In Loving Memory of

Joseph Mlynarczyk

FUNERAL MASS

Saturday, January 19, 2019

11:00 a.m.

Holy Family Parish

1021 McCarthy Blvd N, Regina, SK S4X 3P9

It is with sadness, love, and blessings that our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend has passed away. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Nellie Mlynarczyk, his sister Adeline Minarik, mother-in-law Nathalie Folkerts and sister-in-law Marian Fornwald. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Cathey; son Dwayne (Peggy), their children, Gillian, Jaelyn (Adam Gibson), and Brynn; daughter Debbie (Darrel) Kajati, their children Alyssia (Matt Warren), Kelsey, and Alison; his brother Ric Mlynarczyk; his brothers-in-law Jack Fornwald and Leonard Minarik; sister-in-law Susan Mlynarczyk and his many nieces and nephews.

Born on a family homestead in the Kutawa district near Punnichy, Saskatchewan, Joe attended grades 1-8 at Kutawa School traversing by foot or horseback. Later Joe moved to Punnichy to complete high school. Upon graduating grade 12, Joe moved to Regina and worked for McDonalds Consolidated, IPSCO and later CN. It was then, thanks to the help of his sister Adeline’s friendship, that he met the love of his life, Cathey. The two were married on September 8, 1962. In 1973, the couple moved back to the Kutawa district with their children Dwayne and Debbie, taking over the family farm for 40 years until retirement. Farming was his true life’s passion and moving to the city in 2013 was difficult for him to embrace.

Joe always loved the company of friends and family and both Joe and Cathey enjoyed attending dances, playing card games (especially 3-spot, playing well into the evening), and going to community events. His circle of friends celebrated birthdays and anniversaries together over the years resulting in many lasting friendships. Joe also loved the company of his grandchildren. He had 5 granddaughters and 1 grandson (who of course got a toy John Deere tractor the day he was born). He loved to take the kids on long walks around the farm and surrounding area, telling them stories about his childhood. He patiently watched them jump on bales and would challenge them to games of rummy when they got back to the house. But the fondest memories of all were holding each grandchild and dancing while playing the harmonica.

Even up to his final days, music brought joy to his life. From the stack of records on the record player, to playing the harmonica, chording on the organ or guitar, singing and toe tapping, music was always a large part of his life.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, 1021 McCarthy Blvd N., Regina.  A private interment will be at Punnichy Cemetery at a later date.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his name to the Regina Lutheran Home where many staff looked after Joe as if he was family (or a charity of your choice).  The family is very grateful for their kind and caring support.