Joseph John 'Joe Dog' Feisman, 73

Joseph John "Joe Dog" 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 Ursillines and Chemawah Indian School.

After his graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a corpsman with a USMC detachment in the Korean conflict. After dedicating 16 years to the United States, he proudly received his honorable discharge.

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

However, as with many things in life things do not always work out, and Joe Dog 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.

Joe Dog was employed with Philadelphia Steel, the Tribes at Environmental Health from '79 to '81, Kicking Horse Job Corps 1983, Indian Health Services and served on the Council 82-92 as well as being the former tribal chairman from January 1984 to January 1986. He also served on the Confederated Salish and 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 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 was 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 and Kevin Marker, Troy and Trina, Joe Jr. and Joanne and Mike Buck; sisters, Marge Michel and Floss and David Cote; grandchildren, Eddie, Kevin, Kerri, Kyle, Zach, TJ, James and Michaela; a special nephew and nieces, Mike Snell and Bev and Jennifer Sons; and goddaughter, Stephanie Trahan Gillin; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a large extended family .

Flags will be lowered to half staff in honor of his passing. A traditional wake began Monday at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the Rosary being recited at 8 p.m. today in the Longhouse. Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission, with military honors being presented at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.