Obituary of John Kerelchuk

KERELCHUK - Mr. John Kerelchuk, resident of the Yorkton and District Nursing Home, beloverd husband of Nettie Kerelchuk of Yorkton, passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2007, at the age of 88 years. John Kerelchuk was born on September 15, 1918 in the Buchanan district of Saskatchewan; the second child born to Metro and Helene (nee Bilanchuk). He was raised on the family farm and completed his education at Vaslowetz School. In 1939 he joined the armed forces and was posted for training in Vancouver and Esquimault BC. He met Nettie Pawliw in 1944 and they were united in marriage on June 23, 1945 at the Canora Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The couple settled a few miles west of John's fathers homestead near the west shore of Good Spirit Lake. In 1964 they moved to the farm one mile east of Theodore. There they resided until 1981, when John retired from 'active' farming and moved to Theodore, leaving their son David to carry on. John enjoyed driving to the farm to help Dave with odd jobs that needed doing. In his younger years, John was an avid baseball player and fan. He had a great passion for fishing. He also enjoyed socializing with a good game of cards. In November of 2001 he was admitted to the Yorkton and District Nursing Home, where he resided in good health until his passing. Predeceased by his parents; a sister Anne in infancy; a brother George, another sister Anne as a child; and by a sister Rayme Duchnitski. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Nettie; sons: Martin (Pat) of Brandon, MB; and David (Pat) of Theodore; daughter: Delores (Ron) Shordee of Fort Qu'Appelle; ten grandchildren: Keri (Paul) Mandziuk, Colin (Emily), Kim, Tracy, Michael, and Tara Kerelchuk, and Janice, Ryan, Darren and Lisa Shordee. Also five great grandchildren; two brothers: Mike (Rose), and Pete, all of Saskatoon, and a sister Mary Gawryluik of Theodore; numerous nieces, nephews, and his many other relatives and friends. Prayer services were held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. The funeral service was held on Thursday, April 5, 2007 from Holy Transfiguration Church with Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky, assisted by members of the Parish Choir, led in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was Janice Shordee. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Emil Biblow, Melvin Hnidey, Don and Norman Gawryluik, Gerald Hoffman and Ed Skehar serving as the casketbearers. Son Martin offered thanks on behalf of the family at the memorial luncheon following the funeral. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, April 5th, 2007 9:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery