Joseph R. Sankovic
Joseph R. Sankovic, age 81, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. He was born on Feb. 14, 1925 in Redstone Township near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph William and Christine (Voytask) Sankovic.
His eighty one year old life was most Croatian (Montenegren) family background. He would tell friends that he was not "born" but merely "issued" into life.
Joe was professionally a soldier and a graduate civil engineer. His avocation was competitive rifle shooting. He was an accomplished competitive target shooter who was awarded the Distinguished Rifle Marksman Badge and was designated a member of the President's Hundred (service rifle) at the National Matches in Camp Perry, Ohio. He competed in all rifle disciplines and won several state championships in high power and long range matches. In the 1980's his shooting abilities won him a position on the US Army All Guard national team. He was a shooter's shooter who shared information and data on all aspects of competitive rifle competition. He had a wealth of knowledge about all things concerning rifle marksmanship and quality firearms.
Within the last three weeks, Joe spent special time shooting and camping at Spotted Bear with close friends, doing what he loved.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Miss Beverly "my bride" Sankovic of Kalispell, MT; a son Michael Sankovic of Pearl Harbor, HI; and four daughters, Ruth Grecco and husband Tom of South Hampton, NJ; Patty Fisher and husband Phil; Pamela Berry and husband Buzz all of Kalispell, MT and Paula Mattern and husband Brian of Columbia Falls, MT; his mother 98 year old mother Christine Sankovic, brother Ed Sankovic and his wife Marion; sisters, Connie Sankovic and Helen Warren and husband Robert; a brother in law John West all of PA; and 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Joseph will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the First Baptist Church in Kalispell, with Pastor Jim Sandholdt officiating. There will be no public visitation. Urn burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Ronald McDonald House, P.O. Box 1119, Missoula, MT 59806 or First Baptist Church, 301 W. Wyoming, Kalispell, MT 59901.