Obituary of John Pacholka

PACHOLKA - John Pacholka of Yorkton, beloved husband of Adeline peacefully passed away with his family by his side on December 29, 2018 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 89 years old. John will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He leaves to mourn his wife Adeline Pacholka (Oleskiw), his five children Deb Pacholka (Rick Molaro), Marianne (Reg) Rempel, Yvonne (Bob) Dueck, Bill (Karen) Pacholka, and Jeanette (Daren) Johnson. John was blessed with eleven grandchildren Jocelyn Molaro (Dan Coomber-Bendtsen), Stephen Molaro (Janel Fergusson), Alison Molaro, Shawn Rempel, Andrea Rempel (Cam Boutin), Shari (Paul) Sarsons, Josh Dueck, John Pacholka, Elan Pacholka, Kade Johnson, and Elyse Johnson; and two great grandchildren Calla Coomber and Kenzin Coomber. John also leaves to mourn his sisters Minnie (Ed) Kuspira and Stella Hardybala. He is joining in eternal life and happiness his parents William and Mary (Yaremko) Pacholko, and in-laws John and Pauline Oleskiw, Pete Werchola, Peter Oleskiw, John Hardybala and Zyg Yuzak. John was born on February 15, 1929 to William and Mary (Yaremko) Pacholko at the family farm near Willowbrook. He was the oldest of three children including his sisters Stella Hardybala and Minnie Kuspira. John spent his early life on the family farm while attending grades 1 to 10 three miles away in Willowbrook and grades 11 and 12 at St. Joseph's College in Yorkton. After his high school graduation in 1947, he enrolled in an eight-week teaching course at the Moose Jaw Teacher's College and immediately launched into his education career that September with his first classroom at Pulaski Plains School in McKim, SK. Over the course of the next nine years he completed further education during the summer months while working as a teacher, vice-principal and principal at various schools during the school year. John married Adeline Oleskiw at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church near Alvena, SK on July 28, 1956. John and Adeline enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Their first year of marriage was spent in Aklavik, North West Territories where John worked as the principal of a nine-room school before returning home to Saskatchewan in the summer of 1957 where John began his 13-year career as the principal in Birch Hills, SK. All five children were born there. Always open to new and interesting career challenges, the family moved to Melville, SK in 1970 where John became the inaugural principal of the newly-built Melville Comprehensive School. John took the next step in his career in 1974 and became the Superintendent of Education, first in Hudson Bay, SK and later in Wolseley, SK. The family moved to Yorkton, SK in 1979 when John became the Director of Education for the Yorkton Catholic School Division for the next ten years. John retired (for the first time) in 1989, but his retirement did not last long. In 1990, he returned to work part time for his previous employers until 1995 when he began to work solely with the Yorkton Tribal Council until his final retirement in 2013, wrapping up a remarkable 66-year career as an educator. Family was John's great source of pride and devotion. He was always interested in and acknowledged each family member's life journey, pursuits and accomplishments. He was an example of the Dad that all children would love to have. John had a strong Christian faith, guiding him throughout his life. John was a caring and generous person, leaving a legacy rich in faith and belief in basic values. He was a faithful parishioner of the St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, dedicating his time and talents for many years. Prayers were held on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 with the Rosary led by members of Knights of Columbus, 3rd & 4th Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood preceding. Rev. Fathers Bohdan Lukie, Raymond Lukie and Methodius Kushko officiated. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 , both at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R. and Rev. Father Raymond Lukie, C.Ss.R. concelebrating. The reponses were led by Colette Karapita, Lorne Stechyshyn and parish choir members. The cross bearers were John (JT) Pacholka, Elyse Johnson & Elan Pacholka. The epistle readers were Alison Molaro, and Jocelyn Molaro. Serving as honourary bearers were Walter Prystai, Walter & Carol Streelasky, Carl & Albina Pacholka, Harvey & Evelyne Sturtz and all others who affected his life. The interment followed in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Shawn Rempel,Stephen Molaro, Josh Dueck, Kade Johnson, Kelly Kuspira and Alan Hardybala serving as the casket bearers. Longtime friend and colleague, Walter Streelasky paid tribute to John as well as the grandchildren and a former colleague from the Yorkton Tribal Council. Memorial donations may be made in memory of John to St. Mary's Church or to Canadian Cancer Society as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to www.baileysfuneralhome.com