Date of Birth: January 4, 1920
Date of Death: January 7, 2016
WENET – John Bernard Wenet was born Jan. 4, 1920, on the farm which was located in the Cana district close to Brewer. John was the second oldest child born to Joseph and Catherine (nee Spilak) Wenet.
His dad immigrated from Poland and his mom from Ukraine in the early 1900s and settled on the homestead, which was to remain in the Wenet family for over 100 years.
John completed Grade 8 at Happy Home School and then chose to work alongside his father on the family farm. He worked tirelessly on the farm during the 1930s despite the very dry years. John had great memories of growing up in a large farm family.
September 1939, the Second World War broke out and John did not hesitate to enlist in the army. In December 1941, he was ordered to report to Depot in Regina for basic training. From there he did his advanced training as a machine gunner in Dundurn and was then transferred to Trois Rivieres, Que. in April 1942. John’s tour of duty offered him the opportunity to see the beautiful Maritimes of Canada, with time stationed in Halifax, N. S., tasked with guarding Peggy’s Cove.
During the latter part of the war, he was stationed in Gander, Nfld.; an experience he greatly enjoyed. Despite the physical and emotional stressors and near -death experiences, he loved to share his war stories.
After being discharged from the army, John returned to the family farm. He would continue farming until retiring in 1997
On Oct. 12, 1955, John married Mary Zulyniak at St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton. On June 20, 1957, their only child, Marlene Alice, was born. They were saddened when Marlene passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in 1991.
John and Mary spent many hours helping their son-in-law, Brian Trebish, raise the two boys, Colby and Michael. The boys were the joy of John and Mary’s life. John was a mixed farmer, working with cattle, chickens, pigs and still finding the time and energy to grow a profitable crop. John had a rich work ethic and could fix anything as he was blessed with an innovative mind. John worked very hard alongside Mary on the family farm, but they made sure they spent time with family, friends and neighbours playing cards, going to dances and sharing meals together.
Everyone enjoyed John’s company, as he was always smiling and full of jokes. He was delighted to share stories about his farming experiences with everyone.
In 1986, John and Mary semi-retired from farming and they moved to Yorkton. John’s passion for growing crops translated to growing a garden and tending to his beautiful yard. With Mary’s guidance, they produced an immaculate yard in which they took great pride, often receiving recognition as the best front yard in Yorkton.
John thoroughly enjoyed the hours spent at the hockey rink watching his grandsons play the sport they loved. No matter the outcome of the game, he was their biggest fan.
John and Mary were also very active in the St. Gerard’s Catholic Church. He became very proficient in making the perogies for fundraisers.
In his final years, John spent many hours with his son-in-law, Brian, and his family. He enjoyed family meals and spent many nights cheering on Michael who was playing hockey on TV from the USA.
John’s greatest joy came from holding his great-grandson, Bennet, and watched him grow into a joyful one-year-old.
The most important thing in John’s life was family and he treasured every moment.
John passed away peacefully at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016; three days after celebrating his 96th birthday.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary; his daughter, Marlene; his parents, Joseph and Catherine Wenet, his sisters, Pearl (Pete) Yanish, Waltrina (Walter) Swerden, Frances, Helen (Gordon) Major, Violet (Alfred) Chipeur, Sophie, Maryanne Kreklewich; and brother, Joseph.
John leaves to mourn his death and celebrate his life, son-in-law, Brian Trebish; grandchildren, Colby (Kathy) and great-grandson, Bennet Trebish; and Michael (Kara) Trebish; his sisters-in-law, Rose Ochitwa and Olga Zulyniak; brothers-in-law, Frank (Elsie) Zulyniak and Philip Kreklewich; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
The prayer vigil was held on Monday evening, Jan. 11, 2016 from St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church, Yorkton with Fr. Francis Hengen officiating. Pianist, Diana Hornung led the parish choir and the congregation in the hymns, ‘Be Not Afraid,’ Psalm 63, ‘In the Garden,’ and ‘Day is Done.’
The funeral mass was celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016 from St. Gerard’s Church with Fr. Francis as celebrant. The lectors were Kathy Trebish and Diane Ochitwa, the giftbearers were Gloria Trebish and Anne Simon, and Judy Bernat was the crossbearer. Organist, Judy Berg led the parish choir and the congregation in the hymns, ‘Morning Has Broken,’ Psalm 23, ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘On Eagles Wings,’ ‘Song of the Angels,’ and ‘How Great Thou Art.’
Interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Brian, Colby and Michael Trebish, Rick Ochitwa, Brian Zulyniak and Donald Wenet serving as the casketbearers.
Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Palliative Care Unit of the Yorkton and District Nursing Home.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral and Cremation
