John Sekulic obituary (2024)

Obituaries

John Sekulic

February 08, 1950 - November 22, 2024

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John Sekulic obituary (1)

Obituary For John Sekulic

John Sekulic, life-long resident of Rycroft, AB; devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-uncle, closed his eyes for the final time early in the morning of Friday, November 22, 2024, in Edmonton, AB, at the age of 74 years.

John’s entry into life occurred on February 8, 1950, during a monumental blizzard, which necessitated the support and involvement of the community surrounding the farm near Prestville, AB. Snow, wind, and drifts meant that the family Chrysler could not navigate to the nearest hospital. The Knezevic neighbors, on the next quarter, broke trail with horse and sleigh to pull the car to the highway (then a rutted gravel track) and on to Spirit River, AB, for his birth, forging a friendship that would last for decades.

John attended school in Rycroft, graduated, and attended the University of Alberta until 1972. There, he obtained a BSc (Ag) with a double major in Plant and Animal Sciences with an undeclared minor in Square Dancing. He returned to the farm immediately after graduation, planting his first of 52 successive crops. Among the seeds he sowed in that first crop was his courtship of the new Catholic schoolteacher, Elsa Simioni. They were wed in July 1974, and for the next 50 years lived their dream: raising grain, cattle, three children, and eventually four grandchildren. Until the farm was fully established, John served several terms as councilor in municipal government, taught farm management courses at Fairview College, and volunteered regularly with the local parish.

John was a man possessed of selfless duty and strong faith, working long hours and partaking in services at St Peter and St Paul Catholic Church in Rycroft. It wasn’t all work; John was known for his positivity, his sense of humor, his unique laugh, his generosity, and his love of fun. He had a well-known affinity for Dodge trucks, hemi engines, John Deere iron, and mountain road trips. Through his life, he maintained close relationships with family in Croatia and abroad, beginning international travel to visit in 1999. In the years that followed, John and Elsa would travel further and further, to exotic and mundane destinations both, culminating in February 2024 with a trip to the Australian outback.

John will be dearly missed by his wife of 50 years, Elsa; three children: Janine, Gregory and Warren (Stefanie); four grandchildren Sadie, Aubrey, Parker, and Kip. As well as, his three sisters: Anne Marie (Robert) Thompson, Marlene (Randy) Clements, Francis (Jim) Boomgaarden; numerous nieces, nephews, and a plethora of cousins and in-laws the world over.

A Funeral for John will be held at St Peter and St Paul Catholic Church in Rycroft, on Monday, December 2, at 11:00 am, following a Prayers Service in the same church the night prior at 7:00 pm.

The family requests any donations be made to the St Peter and St Paul Parish in Rycroft.

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Condolences

  • November 28, 2024

    Jeanie Milkovich

    Dear Elsa and Family, I am very sorry to hear of Cousin Johnny's passing. I have fond memories of our school days together, family gatherings on the farm and shared rides to the U of A from our farms. Also, we had in common being born in that February storm a few days apart in the same year! On December 2nd, in Cousin Johnny's memory I will light a candle at the Sacred Heart Church in Alexandria, Egypt. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you 🙏🏽 Jeanie Milkovich

  • November 28, 2024

    Dianne and Larry Wagner

    What a tremendous loss to your family, church and community. John will be missed. Treasure your memories. Sending heartfelt sympathy across the miles. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

  • November 27, 2024

    Jonathon Stanich

    Elsa, Janine, Greg, Warren, and Family. I'm so very sorry to hear of John's passing. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and a happy attitude towards life. He will be remembered by many. My condolences to you all. Jonathon Stanich

  • November 27, 2024

    Marlene j Clements

    Gone too soon my dearest brother John !! I ❤️the time we had together the last days before !! You will be missed not only by the family friends but the community!! Rest in peace John!🌾🌾

  • November 27, 2024

    Sean &Deb Kelly

    Dear Elsa and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ! May our Lord help you through this time. May John rest in the arms of Jesus! Lots of love and prayers sent you way ,Sean and Deb Kelly

  • November 27, 2024

    stefan meyer

    JOHN! I first met John as a crop scout agronomist at Agricore United Wanham. I quickly realized he knew way more about weeds and chemicals than me. He took the time to teach me. It was a amazing when this year John came to Australia we got to have dinner with his Son Greg and Wife Elsa while looking at the Sydney Opera House. Many Hugs and Love from Aston, Scarett, Alya & Stefan Meyer Family.

  • November 27, 2024

    Peggy Hollingworth

    Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of John. He will be missed. As unbelievable as this loss is, know your strength and faith will help guide you through this journey.

  • November 27, 2024

    Shauna Waldner

    Dearest Elsa and Family, I am sending sincere heartfelt condolences to all. John was a wonderful man and his heavenly journey will be felt by many. May you find comfort in all the memories you shared together. Fly high with the angels John 🙏🏻

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John  Sekulic obituary (2024)

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