Obituary of John Wonsiak

Remembering 99 Years Of Life
John Wonsiak

John Wonsiak passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026 at the Rose Valley Manor at the age of 99.

John was born on August 8, 1926 in western Ukraine to Hnat and Christine Wonsiak. As a young boy he immigrated to Canada with his parents and brothers, settling first near Fosston, Saskatchewan. Like many pioneer families, the Wonsiaks worked hard to build a life from the land. John attended Ponass Lake School and spent most of his life farming, raising cattle and grain and helping build the family homestead in the Rose Valley area.

John met the love of his life, Georgina Horbach of Nora, and the two were married on June 1, 1952. Together, they built a life on the farm where they raised their four children: George, Eleanor, Joseph, and Jennifer. Farming was more than a job for John. It was a way of life, one that revolved around hard work, family, and the rhythms of the seasons.

While the farm kept him busy, John’s passions stretched well beyond the fields. He loved fishing, especially at Round Lake, where he spent more than 70 summers casting a line.

John also took great pride in his garden. Few could rival his garlic, onions, or cucs, and many friends and family benefited from the harvest over the years. He was always tinkering, building useful inventions around the farm, and was known to enjoy a crib game with a shot of something homemade to go along with it.

Sports were another favourite pastime. John faithfully cheered for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

In 1994, John faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife Georgina, and in 2015 the loss of his son George. Despite these difficult moments, he carried on with the same resilience and quiet strength that had defined his life.

Later in life, John moved from the farm he loved to the Rose Valley Manor, where he quickly became a familiar and well-loved presence. Whether sharing stories, playing cards, playing bingo, or simply enjoying a visit, John had a way of leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

John is lovingly remembered by his children Eleanor (Philip) Neigel, Joseph (Diane) Wonsiak, and Jennifer (Robert) Wells; his daughter-in-law Dianne Wonsiak; and his grandchildren Kyle (Michelle) Wonsiak, Erin Wonsiak, Sarah (Dwight) Taylor, Amanda (John) Wonsiak, Dakota Wonsiak, Josh (Krista) Wonsiak, Trina Doepker, Jessica (Justin) Slobodian, Dalton (Morgan) Wells, and Josie (Corson) Wells. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Kaelynn and Elise Wonsiak, Vonn and Olivia Taylor, Gage Wonsiak, Wyatt Thompson, and Kaleb Hellinga.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Georgina, his son George, his parents Hnat and Christine, and all of his siblings: Domka, Paul, Mike, Anne, Bill, Mary, and Kathy.

John lived nearly a century filled with hard work, family, laughter, and countless days on the water. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life
Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Narfason's Funeral Chapel in Wadena

Burial to follow at Saint Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery
in Rose Valley and Reception to follow at Nora Hall

Cards or favourite memories of John
may be shared by mailing them to:
Box 7, Rose Valley, SK S0E 1M0

Donations in memory of John
may be made to:
Rose Valley Manor
Box 490, Rose Valley, SK S0E 1M0