September 25, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Joe was a good friend and co-worker at AHS. His dry humor, smirk and timing combined to brighten some of the longest meetings. He was open to talk/share many of his thoughts. Our shared "growing up on the farm" stories still make me smile. His jokes and warmness made a positive difference in my days. He will be sadly missed.
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