John Chochla

It is with great sadness we the family announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather John Chochla, aged 86 years, on Wednesday, April 4th, 2012. John was born in Bereska, Poland on July 1, 1925. In 1928 John, along with his parents and brother Tony immigrated to Canada and settled in Ghost River, Ontario. John moved to Fort William to continue his education at Selkirk Vocational School. John was a Navy WW II Veteran, volunteering to serve his country. He was a skilled electrician for CNR retiring in 1988. In 1967 he and his wife Elsie bought a camp at Hawkeye Lake, which became their passion. The family spent a lot of happy times and years at the Hawkeye getaway fishing, playing horseshoes, having saunas and swimming. John married his life-long love Elsie and they celebrated their 59th year of marriage on March 31, 2010. John was a devoted husband who took loving care of Elsie after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he would spend hours each day with her after she was admitted to Grandview Lodge. In his spare time he kept a large garden proudly sharing the produce with the family. He volunteered at the Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinners as well as peeling potatoes weekly at the Polish Legion. He enjoyed assisting at the Knights of Columbus bingos and choir entertaining Grandview Lodge residents. John was a devoted member of St. Patrick's Parish and a long-time active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1447. John was passionate about all sports, especially hockey, golfing and curling. He looked forward to daily visits with his brothers Mike and Tony, seeing his coffee pals, Ron and Frank, and his neighbourhood get-togethers with Ron. John had a special bond with his son-in-law's Ron and Joe. Everyone who was acquainted with John knew him to be caring and giving. John was a faithful family man and always loved to attend the hockey games and dance recitals of his grandchildren and great-granddaughters. John is survived by his children Barbara (Joe) Prpich and Loretta (Ron) Haluczak; daughter-in-law Laurie Chochla; seven grandchildren, Cathy (Ryan) Sutherland, Joanna Long, Kimberly (Matt) Upton, Tyler Haluczak, Matthew (Veronica) of Calgary, Steven and Chrissy Chochla; five great-granddaughters, Bryanna Sutherland, Catrina and Jessica Long, Tessa Pitkanen-Chochla and Karlee Upton; brothers and sister-in-laws, Tony and Frances Chochla, Mike Chochla, and Rita Ruby; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Sophie and John Chochla Sr; son Gary John; brother Morris Chochla, brothers-in-law Edward Ruby and Frank Duchnicki; sisters-in-law Theresa Chochla and Mary Duchnicki; and mother and father-in-law Gertrude and Angelo Valerie. Prayer Vigil will be held at Jenkens Funeral Home at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla, V.G. at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 11 a.m. For those wishing, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society or Northern Cancer Research Foundation. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 On line condolences at: www.jenkens-funeral.ca "