Johanna Mary Merkosky

Johanna Merkosky, 84 years of Humboldt, passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 at her residence. Johanna Merkosky was born September 7, 1933 to Joseph and Ann (nee Suchan) Novekosky at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. She obtained her education at Willow Ridge School.  In her late teens Jo was to enter the convent in Bruno to become an Ursuline nun; however she decided that life style was not for her.  Jo then met the love of her life Leo Merkosky. On August 18, 1953 they were wed. They then established a farm three miles west of Burr near Wolverine Creek. They were blessed with six children.  Life on the farm in those beginning years was not easy, because of their strong work ethics together they built one of the most beautiful farms in the community. Jo’s days were filled with a variety of chores, such as, milking cows, tending to chickens and turkeys, keeping a very large manicured garden, along with all of the  domestic duties that were needed to keep her home running smoothly for her family.  She was an amazing cook and always supplied a variety of tasty dishes for her family. Her children recall fond memories of wonderful aromas of fresh bread, and meat roasting in the oven as they came home from school. There were many flavourful dishes prepared for the children but they  all agree that Jo’s donuts and long johns were their favourite. She was not a woman who could sit idle. Jo was a self taught seamstress; she made many beautiful dresses and outfits for her children. Later in life Jo’s entrepreneurial skills developed a   business called “Jo’s Crafts”. This business kept her very busy; designing all sorts of backpacks, shoe bags, make up bags, and totes. Jo was into recycling before recycling was cool, all the old blue jeans became wonderful, warm, comforting quilts for her family and friends. Even today, her grandchildren take their denim quilts where ever they go to be wrapped up in the love of their grandma Jo.  Jo’s family was her life, she did everything she could for her children, her home was always open; she loved to babysit her grandchildren, and was always there to give advice and moral support. It wasn’t all work for Jo, she loved spending time with her friends, playing cards, volunteering many hours at the senior’s hall, and of course having a competitive game of bowling.  Eventually Jo’s hard work took a toll on her body, she had major back surgery, both knees and hips replaced. She handled every surgery with grace and dignity and was back bowling as soon as she was able. Jo’s wonderful smile, and happy demeanour will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her six children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren: DENNIS (Laurel) Merkosky of Humboldt and family: Rocheal (Darren) Howes of Medicine Hat, AB and children Makai and Marley, Riley (Nolan) Veness of Saskatoon and children Brynn and Kendall and Rory (Lindsey) Merkosky of Sylvan Lake, AB and children Rowan and Beckett; RAPHAEL (Nancy) Merkosky of Powell River, BC and family: Heidi Merkosky ( Andrew Kinakin) of Saskatoon and children Madison and Parker, Mark Merkosky of Saskatoon, Erin (Shane Gruber) Oslund of Saskatoon children Chayse, Blayke, Brex and Max and Rhett Roynon of Powell River, BC; DEBBIE Klev and family Eric Klev and Andrew Klev all of Saskatoon; AUDREY (Lawrence) Pellerin and family Tyler (Alixe) Pellerin, Matthew Pellerin and Jean Pellerin all of Saskatoon; SUSAN (Tracy) Howell of Regina and family Braden Howell (Regina) of Regina, and Nicholas Howell of El Paso, Texas; KAREN (Dennis Gervais) Merkosky of Bienfait, and family Shane Gervais, Nicole Gervais and Melissa (Brian) Lemky; Brothers and sisters: Dave (Doreen) Novecosky of Humboldt, Mary-Ann (Daniel) Gerwing of Chemainus, BC, Sr. Rita Ann Novecosky of Saskatoon and Joe (Trish) Novecosky of Calgary, AB; sister-in-law Faye Rostron of Sydney, BC, numerous nieces and nephews, and members of the Merkosky family. Jo was predeceased by her husband Leo Merkosky; parents Joseph and Anne Novecosky; two grandchildren: Ryan Merkosky and Courtney Klev; son-in-law Peter Klev; and brothers:  Fr. Rudolph Novecosky OSB and Tony Novecosky. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt.  Celebrated by, Abbot Peter Novecosky OSB. Interment followed at the St. Augustine Roman Catholic Cemetery.  Memorial donations in Johanna’s memory may be made to the STARS Foundation.