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BORN
1939
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
William Ponka Obituary
October 24, 1939 to February 1, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Bill Ponka on February 1st at the age of 78. Bill was born on October 24th, 1939 in Fort William. He grew up in Pearson Township, giving him his strong country roots and a love of nature. Bill had tremendous love for his family and friends. He worked hard for over 30 years at Great Lakes Mill to support his wife and 4 children, retiring in 1998 to enjoy the simple life. Our father was a loving, generous man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was always happy to have us visit and share stories, laughter and his pictures that he was so proud of. He had a keen interest in what was going on in all of our lives and if any of us needed him, he was there to support us. He knew how to make each of us feel special. We consider ourselves fortunate to have had him in our lives for as long as we did, but he will be missed beyond words. Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years Helvi, his 3 daughters, Kathy (Bernie Pechiwa), Shirley (Rob), Judy (Stuart); grandchildren, Johnny (Kristi), Jacob (Margarita), Tommy, Olivia, Stephanie, Katie, Lindsay, Abbie, Spencer, great granddaughter Danielle and brother Arnie. Predeceased by his son, Robbie, his sister Eila Metz, and his parents. Memorial service for Bill will be held on Thursday February 8th, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. If friends so desire donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.
William Ponka will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 9, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Ponka
Sponsored by Blake Funeral Chapel.
13 Entries
Shannon Loukola
February 8, 2018
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Cathy Hovi
February 6, 2018
Helvi and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you doing this very difficult time.
Cathy Hovi and Ken Crawford
Tina & Jeff Christenson
February 6, 2018
Auntie Helvi, Kathy, Shirley, Judy and family - our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. I'll there in spirit as family and friends celebrate Uncle Bill's life.
Allan & Lorraine Hovi
February 6, 2018
Helvi and family: our deepest sympathies and warmest wishes to you all at this very sad time.
Greg and Kim Lang
February 6, 2018
Dear Helvi, Kathy, Shirley, Judy & family
We are so sorry for your loss. We were very sad to hear that you dad passed. The obituary that you put was so true. He will always be fondly remembered by us. We were blessed to have him touch our lives. We wish that we could be there for you at his funeral but will be thinking of you all. We hope that great memories will in time lift your spirits and ease your pain from losing him. We send our love hugs and prayers. Greg & Kim
Leslie and Margie Hansen
February 6, 2018
To Helvi , Kathy , Shirley Judy and family . We are saddened to hear of Bills Passing. Our deepest sympathy to the family , it was a pleasure knowing him, rest in peace Bill.
Tasha Cardoso
February 5, 2018
Dear Shirley and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Lynn McGinn
February 5, 2018
Dear Shirley, Kathy, Judy, Helvi and family, we are keeping you all in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time. Love, Lynn, Mike and Nolan xo
Yvonne & Steve Homer
February 5, 2018
Kathy, Bernie and family There are never any words that work at this time, just now we are here if you need someone.
All of us at Sandstone.
Bill Hovi
February 5, 2018
Dear Helvi and family, we are saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Our sincerest condolences.
Judy and Bill Hovi
Shelley Haughey
February 5, 2018
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. We remember every time we spoke with him he had a smile for everyone in the room.
Love from Shelley, Jim and Family
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results