John Gnutel

John has joined his wife Iris of 65 years and son Donald in heaven. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Michalena Gnutel, parents-in-law Walter and Mary Makowsky; brothers Peter, William; sisters Mary, Jean, Josie; brothers-in-laws Frank, John, Nick, Paul; sister-in-laws Eileen, Dena.

He leaves to mourn sons David (Genia) and Michael (Mary), daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Alexis (Daniel), Daria (Chad), Joshua (Ulana), Greg (Jenny), Matthew (Susan), Stephen (Allison), Luke (Amanda) and Amy, great-grandchildren Lincoln, Isabella, Emma, Madeline, Sophia, Maritza, Aubrey, Leon, William, Aiden, Henry, Leo and Owen.

John is also survived by his siblings Walter, Alex (Alycia), Alice, Don (Betty), and Audrey and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The third son of 11 children, born June 21, 1930, John grew up in Elphinstone, Manitoba. He left home at 16 to sail the Great Lakes as a seaman, went up north to the mines, then at 18 started working at the CNR shops in Transcona.

He met his future wife Iris in Transcona, and were married at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in October 1951.

After the big CNR layoff in 1954, John went on to sell peanuts for Nutty-Club. In 1955, he began working as a refinery operator for North Star Oil in St. Boniface, which later became Shell Oil. John ended his career in 1983 as the Plant Operating Supervisor.

David arrived in 1956, followed by twins Donald and Michael in 1958. As their family grew, John and Iris eagerly embraced each new daughter-in-law, grandchild and great-grandchild.

John and Iris enjoyed camping, fishing and travelling with their young sons. Later on, they spent many years vacationing in Hawaii and wintering in La Feria, Texas.

John was a long-time member of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church. He was also very active with the St. Michael’s Credit Union, Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood and Knights of Columbus - Bishop Budka council, and Perogy making in the hall.

Dad was talented carpenter, concrete finisher and general handyman who shared his talents on family and friends’ construction projects. He was especially proud of his big garden at their home in Transcona sharing all of his blessings with family and friends... especially those dill pickles packed with his strong garlic!

Thank you for your endless love, support and care, Dad and Gigi…We love you and miss you already!

VICHNAYA PAM'YAT

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Lubov SSMI Foundation (Holy Family Home), or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.