Obituary of John Zetaruk

July 2, 1921 - Smoky Lake, Alberta

December 30, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

John (Iwan) Zetaruk, born July 2, 1921, in Smoky Lake, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at the age of 100 years, in Calgary, AB.  John will be remembered as a caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

John was the son of Ukrainian immigrants, Todor (Fred) Zetaruk & Mary (nee Makowichuk), who were one of the first settlers in the Smoky Lake area.  John grew up as part of a rambunctious family with six brothers: Vasilyev (Bill), George, Nicholai (Nick), Metro, Stefan (Steve) and Mikhail (Mike).  John was the last surviving son.

John’s first job off the farm was as a “gopher” helping his brother George build the pool hall in Smoky Lake.  At that time, he was about sixteen years old and was paid seventy-five cents per day.  As a teen, he loved spending time at the pool hall, supplementing his income with his pool winnings. 

In 1940, duty called, John joined the army, and was assigned to the Infantry section of the PPCLI.  From 1941 to 1945, he heroically saw action with his unit in Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. 

Upon his return to civilian life in 1945, John met and fell in love with Amalia (Mabel) Schneider at a dance in Calgary.  They were married in October 1946 in Calgary, where they remained to raise their family and John worked in the hotel industry. 

John was a proud father, and together, John and Mabel raised a happy family.  Family gatherings were always large including numerous in-laws and extended family, with much food, drink, and laughter.  Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to John and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family. 

John is survived by his children, Beverley, Dennis (Linda), Wesley (Karen), and Jackie (Trevor); his grandchildren, Melinda, Matthew (Leesa), Serena (Alexandra), Logan, and Savannah; and his great-grandchildren, Jace, Nevaeh, Scarlett, and Wren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends across Canada.

After Mabel’s passing, John rediscovered love and married Irene Dechant Schneider in May 1987.  John & Irene supported each other in the years that followed.

We will hold you in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time when pandemic restrictions allow. Condolences and memories may be shared and viewed here. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Veterans Affairs Canada.

A special thank you to the staff at Carewest Colonel Belcher for their care and support for the last few years, and to Veterans Affairs Canada for their unwavering assistance.  The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards John’s friend and caregiver, Lorraine Swift, who was a bright light in his life and provided John with loving care and companionship.

In living memory of John Zetaruk, a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservatory Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.