Obituary of Joseph Ratushniak

A memorial folder from the funeral service can be printed under the "Memories" tab, then click "Memorial Program". RATUSHNIAK - Mr. Joseph J. Ratushniak, beloved husband of Valerie, passed away peacefully at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home on Thursday, September 19th, 2013. He was 90 years of age. Joseph was born on December 28, 1922 at Amsterdam, SK to John and Ksenia (nee Zuzlak) Ratushniak. He attended Antonio School, north of Canora and helped on the family farm until he was called to serve in the Army with the Prince of Wales Rangers. While in London, England he held a position in the Postal Corps. He was a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Service Men's Association of which he was a director. After serving for the Canadian Forces for 3 ½ years Joseph returned home and was employed in the local grocery store and post office. In 1951 Joseph was united in marriage to Valerie Hrywkiw. The couple made their home in Yorkton and were blessed with two sons and two daughters. He began employment with York Beverages before operating a restaurant, "The Central Grill". Later in life Joseph worked as a travel agent which gave him the opportunity to travel to various parts of the world. A devoted member of St. Mary's Church in Yorkton, Joseph was also a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, St. Volodymyr Branch, the Knights of Columbus, Father Delaere Council and the 4th degree Brother Stanislaus Assembly, holding various executive positions, as well as serving on the bingo committee. He also served two terms on the Catholic School Board. Other organizations that Joseph has been involved with are the Ukrainian Professional Business Men's Association, Kiwanis Club and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. He enjoyed working with the members and was always willing to help out in various undertakings. Predeceased by his parents, John and Ksenia; a granddaughter Alycia Caine; siblings, Steve Ratushniak, Tillie Dutchak, Anne Ratushniak and Mike Ratushniak; Joseph leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Valerie of Yorkton; his children, Terry (Debra) of Saskatoon, Sydney of Yorkton, Marianne Caine of Edmonton and Teresa (Steve) Pidduck of Saskatoon; a granddaughter Whitney Caine of Edmonton; numerous nieces and nephews and two sisters-in-law Amelia Ratushniak of Saskatoon and Olga Ratushniak of Yorkton. The Prayer Service was held on Monday, September 23, 2013 preceded by the Holy Rosary led by members of Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, St. Volodymyr Branch, Knights of Columbus, Father Delaere Council and Knights of Columbus, Brother Stanislaus Assembly. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Len Ratushniak, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita and parish choir members. The cross bearer was Whitney Caine and the epistle reader was Andrew Ratushniak. Members of UCBC, K of C, 3rd & 4th degrees participated in an honour guard. The interment followed in Yorkton City Cemetery with Terry Ratushniak, Sydney Ratushniak, Steve Pidduck, Dale Boddy, Blair Ratushniak and Tom Abrametz serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Joseph's life may be made to the Skinner Unit at Yorkton & District Nursing Home or St. Mary's Church Building Fund. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, September 23rd, 2013 7:00pm, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Tuesday, September 24th, 2013 10:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery