Frank Sitko

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Sitko of Oakburn, Manitoba on May 12, 2022 at the age of 92 years.

Born in Seech on November 12, 1929, Frank was the eldest son of Dora (Bachewich) and Steven Sitko.  He was raised on the farm and went to St John School. Frank had to leave school at an early age in order to help on the family farm.

On October 17, 1959 he married Stella Maydanuk and moved to Winnipeg where he worked in construction.  In the fall of 1960 Frank and Stella returned to take over the family farm and raised their two children. Throughout his years of mixed farming, diversification was ongoing- from working with horses, to steam engines and finally to tractors.  Frank was a Jack of all trades; he could build, repair or adapt anything when needed. In 1965 tragedy struck when the family home burnt to the ground.  It was his knowledge of carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills that were invaluable when it came time to rebuild the family home.  In 1990 Frank semi retired and with his son operated Sitko’s Farm Service for 30 years.  After retiring Stella and Frank remained on the family farm. In July 2019 Stella passed away and Frank remained on the farm with his son. 

Over the years Frank volunteered many hours with various organizations. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for St John School from 1961-1964 when the school districts were amalgamated. Frank served as a Councillor for his ward in the LGD of Park for 13 years. He was a member of the Oakburn Game and Fish Association, was an active and founding member of Knights of Columbus Council #8138.

Frank was an active and founding member of the Parkland Ukrainian Pioneer Association where he could be found building, repairing or supervising some kind of project.  He sat on numerous committees including the Manitoba Pool Elevators Board and Shoal Lake Veterinarian Board.

Frank was predeceased by his parents Dora and Steven, brothers Mike and John and sister Marcia.

Surviving are his daughter Florence and son Raymond.  Also surviving are sisters Olive Matiation, Joyce Niznowski, Janet (Albert) Zemianski, Lillian (Mel) Maximitch, Thelma (Wallace) Piercy and Sylvia Raginski, brother-in-law Walter (Sonia) Maydaniuk, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Ken Sitko, Richard Niznowski, Glen Niznowski, Phillip Sitko, Rodney Zemianski and Chad Davies.