Obituary of William Graval

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". GRAVAL - Mr. William Graval of Yorkton, beloved husband of Denise Graval passed away March 26, 2014 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. He was 95 years of age. William (Bill) Graval was born on December 28, 1918 on the family farm in Insinger District of Saskatchewan; a son to John and Mary (nee Wolowidnyk) Graval. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Insinger. Although his education did not go beyond grade school, he attained self-taught skills in animal husbandry, as a butcher, carpenter and painter, mechanic, tailor, and veterinarian. Some of these he learned while working in Winnipeg during the winter months. This is where he met the love of his life, Denise, his wife of nearly 60 years. Together they operated a mixed farming operation until his 65th birthday, at which time he began renting the land. However that did not prevent him from lending a helping hand, which would include cleaning and repairing the grain bins, mowing the grass as well as continuing with his garden. He was known for his raspberry patch and infamous potato crop. Retirement from active farming allowed him and Denise to enjoy bus trips throughout Canada and the US. In 2000, William and Denise moved into Yorkton and they became regulars at Yorkton Seniors Club. William wasn't much for TV; however he was a hardcore viewer of the weather channel, Saturday night polkarama and Wheel of Fortune. He also enjoyed watching sports such as baseball and curling. Brain-teasers and sudoku kept his mind alert until the very end. He never ceased to amaze people at his ability to complete the "Gold" challenges in record time. His health began to fail in August 2012 and in October 2013 he settled in Jowsey's House at the Anderson Lodge. He continued to remain active taking in bingo and cards games and coming away a winner on a frequent basis. William was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary and his brothers, Allan, George, Matt and by a sister in infancy as well as grandchildren Nicholas and Timothy. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Denise, their children Darlene (John) Marchuk and their children, Brent and Blaine; and Myron (Karen) Graval and their children, Kimberly and Jeffrey and great grandson, Charlie as well as numerous other relatives and friends. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Father Francis Hengen of St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church officiating. The pianist, Pianist - Pam Yaremko led members of St. Gerard's Choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns, 'On Eagle's Wing', 'Psalm 23', 'Precious Lord Take My Hand', 'I Know That My Redeemer Lives' and 'How Great Thou Art'. The crossbearer was John Marchuk and all family and friends who shared in his life were considered honorary bearers. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Gary Dahlman, Kevin Dareichuk, Micheal Grunwald, Brent Marchuk, Shayne Roebuck and Randy Wolowidnek serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of William may be made towards Jowsey House at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home or to the East Central Health Foundation for hospital equipment. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome Visitation Details Friday, March 28th, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pmService Information Saturday, March 29th, 2014 11:00am, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens