Emil Churko passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 22, 2012 at St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon. Emil was predeceased by his parents Mike and Mary; his wife Marion; Marion's parents, Charles and Mary Beck; his son Leslie; brothers Joseph, Kazimer, and Anton; sisters Katherine, Rose, Francis and Helen; brothers-in-law David Beck, Tony Bogdasavich, Emil Polegi, Walter Mushka, John Chopik and John Caine. Left to mourn are: his special friend Audrey Kammer; sons Brad (Cheryl) of Weyburn, Garth (Karen) of Yorkton, Timothy (Laverne) of Saskatoon, Eugene (Sharon) of Saskatoon, Basil (Yvonne) of Cold Lake and Kelvin (Karla) of Cold Lake; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Emily Churko, Angeline Polegi, Lucille Caine and Antonette Wassell (Terry Sr.); and numerous nieces and nephews. Emil was born September 14, 1927 on the family farm in the Plainview district. He grew up there and eventually took over the homestead. He married Marion Beck on October 22, 1952 and together farmed and were blessed with seven sons. He worked at various jobs while farming. In later life he rented out the farm but continued to call the farm home spending many hours gardening and wondering around the farm. Emil enjoyed playing ball, curling, horseshoes, dancing, bowling, playing cards and walking. He volunteered his time to Knights of Columbus, meals on wheels and helping others. He will be sadly missed by all. The vigil service was held Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville with the Rev. Fr. Antoni Degutis, OMI presiding. The eulogy was delivered by Garth Churko. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, December 28, 2012 at St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church, Melville with Fr. Antoni celebrating. The readers were Miranda Delorme, Roxanna Churko and Antoinette Wassell. Jerad and Meghan Churko were the altar servers and the gift bearers were Jerrimya and Scott Churko. The Eucharistic ministers were Sharon Churko and Ed Pilon. The organist and song leader was Leonard Gadica. Members of the Knights of Columbus formed an honour guard and all of Emil's grandchildren were honorary pallbearers. Interment took place in St. Henry's Parish Cemetery with Emil's sons Brad, Garth, Timothy, Eugene, Basil and Kelvin Churko acting as pallbearers. The eulogy at the reception was given by Brad Churko. Arrangements were entrusted to Mathews Funeral Home, Melville.
