Obituary of Gerald Joseph Jankoski
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It is with great sadness that we are announcing the sudden passing of Gerald Joesph Jankoski, which occurred on February 5th 2024 at the Ituna Pioneer Lodge, at the age of 78. Gerald was born on July 21st 1945 to Jerry and Caroline (Batyski) Jankoski in Balcarres Saskatchewan. Gerald was soon brought home to the family farm located in the RM of Tullymet where he joined his two sisters, Gladys (Kupchanko) and Rita (Thomas). Here Gerald grew up and helped on the family farm learning how to raise livestock and produce grain. While growing up in Tullymet, Gerald attended Spondon school where he met some of this his lifelong friends and acquaintances. Gerald continued his schooling in Ituna while staying with his grandparents during the week and returning home to the farm as much as he could to help out there. He continued this until he graduated high school. After high school Gerald continued to work on the family farm but he also branched out working away from the farm. One of those jobs he took away from the farm was at Ben's Electric in Fort Qu'Appelle. Here he was introduced to one of his true callings in life and where is he started his electrical career. Here he apprenticed and became a fully certified Electrician.
Around this same time Gerald met the love of his life, Marsha (Marshall), who would become his wife on Oct 14, 1967. The two of them ended up settling back on the family farm and started a new business named GJ Electric. Over the years Gerald successfully grew his electrical business which led him to working on all sorts of projects in the area. One of these projects was helping build a series of pig barns in the area which led to a job offer to help build and maintain a network of barns in the region. Gerald continued this job until his retirement in 2016 . One of things he took great pride in was all the people he taught and mentored into becoming Electricians in the trade he loved.
Gerald loved many things but his favorite thing to do was wood working. He poured his time, effort and love into creating beautiful things for people to enjoy. Over the years Gerald enjoyed trips through museums and stopping on Sunday drives to read road side plaques about local history. Some of his favorite places were only steps from his front door. He always talked about how much he loved going to check cows in the pasture in the spring to see the new calves and the crocuses blooming. He talked fondly about stories of camping with his family and friends over the years. He loved being a Dad to people that needed a Dad, a Papa to the ones that needed a Papa, an Uncle to the people that needed an Uncle, an Electrician to people that needed an Electrician and a Friend to people that needed a friend. The Church and God have been a big part of his life. If it was being a member of Knights of Columbus or counting collection money, or being a cup bearer for communion if there was a job that needed to be done, he would step up to do it.
Gerald was a devoted father and husband and was very proud of his family. Gerald was predeceased by his parents and Granddaughter Zoe. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Marsha, son Cory, son Jason (Teresa) and son Douglas (Anita). Along with all of his Grand Children: Ariana, Jaden, Katie, Jacek and Avery. Gerald leaves his sisters Gladys (Kupchanko) and Rita (Thomas), with many nieces, nephews and so many more friends and family to cherish his memory.
The Funeral Mass was held on Monday, February 12, 2024 from St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, Ituna, Sask. with Rev. Fr. Albert Schmitz as Celebrant. The cross bearer was Douglas Jankoski. The scripture readers were Gerald’s granddaughters Jaden Jankoski and Katie Jankoski. Accompanist Paulette van der Helm led the congregation in the hymns. Jason Jankoski delivered the eulogy. The honorary pallbearers were Bryan Jankoski, George LaRocque, Albert Sawchuk, Gary Johnson, Larry Jankoski (posthumously), Craig Romanyk and Jim Keiseg. The interment followed in the Ituna RC Cemetery with Cory Jankoski serving as urn bearer.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kinsmen Telemiracle (221 7C Hanselman Court, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 6A8) as gifts of remembrance.
