Joseph John 'JoeDog' Felsman

ST. IGNATIUS — Joseph John "JoeDog" Felsman, 73, a former tribal chairman and war veteran died Sunday in Missoula after a long battle with cancer.

Born in St. Ignatius on Dec. 11, 1932, to Oswald and Annie (Ashley) Felsman, he was raised in the St. Ignatius area and received his education from the Ursulines and Chemawah Indian School. Following his graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a corpsman with a U.S. Marine Corps detachment in the Korean Conflict. After dedicating 16 years to the United States, he proudly received his honorable discharge.

JoeDog married Sally Ann Ross in the late 1950s and they made their home in Oakland, Calif., and Seattle before settling Philadelphia, where he proudly became a lifelong member of Yearsley VFW Post and served as their commander.

However, many things in life do not always work out and JoeDog and Sally Ann divorced while in Philadelphia. He then met Lois Chatburn and they made their home in Philadelphia before returning to the Flathead Reservation in 1974.

JoeDog was employed with Philadelphia Steel, the Tribes at Environmental Health from '79 -'81, Kicking Horse Job Corps 1983, Indian Health Services and served on the Tribal Council '82-'92. He was Tribal Council chairman from January 1984 to January 1986. He also served on the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe Housing Board for many years.

Joe Dog had an enthusiasm for the VFW and for the Mission Valley Honor Guard for which he served as the chaplain until just recently. He enjoyed jogging and walking, reading and sports, especially the Eagles. He was an excellent cook and was known for his chili, stew and hot sauce.

He raised his grandkids, James Sorrell and Michaela Buck, setting a wonderful example because he enjoyed being with his family. We know that he will be missed by all and that they will keep a special spot for him at the Silver.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers Ronald, Bill, Oswald Jr., Mark, Harold, Grub, and Carl, and sister Alberta.

He leaves behind his wife Lois; children Carol Ann, Linda Sue (Kevin) Marker, Troy (Trina), Joe Jr. and Joanne (Mike Buck); sisters Marge Michel and Floss (David) Cote; grandchildren Eddie, Kevin, Kerri, Kyle, Zach, TJ, James and Michaela; special nephew and nieces, Mike Snell and Bev and Jennifer Sons; god-daughter Stephanie Trahan Gillin; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

Flags were lowered to half mast in honor of his passing. Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission with military honors accorded at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.