Obituary of Joe Kruda

Mr. Joseph Kruda of Yorkton and formerly of the Willowbrook district entered eternal rest at his home on Friday, June 1, 2007 at the age of 88 years. Joe was born on September 28, 1918 on a farm near Fonehill, Saskatchewan. He was the eldest son in the family of five born to John and Mary (nee Gamracy) Kruda. At the age of one, Joe's parents moved to a farm south of Jedburgh. He attended Folkestone School until the completion of grade eight. Joe worked on the farm with his parents until 1942 when he joined the army and served four years in Canada and overseas. Following his discharge in 1946, Joe worked at a store in Willowbrook as well purchased land in the Cherryfield district and began farming. On October 31, 1948 Joe married Stella Sytko of Willowbrook. In 1950, they moved to Willowbrook where Joe was a grain buyer for National Grain. In 1952, they returned to the farm where they raised their family: one son and three daughters. Joe served as a trustee of the Cherryfield and Willowbrook schools, was on the Pool committee and also served as a councillor of the Rural Municipality of Garry, was a member of the District 12 Agricultural Extension Board and a municipal representative of the Yorkton Health Unit. In 1990, Joe and Stella purchased a home in Yorkton. While he resided in the city he still enjoyed visiting the farm. He spent many hours walking in the fields, listening to the birds and breathing in the fresh air. Joe enjoyed going for his daily coffee with his friends. He took great pride in his grandchildren and great grandchildren, always coaxing them for a smile. After the passing of his wife Stella, in January of this year, his health began to decline. Joe was predeceased by his wife, Stella (January, 2007); his parents: John and Mary Kruda; a daughter Joanne Kruda (1970); his brothers: Nick and Rudy; sister - in - law Eva Kruda; brothers - in - law: John Ostapowich and Norman Lee. Joe leaves to cherish his memory his son, Don of Red Deer, Alberta; daughters: Joyce (Ron) Harvey of Tonkin, Saskatchewan, Marie (Mike) Billinton of Calgary, Alberta; grandchildren: Shannon (Ricky) Stanley, Mark Kruda, Amy (Brad) Armbruster, Scott Harvey, Kelsey, Taylor, Brennen Billinton; great grandchildren: Brayden Stanley and Lian Armbruster. He will also be missed and remembered by his sisters: Victoria Lee of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Lillian (Rex) Benning of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; his sister - in - law Eileen Kruda of Yorkton, Saskatchewan as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A prayer service was held on Wednesday evening, June 6, 2007 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday morning, June 7, 2007 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yorkton, Saskatchewan with Reverend Father Methodius Kushko C.Ss.R. as Celebrant. Ed Pindus and Colette Karapita along with members of the parish choir led the responses to the Liturgy. The Epistle reader was Kelsey Billinton with Taylor aned Brennen Billinton serving as Cross Bearers. Mike Zahayko and all those who knew and loved Joe were named as Honourary Bearers. The Legion Burial RIte, conducted by members of the Royal Canadian Legion General Alexander Ross Branch # 77 followed the Divine Liturgy with: Pastor Rick Gibson as Padre', Peter Wyatt as Sergeant - at - arms, John Miller as Bugler ,George Arnold, Art Alstad, Russell Bishop and Al Morley as the colour party. The interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Scott and Ron Harvey, Mike Billinton, Brad Armbruster, Randy Kruda, Terry Hull and Wayne Harrick serving as casket bearers. At the memorial luncheon expressions of thanks were given by Mike Billinton. ETERNAL MEMORY services directed by Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton Service Information Thursday, June 7th, 2007 10:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens