The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Iver Joseph Anthony Dennis Koczka of Creighton, Saskatchewan passed away Monday, June 14, 2004 at the age of 67 years. Iver was born in Stockholm, Sask. in 1937 to Theresa and Frank Koczka. He came to Flin Flon in 1955. He hired on at HBM&S and worked there until 1967. He met Laurel Sandaker and she became the love of his life. They were married in 1958 and made their home in Creighton, where they raised five children: Wayne of Glaslyn, Bob of Creighton, Brian of St. Andrew's, Sheldon of Bittern Lake, and Joy of Winnipeg. They had nine grandchildren and one great grandchild, Zaden. When Zaden was born Laurel couldn't remember his name, but it started with a Z, Iver said Ziggy, and that was Iver's nickname for him, his pride and joy. Iver was a great family man, always having time for family, a great father and grandfather. Iver worked for Gulf Oil for 11 years. He drove ore trucks and had other jobs until his health forced him to retire. Iver also served on the Creighton School Board. He was a volunteer fireman for 20 plus years, receiving a 20 year pin and was chief for some time. Iver was involved in many sports, coaching minor baseball when his sons were involved. He hunted in the fall in Hudson Bay and the Creighton area, always coming through with game most times. He liked fishing and camping. The sport of his life was curling, he wasn't a super curler, but one of the most faithful. Iver curled with a mop broom, only sweeping one way, it would go "thump thump" around Creighton rink. He was nicknamed Thumper. When curling was on TV, forget Iver, he was glued to the TV screen. He loved playing cards. Many a night we would get together and play, usually six of us. Iver loved picking blueberries, in the fall the phone would ring, and there was Iver, "The blueberries are ready, let's go!" I think he supplied all of his relatives in Saskatchewan. You always knew Iver's berries, they wouldn't have a twig or leaf in them. He even picked last fall although his health was getting bad. Most of these things I have done with Iver over the last 40 years. He was a friend always. Willing to help his family, neighbours and friends. You will truly be missed by your family and friends. May you rest in peace! Iver was predeceased by his mother Theresa, father Frank, sister Frances and brother Adolph. He is survived by his wife Laurel; sisters Gertie Clarke of Saskatoon, Pearl (Howard) Pascoe of Winnipeg; children, Wayne of Glaslyn, SK, Bob of Creighton, Brian (Leona) of St. Andrew's, MB, Sheldon of Bittern Lake, AB, and Joy (Lawrence) Spring of Winnipeg; grandchildren Brooke and Calvin, Brett (Jana) and Danielle, Sergio and Chantel, Logan, and Hanna and Abby; and great grandchild Zaden. Funeral services for Iver were held Friday, June 18, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. from the First United Lutheran Church, with Pastor Richard Zimmerman officiating. Organist was Holly Barron. Honourary pallbearers were Iver's grandchildren and great grandson. Ushers were Marc Boisjoli and Rick Jackson. Memorial register attendant was Yvonne Holmgren. Following interment at Ross Park Cemetery, lunch was served by the Lutheran Ladies at the Lutheran Church. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Association, c/o Christie's, 115 Main Street, or to a charity of one's choice. Dadson Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. 687-5821 We would like to thank all the wonderful people for their kind expressions of sympathy. A special thank you to Sandy and Brady Barr. Thanks to Pastor Zimmerman for the comforting service, Holly Barron for the music and the First United Lutheran ladies for the lunch. Thanks to Yvonne Holmgren for looking after the memorial register, Ray McConnell for the eulogy, and the ushers Marc Boisjoli and Rick Jackson. A big thank you to all who sent flowers, cards, food and to those who donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Also thank you to Darren and Dadson Funeral Home. Everything was greatly appreciated. Laurel, Wayne, Bob, Brian, Sheldon, Joy and families
