Obituary of John Maleschuk

The family of John Maleschuk, beloved husband of the late Eleanor Maleschuk of Yorkton and formerly of the Theodore District, sadly announce his passing on July 24, 2024. He was 96 years of age.

John Maleschuk was born on March 4, 1928, to John and Katherine (Ostapovitch) Maleschuk. He grew up on the family farm and was raised by his older sisters and father as his mother passed away before John turned one.

John attended Westbrook School, but like so many young men of the time, left schooling early to help on the family farm. He remembered being only eight years old and working the field with a four-horse team and by the time he was twelve he had been upgraded to a six-horse outfit.

In 1949 John married Eleanor Danyliuk. Two children were born to the couple; Gail and Dwain. The family moved into Theodore in 1958 as Gail was starting school and there was no all-weather road to the farm.

Over the years John expanded the farming operation focusing on growing grain only as he said he had no patience to deal with cattle. John was meticulous when it came to his crops and his machinery, producing many fine crops over the years.

To supplement the farm income, he worked during the winter months at various jobs such as making ice for the curling rink and arena, hauling coal, sweeping out railway cars, and helping construct the town’s post office.

In 1975 John and Eleanor constructed a new home on a large double lot where they were able to enjoy a bountiful garden and maintain a beautiful yard. John turned his attention to yard maintenance after he sold the land in 1993 and decided to retire.

Over the years, John was a member of the Theodore Recreation Board and volunteer firefighters. He also served many years on the Westbrook and Theodore Ukrainian Orthodox church board in many positions including president.

In 2005 John and Eleanor left their beloved hometown and moved to Yorkton where they built a new home. After Eleanor passed away, John continued to live in that home until 2019 when declining health saw him move into Yorkton Crossing, an independent care home.

Because of further declining health, John entered hospital care on June 29/24. He passed away on July 24, 2024 at the age of 96.

John was predeceased by his wife Eleanor, his parents, and all of his siblings. He is survived by his children, Gail (Ken) Krawetz and Dwain (Wendy) Maleschuk; grandchildren, Bryce (Olivia) Krawetz, Lindsay (Barney) Kengla, Ryan (Shelby) Maleschuk, Scott (Whitney) Maleschuk, Chad Maleschuk: great grandchildren, Willow and Scarlett Krawetz, Brielle and Raiden Maleschuk, and Levi Maleschuk; sisters-in-law, June Skrepnick and Adele Danyliuk, and brother-in-law, Gordon Danyliuk.

Vichnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!

The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Doreen Day, Certified Celebrant officiating. Granddaugher Lindsay Kengla read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Daughter Gail Krawetz delivered the eulogy. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Lindsay Kengla, Barney Kengla, Bryce Krawetz, Scott Maleschuk, Chad Maleschuk and Shelby Maleschuk serving as casket bearers.

Memorial donations may be made to the Theodore Museum (c/o the Village of Theodore, Box 417, Theodore, Sask. S0A 4C0) as gifts of remembrance.