It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Afterchuk on February 27th, 2013 after a short stay at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital, with family at his side. He fought a lengthy and very courageous battle with cancer.
Joseph was born March 20, 1935 to John and Mary Afterchuk at the Bengough Hospital. He and his brother Frank along with his parents resided on the family farm in the Horizon district. His dad died at the age of 79 in 1973, his mom passed away at the age of 97 in 2001 at the Twilight Home in Bengough. Joe married Cleo (Sweeney) Mitchell in 1981 and they resided on the farm until they bought a house in Bengough. Cleo died in 1997 of cancer. The last parcel of land, the home quarter was sold to Trevor Hoffart in 2001. Joe was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Bengough Housing board and was also a member of the Sask Wheat Pool Board. He enjoyed curling for many years and was an avid player.
He remarried in 2002 to Yvette Breau, a resident of Bengough. They bought a house in Moose Jaw that same year. His greatest passion was polka music. He was a great self-taught accordion player since age 14. Joe played quite a few years with the Polka Massters from Assiniboia of which he was very proud. He entertained at dances, weddings and other functions. For many years he played many afternoons at the Twilight Home in Bengough. In Moose Jaw, he and his long-time friend, Alan Schmidt, played for dances, entertained in the ark and other functions. They volunteered their time playing at different seniors homes. Every summer he would enjoy playing at the Besant Park for the annual Polka Fest. He will be sadly missed by all as he was so loved and respected by family, friends and neighbours.
Predeceased by his parents John & Mary Afterchuk, his brother Frank, nephew Wayne and first wife Cleo Afterchuk, Joe is survived by his wife Yvette, sister-in-law Frances (Fess) Albers, three step-daughters Francine (Paul) Hoffart, Denise (Carter) Breau, Rachel (Chris) Graham, two step-sons Bill (Julette) Mitchell, Carl Mitchell, two nieces Myrna (Dave) and Roberta (Greg), as well as 12 step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.
Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at St. Michael’s R.C. Church, Bengough, SK. Father Anthony Pangan celebrant. Altar Server was Mattesyn Jones, Scripture Reader was Ron Myers, Perry and Audrey Jones presented the offerings. Ron Myers gave the tribute. Music Ministry was led by organist, Donna Morris and the Bengough Community Choir. Pallbearers were: Paul Hoffart, Chris Graham, Ryan Blackmore, Randy Pond, Eugene Hoffart, and Dave Pauls. Interment followed in the Bengough Cemetery. Masses may be said or Donations in Memory of Joe may be made to the Cancer Agency – Allan Blair Cancer Centre. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com
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