Joseph Anton Fornal of Holden Alberta passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026. Joe was born at Torlea, Alberta March 11, 1944 to John and Maria Fornal. Joe was raised on the farm with 10 brothers and sisters and pursued a teaching career after high school, graduating from the U of A in the education facility. He settled in Holden, Alberta where he lived out his days. Some of the highlights of his teaching career were teaching in Australia, and New York state. In the later years of Joe’s career, he spent many years being a principal and a vice principal at Holden and Viking school. Joe was a very friendly interactive principal with a very unique sense of humour that brought smiles to many of his colleagues and students.

Joe was a very active member of the community. He served as the mayor of Holden for a while and did various volunteering. Joe also enjoyed travelling, with Hawaii being a favourite destination. His adventures led him worldwide to many different countries, where he explored many different cultures. When he retired Joe travelled with his sisters Emily and Helen to many US destinations where the three of them made many treasured memories. While at home he treasured gardening, maintaining a greenhouse and a garden for many years.

Joe is survived by his siblings Emily and Frank (Debi), sisters-in-law Connie and Annemarie and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents John and Maria and siblings Anne (Joe), Stanley, Mike (Rose), Louie, Teddy (Flo), Helen (Archie), Edward and brother-in-law Joseph. 

If you wish to donate please donate to the Holden Food Bank or the Holden Library in his honour.

A Celebration of Joe’s life will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Holden Community Hall (4919 49 Ave.) in Holden, Alberta