Darlene (Popowich) Bunko

Darlene grew up on the family farm in Smuts, Saskatchewan. In 1951 her mother passed away at age 46 and her father passed away in 1953 at age 59. She then went to live with her sister Ann Thoms and her family on the farm near Carmel. At the age of 15, Darlene moved to Humboldt and started working at the Humboldt Café for Francis Ruzycki. She met Mike in 1954 and they were married October 15, 1955.               

Darlne took pride in her Ukrainian heritage. Spiritually she was faithful to the church and with church holidays and traditions. Many hours were dedicated to preparing the traditional Christmas and Easter dishes.    

Darlene was referred to as Baba Bunko, not only to her family but to her many devoted perogy and cabbage roll customers. She will always be remembered for her excellent cooking and baking skills. Homemade noodles were always on hand for the special bowl of homemade chicken soups. Puff wheat cake was always a staple in the freezer.    

Darlene loved to travel with Mike – bus trips to California, Florida, New Orleans, Nashville, and the Maritimes, as well as several trips to Hawaii and Yuma. Darlene followed her grandchildren in their activities and looked forward to her great-grandson Jake’s report on his sporting activities. Darlene and Mike were dedicated Humboldt Bronco fans. Saturday nights were spent watching Saturday access TV Dance Party and often a Bronco hockey game on the radio, all at the same time.

Darlene looked forward to spring so she could start the garden and flowers. A huge garden was the typical, that fed more than her family. Flowers were plentiful especially her bubble-gum petunias. “If we had a single flower for each thought of you... we could walk through our garden forever.”   Vichnaya Pamyat          

Darlene is remembered by:               
Daughters - Eileen Bunko and Shelley (Tim) Klimosko
Sons - Grant (Elaine) Bunko and Jeff (Lorrie) Bunko   
Grandchildren - Brayden (Katlyn) Klimosko, Kayla Klimosko, Emily Bunko (Volodymyr Vakula), and Mason Bunko (Rebecca Hueser)               
Great Grandson - Jake Klimosko     
Step Grandson - Trevor (Jenn) Benson and their son Zane       
Sisters - Elsie Lozinsky and Olga Thoms       
Brother - Fred Popowich   
Special nieces - Terri, Charlene, Donna, and Bev        
Sister-in-law - Liz Bunko    

Darlene was predeceased by:          
Husband Mike and Son Bradley      
Parents - Bill and Mary Popowich   
Special niece - Jennifer Popowich  
Sibley’s - Mike (Nettie) Popowitch, Anne (Mike) Thoms, Eleanor (William) Brooks, Peter (Kay) Popovich, and Kay (Ed) Bayda
In-laws - Charles Lozinsky, Ernie Thoms, Elizabeth Popowich, Bill (Dot) Bunko, Anne (Harry) Polanik, Matt (Myrna) Bunko, Nettie (Nick) Huculak, Katie (Nick) Lenyk, Tony (Mackie) Bunko, Roman (Marie) Bunko, Nick Bunko, and Helen Fay            

A Prayer Service was held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and the Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., both held at All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church, Humboldt, presided by Father Jeffrey Stephaniuk. Interment followed at All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Humboldt. The memorial luncheon followed at the Humboldt Royal Canadian Legion Hall. Memorial donations in memory of Darlene can be directed to the Humboldt District Healthcare Foundation: General Equipment Fund or St. Mary’s Villa Foundation: New Building Fund.