Frank John Punk
February 25, 1942 – October 15, 2023
Frank John Punk was born in Pourva, Hungary on September 27th, 1938, to Jacob and Katarina (née Repas) Punk. At the age of 8, he left Hungary with his parents and older sister Anne due to the war. They were sent to East Germany and endured many hardships, including starvation for over nine months. They escaped to West Germany, where life was much better as his parents were able to find a place to live and able to find work to provide food for their family. In 1949, at the age of 11, his father’s brothers, provided their entry into Canada. Frank boarded with another family so he could go to school while his parents worked various jobs. Eventually, they were able to purchase the farm in Middle Lake, and Frank’s younger brother, Jack was born. That’s where Frank’s love of farming began. From the ages of 16 to 23, Frank helped farm his father’s land and took various jobs to financially help his parents. This was when, he met the love of his life, Mildred Knittig. They were married in 1964 and made their home wherever Frank’s employment took them. Various jobs that he had were with Graham Construction, the Humboldt School Unit, and the CP Railroad. In 1974, Frank and Mildred were able to purchase their own farm by Middle Lake, SK where they had a mixed farm with cattle, pigs, sheep, and various other animals along the way. He was also an active member of the Middle Lake Lions Club and the Pilger Pumpkin Festival, even winning himself a trophy for growing a large pumpkin. Frank loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with his family. Throughout the years Frank and Mildred were blessed with six children, and his life revolved around them. He worked hard for everything he and his family had, by being a dedicated worker and a proud family man. He built every building on the farm with pride and made sure his family had much more than he had growing up. Frank’s work ethics were instilled in his children, and he was always very proud of their accomplishments. He was a very dedicated husband, father to his children, grandfather to 13 grandchildren and recently a great-grandfather to a little girl. Frank will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by: his wife of 59 years, Mildred; son Dean (Lisa) Punk and family: Regan and Rion; son Kevin (Angenette) Punk and family: Brianne (Jason) and Jayden (Desirae); son Kyle Punk (Jen) and families: Dylan (Megan) and daughter: Rosalie, Tristan, Declan (Mickey), Jade, and Jen’s children: Caylin and Carson; son Bryan (Deanna) Punk and family: Aspyn and Dax; daughter Trina Punk and family: Brooklyn, Cooper and Zac; brother Jack (Arlene) Punk; brothers and sisters in law: Lawrence Knittig (Elaine), Jerry (Linda) Knittig, Daniel (Dianne) Knittig, Carol (Mervin) Pritchard, Evelyn (Wally) Schreiner, and Rose (Brian) Herriges; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Frank was predeceased by: son Darren Punk; parents Jacob and Katarina Punk; sister Anne Mills; parents in law Bernard and Caroline Knittig; and brothers in law Ronald Schwindt and Gary Mills. A funeral mass was held at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt, SK on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Fr. Colin Roy. Others taking part were: Dax Curry-Punk, cross bearer; Carol Pritchard and Trina Punk, scripture readers; Angenette Punk, intentions; Declan and Jade Punk, gift bearers, Trina Joa, eulogist; and Evelyn Schreiner and Carol Pritchard, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by the St. Augustine Funeral Choir and a duet by Jerry Knittig and Evelyn Schreiner. The urn bearer was Dean Punk; and the honorary pallbearers were “all those who shared in Frank’s life.” The memorial luncheon was held at St. Augustine Parish Hall followed by interment at Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Cemetery, Middle Lake, SK. Memorial donations may be directed to Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan (#301 – 2550 12th Ave. Regina, SK, S4P 3X1) or St. Mary’s Villa Foundation- Building Fund (P.O. Box 1743, Humboldt, SK S0K 2A0).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)