John Norbert Swieskowski

John Norbert Swieskowski of Minnedosa, Manitoba passed away September 15, 2020 at the Minnedosa Personal Care Home at the age of 88 years.
John was born on August 6, 1932 to John and Nellie in the Empire District located between Clanwilliam and Polonia.  There were six children in the family with John located right in the middle.  All the children helped their parents with the farm chores.  This work ethic instilled at a young age kept John active throughout his life.  John ventured away from the farm and tried his hand at railroading and as an electrical and plumbing assistant.  The knowledge gained there was put to use when he and his brother Fred moved out of the family home approximately 10 feet away!    Well into his later years, John cut wood for sale often with Fred and trapped to supplement his farm income.
 While his siblings left home one by one – John stayed and helped first his father and then his mom manage their mixed farm with cattle and grain.  It was shortly before his mom Nellie moved to Minnedosa that John met Pat and gained not only a life partner but a growing ready-made family.   Now, instead of Saturday night’s shenanigans with neighbor Arnold and brother Fred, there were card games and local dances with Pat.  
John welcomed all of Pat’s children and grandchildren onto the farm and over time we became his children.  Every one of the grandkids has a story or two of their time with Grandpa John.  John would garden and mom would preserve the crop with canned produce stored in the root cellar.  We were especially welcome during chicken season, haying season, harvest time (free labor!)  But then a water fight or two or a sleigh ride with Ruby and Babe and always, always plenty of food to share.  
Retiring for John was just as busy but without the cows to feed.  Mom and John were both very social and travelled mostly the back roads from Erickson to Neepawa visiting friends and attending social functions.     They liked to go on bus trips to casinos in the USA and closer. Some of their longer trips were to Kenora, Ontario and northern Saskatchewan.   John enjoyed visiting and was grateful for any kindness and hospitality given to him.

John was predeceased by his parents, John and Nellie, his brother Alex, Sister Rosie, and just in August of this year, his brother Fred.  He is survived by his partner, Pat McLean, and her children Lillian Strahl (Wilf), Linda McNeill, Archie McLean (Krystyna) and Cheri Moffatt, 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 6  great grand children
John enjoyed his final years at the Minnedosa Personal Care Home.  He was first moved in on a Tuesday, and he and mom had their first dance that Friday, continuing until the Covid Pandemic.
There was a private grave side service on September 23, 2020 at Minnedosa Cemetery with Father Mark officiating.  Viewing took place on September 22, 2020 at White Funeral Chapel in Minnedosa.  A big thank you to all the staff at the Personal Care Home, and their volunteers.  
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Minnedosa Personal Care Home or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

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