Obituary of Jerry Manuel Heshka

HESHKA - It is with profound sadness that the family of Jerry Manuel Heshka announce his peaceful passing on April 10, 2021. After a very courageous battle with cancer Jerry passed with his family at his side. Jerry was born on January 2, 1951 to Nick and Mary (Hudema) Heshka, in Yorkton, SK. Jerry was brought up on a farm in the Gorlitz area. Jerry and Caroline (Gorchynksi) met on February 7, 1969 in Canora. After dating for four years, they married on July 7, 1972 in Kamsack, SK. They were blessed with one son, Jeffrey in 1976. Jerry and Caroline lived in many places during their marriage; Regina, Edmonton, North Battleford, Hamton, Coleville, Windthorst, Buchanan, Waseca, Maidstone, and finally Yorkton. Jerry worked for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool for 27 and a half years. After earlier retirement at the age of 52, Jerry got his 1A licence and decided to go hauling oil in the Lloydminster area for Husky Logistics. He later bought his own trucks and ran his own trucking business, Heshka Logistics contracted with Husky. He trucked for a total of 16 years until the onset of his illness in June 2019 and was later diagnosed with cancer in August 2019. Jerry and Caroline then relocated back to Yorkton to be closer to family. Jerry had a very special relationship with his mother-in-law, Josie and also his daughter-in-law, Halayna whom he loved as a daughter. His two grandchildren, Emma and Isaac, were his pride and joy. Jerry loved to brag about his grandchildren being the best. He always told everyone about them and enjoyed showing pictures of them. Jerry had many interests; camping, playing cards, fixing vehicles, collecting old vehicles, hunting, fishing, collecting stones, dabbling in woodworking, but above all visiting with family and friends. Jerry was caring to people and pets in his life. Not many people would drive 6 hours one way to bury their cat at his final resting place under his favourite tree. He loved to play with his grandchildren and had a big impact on them. Driving home nearly every time he was not working to see his grandchildren. Jerry's family was blessed by someone who was hardworking and ready to help. Jerry had a way of getting things done and fixing what seemed unfixable. As such, he was a reliable patron of Princess Auto, which Caroline disliked some long hours of waiting for him to complete his supply list. There was a gift of time once Jerry was unable to work and before the cancer progressed. Jerry was able to have early morning coffee with his son and shared his love of cinnamon buns with his grandchildren. Jerry had dreams of restoring a classic vehicle, which we wish he was able to complete. Of course as his family, we wish Jerry could have more time visiting and being together with us. During Jerry's later stages with cancer he showed strength to continue in struggling against the illness. After many setbacks he was exercising and requesting physiotherapy, even on his last days he was trying to keep himself mobile and was hoping to get up and walk again. There are some battles that we cannot win but are worth fighting. Jerry was predeceased by his mother Mary (Hudema) 1985, father Nick 2003, brother Ronald in infancy in 1945, and father-in-law John Gorchynski 2008. Jerry is survived by his wife Caroline, son Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Halayna, grandchildren Emma and Isaac, three bothers and one sister, Elmer (Vicky), Harvey (Pat), Alice (Boris) Kowalyshen, and Dale (Linda), mother-in-law Josie Gorchynksi, brother-in-law Johnnie (Gail) Gorchynski, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Jerry will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, April 16th, 2021 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Fr. Petro Tsenov officiating. Cantor, Zenovia Duch led in the singing of the responses. Crossbearer was Elmer Heshka. The interment took place in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jeff, Dale & Harvey Heshka, Johnnie Gorchynski, Bernie Achtemichuk and Boris Kowalyshen serving as the casketbearers. Memorials were to the Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com Service Details. Service When: Friday, April 16th, 2021 10:00am 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 Jerry Heshka January 2, 1951 - April 10, 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