Joe Schmalz was born December 12, 1924 in Fenn, Alberta.  He graduated from school in Edmonton.  Joe in 1943 joined the South Alberta Regiment (a tank unit) which was part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division in World War II.  He served in England, participated in the Liberation of the Netherlands, and spent the last weeks of the war fighting in Northern Germany.  After the war, Joe returned to Edmonton and then lived in Jasper and Nanton before moving to Lethbridge.  It was in Lethbridge that he met Naida and her large family.  It took forever, but they finally married in 1975.  Joe had many interests but he was particularly interested in the Southern Alberta Classic Automobile Club.  He volunteered for numerous groups and was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion.  Joe passed away on December 6, 2004.