Joe Kordonowy died peacefully in his sleep after a courageous battle with cancer. There will be a prayer service at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 11, 2023 at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Fairfield with burial to follow at Ukraina Cemetery. Joe’s Wake will be at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Rusty Rail Saloon, Belfield with a time of sharing memories of Joe and live music by Lyle.
Funeral services were previously held December 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the Ray of Hope Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM. His uncle and Godfather, the Reverend Scott Sailer of Sioux Falls, SD officiated.
Joe was born to Lyle and Kelli (Sailer) Kordonowy in Dickinson, ND. In 1984 they moved from Dickinson to Fargo, ND. In 1988 the family moved to Albuquerque, NM, which became his permanent home.
On September 7, 2002, Joe married the love of his life, Rhonda Toliver. They were blessed with 3 children who were his pride and joy.
Joe was passionate about Star Wars, Star Trek, DC comic books, movies, and music, especially Celtic Christian.
He loved his work at Verizon, where he made everyone his friend with his wonderful sense of humor and geekiness. Joe was a positive friend, loved family and any social gathering, our gentle giant who taught us to enjoy the simplest pleasures in life. Joe impacted so many lives, and he will be missed by all.
Joe is survived by his wife Rhonda of 20 years, son Zakrye; daughters, Katelyn and Loreal; parents, Lyle and Kelli Kordonowy; sister, Ashley Kordonowy; Goddaughter and niece, Shayne Grier; grandparents, Calvin and Kathleen Sailer, all of Albuquerque; and grandparents, Leonard and LaVerne Kordonowy of Belfield, N.D., along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
