Jerry Wayne Wionzek

WIONZEK – Jerry Wionzek of the Rama district.

   After a recent cancer diagnosis, Jerry passed away on Friday, November 8th, 2019 at the Preeceville & District Health Centre.  He was 63 years old, just 2 weeks short of his 64th birthday. 

  Jerry was born on November 24, 1955 in the Canora Hospital to Louis and Mary (Starecki) Wionzek.    He was never married and spent his entire life on the family farm located in the Rama District.  Jerry attended both the Dobrowody South School and Rama School but dropped out early because his dad needed help on the farm.  During the winter months, Jerry would drive his mom and sister to the Rama curling and skating rink. Often enough, Jerry would help the caretaker flood and prepare the ice.  In his earlier years Jerry enjoyed attending fairs and the Thresherman’s Show at the museum in Yorkton.

   After his dad’s passing in 1995, Jerry continued to farm and raise cattle.  As the years went on, he eventually spent more of his time helping out local area farmers when they needed a hand.   Jerry was an active member of PALS in Rama and would always participate and assist with events being held and enjoyed meeting there for coffee with friends.  Jerry loved to visit with people; and would travel all over in his grey dodge truck to meet up with friends and neighbours.  He regularly attended Fall Suppers in the surrounding communities.

   Jerry had an interest in farm equipment and every year he looked forward to the auction season.  He really enjoyed attending Ukrainetz Auctions and would sometimes even help out the auction crew.  He was fascinated with any type of construction equipment and would often spend hours watching a bulldozer clear land.  He was very knowledgeable about engines and other working components in tractors and CATS.  Jerry had a love for animals and was especially attached to his dog “Fluffy” which he had for 14 years until the winter of 2018.

   Jerry touched the lives of many people and he will be deeply missed.  

   He was predeceased by his parents:  Louis on August 7, 1995 and Mary on September 24, 1982; grandparents:  Albin and Frances Wionzek, and Mike and Julia Starecki.  He is survived by his sister:  Pam (Mark) Stradeski; nephew:  Sandy (Tammy); nieces: Amanda (Derrick), Chantel (Patrick) and their families; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and friends.

Vichnaya Pamiat! – Memory Eternal !

   Prayers were held on Wednesday November 13, 2019 and the Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday November 14, 2019 both from Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rama with Very Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac as the Celebrant. Nephew, Sandy Bigoraj served as the crossbearer. Interment followed in the Canora Town Cemetery with Nancy & Erik Genoway, Bev & Eugene Prychak, and Nick & Debbie Kowalyshyn serving as the casketbearers. Memorials in memory of Jerry may be made to PALS in Rama or to the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.preecevillefuneralhome.com

Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.