Obituary of John Donald Monka

MONKA - John Monka of Yorkton, beloved husband of Bernice, passed away on Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon following a short illness. He was 87 years of age. John was born on May 5, 1934 on the family farm in the McKim district of Saskatchewan; a son of Michael and Stella (nee Broda) Monka. He completed grade nine school in Barvas, SK. John did various jobs in his younger years, he worked in South Burnaby and Kitimat, BC for five years, and Churchill, MB for 9 months. John then moved back to Yorkton and began a long career with the Pepsi-Cola Company, working for 33 years until his retirement. He was known to his many customers as Pepsi John, as his work took him to many points in the province. John did a lot of driving and saw a lot of the countryside on his routes. Weekends saw him at many sports days, one July he worked 30 of the 31 days. They were long hard days too, but John enjoyed being amongst and meeting people. For many years John drove the Hudson Bay, Wadena, Wynyard and Yorkton route, making many friends along the way. He worked hard but he truly enjoyed his working days. In retirement John enjoyed keeping busy, for a couple of years he helped Nelson Courier with deliveries, he was also involved in the inter-church work at St. Gerard's, perogy making and assisting with set-up and clean-up at funeral lunches. John's favorite pastime was visiting friends at the coffee shop. He also enjoyed dancing, keeping in touch with the news, watching the Roughriders, and was a Terrier season ticket holder for many years. His favorite radio station was GX 94. John was a longtime Knights of Columbus member, and enjoyed the company of fellow Knights helping with the many projects the Knights do in the community. John met Bernice Ralstin at a Cloverdale, BC dance. The couple were married on August 1st 1960 in St. Lina, AB. The couple made their home in Yorkton but enjoyed travelling to British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and to the USA. Predeceased by his parents; a sister Frances; and by brothers Clarence, Bruce and Brian; and a brother-in-law. John leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 61 years, Bernice; daughters Geraldine (David) Chiahotny and grandchildren Joyann and John Paul, all of Hamilton, ON; Patsy of Yorkton; and Marie of Yorkton. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his many other relatives and friends. The Funeral Mass was held on Friday, August 27th 2021 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Louis Kim Nguyen officiating, Crossbearer was Joyann Chiahotny, the Lay-reader was Adeline Oystreck. Pianist, Chris Fisher led members of the Parish Choir in the singing of the hymns 'Amazing Grace', Psalm 23, 'Blest Are They', 'Like A Shepherd', 'Songs of the Angels', and 'How Great Thou Art'. The interment took place in the Garden of Gethsemane, Yorkton Memorial GArdens with members of the Knights of Columbus, Council #2031 attending the service, forming and Honour Guard, and being pallbearers. Memorials were to a charity of one's choice. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com Service Details. Service When: Friday, August 27th, 2021 11:00am Location: St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Address: 125 Third Ave. N. YORKTON, SK S3N 1C4 Interment Location: Yorkton Memorial Gardens Address: Highway #10 East YORKTON, SK Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of John Monka May 5, 1934 - August 22, 2021 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book