Obituary Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new obituary is posted.
John TREFANENKO
March 14, 1938 - November 16, 2024
Obituary
During the early morning of Saturday, November 16, 2024, John Trefanenko passed away peacefully at the age of 86 at the St. Therese – St. Paul Healthcare Centre with his wife of 58 years, Lucille, by his side, holding his hand. This final moment together showed the deep love and commitment they shared throughout their lives.
John leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, survived by his cherished wife Lucille and their children: Koreen Trefanenko (Dean Sonntag) and children Jonathan, Matthew (Emma), and Jacob (Claire); Maureen (Lawrence) Ference and children Zachary, Allison, and Lisa; and Glen (Allison) Trefanenko and children Brooke and Leah.
Born into a close-knit family, John is survived by his brothers Charlie (Sharon), Bill (Rosemary), George (Norma), and Steve (Jennifer), as well as his sisters Lil Yakimishyn and Kay (Arnold) Willekes. He is also survived by his two godchildren, Brenda Binette and Kari MacLean, and by numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and their families.
John was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Helen; brother Nick and wife Vicky; sister Mary Kaufman and husband Andy; brother Tom and wife Carol; brother Paul; brother-in-law John Yakimishyn; and infant sisters, Doris and Irene.
John was born in Smoky Lake, and then, at the age of 6, the family travelled by wagon train to Wandering River, where he grew up on the new family homestead. John and Lucille made St. Paul their home for the past 50 years. For 86 years, John lived a life dedicated to helping others. His passion shone through his work as a social worker, his civic duties, and his volunteer efforts. His enduring legacy of kindness and dedication exemplified the value of family, community involvement, and compassion.
A Funeral Rite will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Hall, St. Paul. Reverend Father Peter Haugen will be officiating with interment in Union Cemetery, St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haying in the 30’s (Cancer Support Society), St. Paul & District Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care), or a charity of one’s choice ℅ 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB. T0A 3A1.
The Trefanenko family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Therese Healthcare Centre in St. Paul for their exceptional care and kindness. To send condolences online, please visit https://www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com/obituary/john-trefanenko/
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Doris Piquette
Relation: Very good friend
Although no words can really help to ease the loss your bear,just know that you are in our prayers our thoughts are with you and your family.John will remain in our hearts forever. Big hug Lucille .
From: Leonard Senecal
Relation: Client at Dad’s tire business.
John’s life was well lived.He was very sociable and charismatic.I will miss the short chats we had when we met anywhere.Always a greeting,never ignored by John.
From: Linda Lauzon
Relation: Freind
John will be fondly remembered for his kindness, and his excellent work ethic when I worked for/with him in St. Paul, in early 80’s, he is definitely a “man of honour”, and I will forever remember him for his kindness and respect he had for all…. Memory Eternal John……
From: Herb & Edith Krekoski
Relation: Friend
Lucille and family, Our sincere condolences on the loss of John. He was a kind and caring person. We will remember him with fondnesss.
From: Paul and Louise Carpenter
Relation: Co-worker
We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. John was such a wonderful person.
From: Denis Ducharme
Relation: Friend
My most sincere condolences to Lucille and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times. I’ll always remember John for his smile, devotion and commitment in making his community the best it could be for everyone.
May you rest in Eternal Peace.
From: Paul Emile and Gladys Boisvert
Relation: Long-time friend.and colleague in community involvement
Gladys and I wish to extend sincere condolences to you, Lucille, Koreen, Maureen and Glen. The passing of John gives him rest from his earthly life, but he will be remembered for his always pleasant demeanor, infectious sense of humour and for his long time commitment to the community. May knowing that he is in our thoughts and prayers help ease the pain of the sorrow you are feeling at his passing… RIP in eternity dear friend.
From: John and Terry Sims
Relation: Fellow Lion/long ago work colleague
Sending hugs and heartfelt condolences to Lucille and family. We will always remember John’s sense of humour, his kindness, and his commitment to the St. Paul community. He was a dedicated social worker and provided service through the Lion’s Club for many years. Whenever we saw him he would have a funny story to share and a smile on his face. And…best of all, he actually knew where Dupre was located! 🌺 He will be missed and fondly remembered. Rest easy John! ❤️💙
From: Anne and Garry Himschoot
Relation: Co-worker and friend
To Lucille and Family:
Garry and I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of John. John was the Manager at the St. Paul Social Services and hired me for my very first job in the late 1970’s. In the seven years that I worked there, John always treated his staff well and offered your home for staff Christmas functions. I remember his smile and great laugh! I was also told he provided a great reference for me when I applied to become the Executive Assistant at the Town of Bonnyville in 2013, for which I am extremely thankful! Throughout the years, when Garry and I would meet you and John in St. Paul and at other functions, you always greeted us with great smiles and we always had such friendly chats! We admired your marriage and your family! It was always so impressive to see John’s service as Councillor and Mayor for the Town of St. Paul and you were always by his side. He certainly loved St. Paul and was very dedicated. St. Paul has lost a great community member and he certainly will be missed!
From: Denis & Bernice St. Jean
Relation: cousin
Condolences to your family. Remember the great times you spent with John.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
November 23, 2024
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Hall
St. Paul, AB Canada
St. Paul, AB Canada
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haying in the 30’s (Cancer Support Society), St. Paul & District Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care), or a charity of one’s choice ℅ 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB. T0A 3A1.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Order direct from a local florist:
Dana Smyl Design
Call or Text 780-614-3917
Facebook
Instagram
The Jungle Flowers & Gift Store
4921 – 50 Avenue (across from Post Office)
St. Paul, AB.
Call: 780-645-3544 / Toll Free: 1-877-335-3544
Facebook
Floral Enchantment
4910 – 50 Avenue (next to Post Office)
St. Paul, AB.
Call: 780-645-5159 / Toll Free: 1-866-645-5159
Facebook
Instagram
Westcove Treasures (Artificial Arrangements)
Text: 780-614-5748
Email: westcovetreasures@gmail.com
Facebook
Instagram
The Floral Farm
Mobile Florists Serving Smokey Lake & Area
Louella Tychkowsky & Team
Telephone: 780-650-0292
Please have the name of the deceased and the date of the service for handy reference.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For John TREFANENKO
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.