Paul William Wonsul

Paul was born in 1935 and began life in the Kerr’s Lake/Mountain Road area, before his family moved to a farm in Odanah near Minnedosa, a place that would shape his lifelong love of hard work, nature, and rural life. He began his schooling at Edna School, then continued at Franklin School, and later graduated Grade 12 from Minnedosa Collegiate, proud of both his learning and his farming roots. A lasting reminder of those early years remains at the Edna School site, where he helped build the memorial stone cairn, a testament to family, history, and the land that meant so much to him.

In 1958, Paul married the love of his life, Marie Zwarich, on October 25th. Together they shared an incredible 67 years of marriage—a partnership built on devotion, teamwork, and a shared commitment to family and community. Paul farmed the land, worked tirelessly, and provided a strong, steady foundation for those around him.

Paul and Marie raised two daughters, Anna Sproule and Rose, who is married to Evan. Nothing brought Paul more joy than his granddaughters, Alanna (Dennis), and Jana (Kelsey). His eyes would light up whenever they came to visit. Those visits were filled with laughter, jokes, and fun—memories that will be treasured forever.

Paul was not one to sit still. He was always busy with chores or hobbies, and he truly embraced life in all seasons. He loved deer hunting, duck hunting, fishing year-round, curling, baseball, gardening, and foraging for wild berries and mushrooms in the bush. His faith and heritage were also important to him, and he and Marie were active participants in their Ukrainian church and community events.

A familiar part of Paul’s routine was coffee downtown, a ritual that connected him with friends and the community he valued so much.

In 2023, Paul and Marie sold their Minnedosa home and moved to Winnipeg to live with Rose and Evan. Walks around the garden became a daily must, checking on plants and keeping an eye on the deer, rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels. Neighbors soon joined them for visits, and Paul always made time to sit and enjoy conversation and the world around him.

Paul’s health began to decline in mid-summer of 2025, and he spent his final days at Grace Hospital, where he received excellent care. He passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026.

Paul will be remembered as a hardworking farmer, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a man who found joy in simple pleasures—family visits, a good joke, a walk through the yard, and a life well lived. His legacy lives on in the stories we share, the values he passed down, and the love he gave so freely.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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