Frank (Shkansh) Embert Joseph
Frank (Shkansh) Embert Joseph, Kaagwaantaan Clan (Eagle Nest House), passed away peacefully on June 8, 2021, at his home. He was 71.
Sitka was blessed with the birth of Frank on Nov. 6, 1949, to the loving family of parents John Joseph Sr. and Martha (Benson) Joseph, to join his sister Georgina, and brothers John Jr. and Claude.
Frank was a true homegrown, and never had interest in seeking out adventures outside of the place he loved and cherished most. There are stories that when his wife Sharon was toying around with transferring employment to other Alaskan communities, Frank’s only response was “I will write you every week.”
Frank worked more than 30 years with the school districts, mainly Sitka High School with a few years at Mt. Edgecumbe High School. He loved his designated after-school-hours work shifts, cranking up his radio to work in rhythm to the music that could be heard throughout the halls late at night. He had much respect for school staff and students alike, and cherished the time spent and friendships with all.
Frank enjoyed fishing, hunting, providing for his family and treating his wife like a queen. He grabbed life by the horns and made every moment count, including his last days with family and friends.
Frank is survived by his wife Sharon Joseph and daughters Stacie (Ernie) Karras, Juneau; Kaari Joseph, Sitka; Skye (Prescott) Kelly, Palmer; and Zeylinn Joseph, Sitka; grandchildren Mason Shearer (Katie and great granddaughter Adeleigh), MacKenzie and Josie Reeves, Fiery and Robert Karras, Braxton Kelly, and Kormack Joseph-Moreno.
Survivors also include his sister Georgina (Harvey) Kitka, Sitka; brother Claude (Lynne) Joseph, Kauai, Hiwaii; aunt Lorraine (Hank) Chartrand, Sitka; nieces and nephews H. Terrence Kitka, Paula Lindstrom (Dale), and Sherry Diehl (Geoff, Gemma and Meadow), all of Sitka; Thomas Kitka (Samantha), Crystal Stoner (Dennis), all of Juneau; and Sarah Joseph (Alyssa Silva) of Hawaii; and many other relatives.
