Obituary of Joseph Smigelski

SMIGELSKI – Joe Smigelski of Yorkton, formerly of Rorketon, Manitoba beloved husband of the Late Lena Smigelski entered eternal rest on January 28, 2022. He was 86 years of age. Joseph (Charlie) Smigelski was born on April 20, 1935 on the family farm near Rorketon, MB, a son of Dmetro and Mary (Karlash) Smigelski. Joe attended a one room school at Edlene until Grade 6 when he left to help on the family farm. Besides farm work he was busy playing with bands all over the area but making sure he was awake on time to milk the cows the next morning. He continued to help on the farm until leaving to work on the oil rigs in the 50’s. Upon returning home he continued to operate a mixed farm on the family land. On July 1, 1967 he married Lena Arsenie and became a step father to Barry, Julie and Brian. Upon retirement they moved to Yorkton but continued to maintain their cabin at Benyk’s Point from May to November where he loved fishing and hunting and spending time with his grandsons. He attended St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church where he met and made many great friends. He sang in the Church Choir and also went Christmas Caroling. Joe loved hunting, fishing, playing cards, dancing, playing music and tipping one back on occasion. He was a self - taught profound musician who could pick up any instrument and play it. These included guitar, violin, mandolin, harmonica and tsymbally (dulcimer) to name a few. Joe was a devout Ukrainian Catholic who was also a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. He and Lena volunteered numerous times for functions at the parish hall. He had an unwavering trust in God who called him home on Saturday, January 22, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memory three stepchildren, Barry (Clairette) Zaleski of Dauphin, MB, Julie (Brian) Graveline of The Pas, MB and Brian Zaleski and friend Kathy and her children Jerrod and Kaitlan of Brandon, MB. Three grandchildren Ronald Zaleski, Cory Graveline (Kellie) and Jeffrey Graveline (Samantha); four great grandchildren Emmett, Oliver, London and Aspen; sisters - in - law Pauline Wowchuk of Winnipeg and Mary Smigelski of Winnipeg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Lena, his parents Dmetro and Mary Smigelski, brothers Mike, Bill and John; sisters – in – law Minnie and Ollie. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Monday, January 31st at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Leonid Malkov, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The cross bearer was Emil Strutynski and the epistle Reader was Debbie Lishchynsky. Members of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood held an honour guard. The interment followed at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Jim Arsenie, Ron Kolodziejski, Todd Arsenie, Terry Skykalo, Victor Puchala and Steve Popowich serving as the casket bearers. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church Building Fund or the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.