Obituary of Emil Jonasson

Emil passed into eternity at the age of 100 years, while being cared for at home in Shellbrook by his daughter Luella Jonasson. Emil was born in the Honeywood District near Parkside, the sixth of eight children to Jonas and Justina Jonasson, who emigrated from Lillhardal, Sweden in 1907. Emil inherited his musical talent from both parents and received his first violin at age 14. He had to quit school at age 15 to help out at home. He rented and eventually purchased the Clocker homestead originally owned by his father. Emil, being a stylish dresser, smooth dancer, and always a gentleman, was introduced to a musical and lovely Della Petterson by her brothers, whose family also immigrated to Honeywood from Sweden. They were married on October 17, 1937 in Prince Albert. Emil and Della settled on the Clocker homestead and had seven children there. Emil and Della became well known for their old-fashioned hospitality and gift of music. They were mixed farmers and supplemented the family income by hauling wood to Parkside, shipping cream to Shellbrook, and working on road construction. When Della passed away in 2002, Emil stayed on the farm. The musical community of family and friends made it possible for him to continue playing old time and gospel music on his violin and harmonica "for the old folks ". A memorable event occurred at his 100th birthday party when Emil was accompanied by his six living children. The descendants of Emil will fondly remember him standing on his head, winning at arm wrestling, and eating sugar cubes like candy. His greatest legacy was faith in a living God and a thankful heart that carried him through the trials of life and comforted him in his last days. Emil is survived by his 6 children and 17 grandchildren: Thelma (Dave) Rogozinsky of Mont Nebo, SK and her children, Susan Hetu/David Gullickson, Eli (Elaine) Hetu and Raine (Kelly) Hetu; Luella Jonasson of Shellbrook, SK and her children, Lorraine (Neil) Fajt, Calvin (Kim) Derr, Lawrence (Leigh) Derr, and Tracy (Shawn) Larson; Henry Jonasson of Parkside, SK and his children, Cory (Jackie) Jonasson and Tanya Miller; Cecil (Audrey) Jonasson of Edson, AB and his children, Crystal (Travis) Chopko and Kim Jonasson, Shane (Kelly) Mykyte and Shalene Enright; Glen (Lorraine) Jonasson of Stony Plain, AB and their children, Kelly (Laura) Jonasson and Chad Jonasson; Steven (Natalie) Jonasson of Sicamous, BC and their children, Jonathan (Georgia) Jonasson and Skye (Lyndon) Petten; 33 great- grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, numerous nieces and nephews, and fellow jammers. Emil was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Della (nee Petterson); his parents, Jonas & Justina Jonasson; his daughter, Betty (at age 17 months); his siblings: Annie (Andrew) Nelson, Pete (Swea) Jonasson, Ellen (Ted) Westin, John Jonasson, Albert (Margaret) Jonasson, Henry Jonasson, Violet (Conrad) Holfield; and many other relatives. The celebration of Emil's life was held on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shellbrook Pentecostal Church. The officiant was Pastor Claude Tucker and pianist was Helen Stene. The eulogists were grandaughters Susan Hetu and Lorraine Fajt. Pallbearers were grandsons Calvin Derr, Lawrence Derr, Neil Fajt, Kelly Jonasson, Chad Jonasson, and Jonathan Jonasson. Honorary pallbearers were "all the relatives and friends who have shared in Emil's life". Special music was performed and tributes were given by Emil's children, niece Marlene Abdai, and grandson Lyndon Petten. Interment followed at Parkside Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Project/ Parkside Heritage Centre. Beau"Lac" Funeral Home was entrusted with the funeral arrangements. 306-747-2828