Aleksandr Igorevich Shishko

Aleksandr Igorevich Shishko, age 32, was born on September 28, 1990, in Minsk, Belarus, to his loving parents Igor and Nadezhda Shishko. He was their firstborn son.
Alex passed into the arms of his Savior on August 28, 2023 while surrounded by those he loved dearly. On December 24, 1996, Igor and Nadezda immigrated and moved the family to Sacramento, California. Alex graduated from Futures High School in 2009. 

His commitment to his faith was solidified on September 6, 2009, when he publicly professed his faith in Jesus Christ through baptism. Alex underwent training and discipleship from Brother Georgel that culminated in a missionary trip to Ukraine in the summer of 2010. For several weeks, Alex ministered at a local orphanage, distributed hundreds of Bibles, and spread the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the streets and local churches. Between the fall of 2010 and the spring of 2011, Alex studied at a Christian College, EUCON International College, on the distant island of Saipan, deepening his faith and expanding his horizons. On July 25, 2015, Alex embraced a new chapter in his life as he exchanged vows with his beloved, Katerina Pupko. Together they faced the trials and joys that life presented. Their love blossomed into the birth of their daughter, Anna, in 2017. She was an answer to their prayers. Two years later in 2019, God blessed them with their son, Alex Jr., whose premature birth led to a series of challenging trials due to his immediate need for multiple surgeries, resulting in the removal of most of his small intestine.To this day, Alex Jr. is in need of constant medical attention and weekly or daily hospital visits. Alex relocated his family to Everett, WA in hopes of finding a new home for his family and joining a church there. But God showed him a different path which led him to move to North Carolina. Alex and Katya decided to stay in Charlotte because they fell in love with a local Slavic church, Gospel Light Baptist Church. There they found a great community and true friends, who also fell in love with Sasha and his family. Through the trials experienced by Alex and his family, Alex’s family became an unseen member of each family from the church. The church played a critical role in assisting them during their moments of significant need. Alex held the authority of the Word of God in very high regard. He had purposed to raise his family in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Alex had a joyful and happy demeanor. We will miss his humor and bright, warm, and sometimes uneven smile.

Alex was not just a devoted family man, but also a hardworking entrepreneur. He established his own wheel and tire business, “Original Wheels Plus.” Alex enjoyed fishing. He was very hardworking and found pleasure in always working on something, improving his home and property, fixing a car, mower, boat, or ATV.
It was very important for Alex to be available to those who needed help. When a relative or friend was in need, Alex was often the first person they would call. In May of 2022, Aleksandr faced his greatest challenge when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Leiomyosarcoma. Despite the physical and emotional toll of this battle, he approached his treatments with optimism and a determined will. The strength with which he faced this adversity was a true testament to his character.

As his health deteriorated, he was surrounded by the warmth and love of his family and numerous friends. Alex believed that God was able to heal him at any moment. Until the very end, He trusted God with his life and family. He kept reminding us about the verses that became his life mantra:  “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 

While we all didn’t understand the reason for the family’s suffering, we sought for the will of God and made our request for healing known before God. Alex reminded us to trust in God even if we don’t receive the answer we are asking for. He believed that God had a purpose, even in his suffering. 

Aleksandr's courageous fight came to an end on August 28th, 2023. He was one month away from his 33rd birthday. He left behind a legacy of faith, love, and resilience that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. His passing has left a void that can never be filled, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the life he lived and honor his memory by supporting his grieving family. His wife, Katya, their daughter Anna, and son Alex Jr. continue to face challenges, both emotional and financial. In these trying times, let us join together in offering our prayers and assistance. This is not the end. As it is written, “sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” We have hope. “In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.” We will meet Alex again.

A funeral service will be held for Aleksandr on Monday, September 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Gospel Light Baptist Church, 12021 Flowes Store Rd, Midland, NC 28107. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 12:00 noon at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205.

Arrangements are entrusted to Life and Legacy Funerals and Cremations, 6525 Old Monroe Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079.

You can support the Katya and her children financially through the gofundme fundraiser:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/aleksandr-shishko

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