Joseph Shulka 1966-2008

Our community lost a dedicated activist when Joseph Shulka, 42, passed away September 22. He was born May 16, 1966. Formerly of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, he had resided in the Twin Cities for many years.

Shulka and his longtime life partner, Dallas Drake, cofounded the locally based but internationally acclaimed Center for Homicide Research (formerly Minnesota Gay Homicide Study), of which Shulka was President. As well, he was active in philanthropy for various nonprofit causes.

In 2006, the Center for Homicide Research received a well-deserved Lavender PRIDE Award for the work Shulka and Drake spearheaded.

Shulka was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Cherie Shulka. Besides Drake, he is survived by his sisters, Vicky (Robin) Mezera; Lisa Shulka and her partner, Stephannie Holland; Susan (Joseph) Lindsay; and Krista Shulka, along with other family, coworkers, and many friends. Interment was in Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Memorials may be directed to the Center for Homicide Research, 3036 University Avenue SE, Suite E, Minneapolis, MN 55414.