Joseph Sivak, 90, Dickinson, formerly of Fairfield, died at home on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Joseph’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2025 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson with Msgr. Thomas Richter as celebrant. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Interment will take place at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Leonard Krebs presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Joseph John Sivak was born February 16, 1934 at the home Ranch in Snow, ND to Joe and Dora (Pavlenko) Sivak. He attended Joint School in Billings County. He ranched and rodeoed until entering the United States Army on February 12, 1958. He served in Korea until his honorable discharge on February 11, 1960. Upon his discharge he returned to the ranch. He attended the first National Finals Rodeo in Dallas, TX in 1959.
Joseph married Beverly Kjilbak on April 24, 1962 in Grassy Butte. In the early 60’s Joseph worked with veterinarians, ranched and always found time to help the neighbors during calving time. Most of his vet work was done in the local neighborhood. Joseph loved working cattle and riding good horses. He raised and broke horses. Joseph’s children learned to deliver calves and ride horses at a young age. He served on the Billings County Water Resources Board and Zoning Board for ten years each.
He enjoyed dancing, shooting pool, playing poker, and riding horses. Joseph was a member of St. Anthony Club, Eagles Club, Ezra Barrows Post 46 American Legion, Killdeer Rodeo Club, Grassy Butte Community Club, and the Fairfield Community Club. He also helped form the Buckhorn Rodeo Club, was a rodeo judge and auctioneer.
Joseph is survived by his children, Shawna Paul, Linton, Jodi (Brad) Chinn, Grassy Butte, Shannon (Janel) Sivak, Huntley, MT, and Sheldon (Katrina) Sivak, Bismarck; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Eva (Ed) Hecker, Dickinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Shane; son-in-law, Mike Paul; his parents; and siblings, Tony (Kathy) Stekar, Dorothy (Clinton) Merrick, Verna (Dick) Olson, Agnes (John) Gayda, Ann (Roy) Olheiser, Mary (Daniel Lee) Bilyou, Katherine (Alfred) Kadrmas, Frances (Bill) Tiggas, Rose Manford) Hage, and Alice (Don) Somrak.
