William Kobelka

It is with deep sadness we announce William Bill Willie Kobelka, age 102 of Benito, MB Entered into Eternal Rest on November 8, 2023 at Swan River Hospital with his son Ken by his side.  Dearest Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Brother-in-law and Friend.

To forever cherish our loving Father's memory are sons Ken, Andrew (Shirley), John (Antje) and son-in-law Robert. Bill's Grandchildren Alana (Ryan), Lorna, Sara (Brett), Jason, Justin (Lindsay), Nick, Alyssa and Adam. Great Grandchildren Scarlett, Marek, Juliet, Liam, Austin and Mayla. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Mary and special family friend Sally.

Willie was predeceased by his parents Wasyl and Effie/Gafetsa (Elchuk), wife Olga, daughter Carol, brothers John (Mary) and Metro (Mary) Lenswood Store, twin step sisters Jean (Earl) Shanks, Lena (Johnny) Duke, step brothers Fred and Tony Tomik, brothers-in-law John (Mary), Joe (Elsie), Charlie (Ann), Andy, nieces Sally Kobelka Porcheron, Angeline Kobelka (Gene) Miller, Natalie Filipowich (Don) Grenier, great niece Trisha Grenier Sturgeon, nephews Terry and David Kobelka, 

William was born in Gorlitz, SK. October 24, 1921. Our grandfather died of pneumonia in September before Dad was born. 102 years later, our Father dies of the same disease. Bill grew up moving from relative to relative. Very early each morning feeding the cattle, walking to school and back in time to do the chores before his supper. Bill worked for many neighbours as a farm hand. Adventurous Willie headed to Winnipeg working at the Bay before being employed on the tobacco fields of Ontario. William served on Active Service as a Gunner with the Canadian Army from May 1943 until he was discharged in Winnipeg June 1946. Active Service in Atlantic Canada, Halifax and St.John's, Newfoundland. The Canadian North at Fort Churchill.

Dad married Olga Filipowich October 28, 1947 in Arran, SK. 

Their first venture together was owning a restaurant in Winnipegosis. Mom and Dad purchased Alpine General Store in 1951 and operated it for 26 years. They moved to Benito where Bill had a plumbing business.

In 1995 they built their cottage at Benito Beach Madge Lake and 48 years of wonderful memories were made at the cabin.

William's family was always first and foremost along with his Ukrainian Catholic beliefs which both Mom and Dad instilled in all their children. Willie was very proud of his family.

Bill was a life long member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, an Honorary third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, first as a Charter member in Kamsack and then as a Charter member at Father Siry Council Benito serving as Grand Knight. Member Elks Lodge Benito and the Royal Canadian Legion. Bill loved fishing catching a Master Angler and curling for many years and especially bonspiels.

A special thank you to Dad's niece Lorraine for her weekly phone calls, they meant so much to our Father.

Knights of Columbus Rosary and Prayers Thursday, November 23, 2023 7:30 PM Chapel of Swan Valley Funeral Services. Funeral Divine Liturgy Friday, November 24, 10:30 AM Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church Benito. Officiant Father Ivan Simko

Donations in William's memory may be made to the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church Benito R0L 0C0

May the Lord grant William Eternal Rest!

VICHNAYA PAMYAT! Eternal Memory!

Old soldiers never die, They just fade away.

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