Joseph PronychAugust 18, 1940 - May 15, 2012It is with profound sadness that the family of Mr. Joseph "Joe" Pronych of Lake Lenore, SK, announces his sudden and unexpected death at his Lake Lenore business on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. He was 71 years of age. Joe was born on August 18, 1940, to Mike and Jenny (nee Szwydky) Pronych at home on their farm in the Blaine Lake district, southwest of Prince Albert, SK. The family relocated to a farm in the Davis district near Prince Albert. Joe attained his elementary education at the rural school there and then attended high school in Prince Albert. After graduating in 1958, he began working at the Royal Bank as a teller, and worked his way up to branch manager. Over the next few years, Joe was employed as branch manager in several communities throughout Saskatchewan. In 1963, while working in Lanigan, he met the love of his life, Florence Gunther. Three years later, they were married in Lanigan. Their union was blessed with three sons: Evan in 1968, Scott in 1971, and Doran in 1974. In March 1985, Joe and Florence took over the Lake Lenore Hotel, which they were still operating together until the present. As well, Joe worked for Municipal Hail as an adjustor for over 20 years. A true "people person", while working at the hotel or hail adjusting, Joe made friends with everyone he met, young and old, near and far. He always made time to visit with his clients in both occupations and sincerely loved the camaraderie they shared. As a member of the Lake Lenore Lions Club, the Lake Lenore Wildlife Club and, recently, the Heartland Sams Humboldt Chapter, Joe enjoyed taking part in their various activities and events. Of greatest importance to him was his family, whom he loved very dearly. Joe loved travelling with Florence throughout Canada and the United States as well as on cruises, was so proud of his sons and their accomplishments, and was thrilled with his grandchildren, whom he loved spending time with. Joe also derived much joy from watching them play hockey. "Gone from our sight, but never our memories; gone from our touch, but never our hearts." Joe will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife, Florence (nee Gunther) Pronych of Lake Lenore; their three children and five grandchildren: Evan (Lana) Pronych of Humboldt, SK, and family, Abbie, Justin and Ryland; Scott Pronych of Lake Lenore; and Doran (Sherri) Pronych of Melfort, SK, and family, Mason and Summer; one sister, Joyce (Roger) Wilson of Vancouver, BC; one brother, Michael (Brenda) Pronych of Calgary, AB; sister-in-law, Mary Pronych of Prince Albert, SK; mother-in-law, Lydia Gunther of St. Michael's Haven, Cudworth, SK; brother-in-law, Vernon (Janet) Gunther of Spruce Home, SK; his nieces and nephews; and by a host of friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Jenny (nee Szwydky) Pronych; one brother, Peter Pronych; and by his father-in-law, Otto Gunther. The Funeral Mass for Joe was offered at St. Anthony's R.C. Church, Lake Lenore, on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Rev. Richard Meidl, OSB. Others taking part were: Joe's grandchildren, candle bearers; Lana Peterson and Fred Dowden, scripture readers; Beryl Bauer, intentions; Michael Pronych, urn bearer; Ben and Marilyn Flaman, music ministry. Honorary pallbearers were "Joe's grandchildren and everyone else who shared in his life." An honor guard was formed by members of the Lake Lenore Lions Club. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the St. Anthony's R.C. Church Fund. Condolences to the family may be emailed to [email protected]. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
