John Arthur Soke

December 27, 1933 – February 18, 2024

On Monday, February 18, 2024, John Soke, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle passed away peacefully at the age of 90. John Arthur Soke was born December 27, 1933, in Saltcoats, SK.  After an adventurous childhood on the farm with his parents and seven siblings, he moved to Winnipeg, where he met, and then married, Deanne Park on June 15, 1957.  Together they raised four daughters: Jodie, Kathy, Sandra, and Donna in Selkirk, MB.  

A devoted family man, his home with Deanne was a busy and constant destination for his children, grandchildren, their partners, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and numerous friends. John will be remembered for his many adventurous and creative passions including hunting, fishing, woodworking, and sharing stories with family and friends.  Compassionate, honest, and generous, he enjoyed deep friendships. John and Deanne enjoyed the many years in Selkirk including time with beloved neighbours and friends at the Selkirk Volunteer Firefighters Association.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The family thanks the loving staff at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg. 

John mourned the death of his loving wife Deanne Soke almost one year ago.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Benjamin and Mary Soke, his stepmother Anna Soke and his 6 older brothers and sisters.  He is survived by his sister Sylvia Ewacka, sister-in law Elva Soke, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carolee and Rene Hogue, brother-in-law Ken Park, and his best friend Gerry Clarke.  John often reminisced about his brothers and sisters.  “Uncle John” always enjoyed talking and visiting with his cherished nephews and nieces.  His family treasures his love, memories, and hilarious stories: Jodie, Merv, Tammy, Corey, Chayse, JC, Bryce, Emily, Brody, Oliver, Dayna, Alex, Arizona, Matilda, Kathy, Kym, Stacey, Sandra, Allyssa, Cole, Latitia, Kaiya, Jonny, Willow, Donna, Ben, Seth, Milo, and his nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on John’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Deanne Soke

On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, after a brief illness, Deanne Soke, loving spouse, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Gloria Deanne Park was born August 10, 1937, in Rainy River, ON. She moved to Winnipeg to attend college, where she met, and then married, John Arthur Soke on June 15, 1957. Together they raised four daughters: Jodie, Kathy, Sandra, and Donna in Selkirk, MB.

An affectionate matriarch, Deanne’s perpetual tenderness for her family made her home a busy and constant destination for her children, grandchildren, their partners, and great-grandchildren. Deanne will be remembered for her many creative passions including quilting, knitting, and sewing, but especially for her kindness, generosity, selflessness, and deep friendships. Deanne enjoyed the many years she and John spent in Selkirk including time with cherished neighbours and friends at the Selkirk Volunteer Firefighters Association, Selkirk Eastern Star, and the quilting group at the Seniors Centre.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gordon Howard Senior Centre (gordonhoward.ca). The family thanks the palliative care staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

Deanne was preceded in death by her father and mother, Clinton and Doris Park. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years John Soke, her sister Carolee (Park) Hogue, brother-in-law Rene Hogue, brother Ken Park, her sisters-in-law Sylvia Ewacka and Elva Soke. Her family cherishes her love, memories, and funny stories: Jodie, Merv, Tammy, Corey, Chayse, JC, Bryce, Emily, Brody, Oliver, Dayna, Alex, Arizona, Matilda, Kathy, Kym, Stacey, Sandra, Allyssa, Cole, Latitia, Aaron, Kaiya, Jonny, Willow, Donna, Ben, Seth, Milo, and her many adored nephews and nieces.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Deanne’s memorial page by using the comment field below.

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