Johanna was born on September 29th, 1915, daughter of Jack and Lena Vreke, on their farm just outside of Edam. She and her twin sister were premature births, but sadly her twin, Elizabeth, lived only a few days. Johanna herself grew up in the Edam area, attending school in town up to Grade XI, and then taking her Grade XII by Correspondence. She milked cows and did other farm chores, played basketball and was an excellent swimmer. Johanna took music lessons from Bernard De Strake, eventually achieving her ARTC. She took her first year of university at Regina College, after which she attended the Normal School in Saskatoon where she qualified for a teaching certificate. Later she completed her B.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan. The majority of Johanna’s teaching career was at the Hardcastle School in Edam, but she also taught at Daysville, Lake Russell, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Saskatoon. She taught all grades but over time, and she became much beloved as the Grades 1 – 3 teacher in Edam. Johanna married the local physician, Dr. Zane Tymchak; they had four children, two boys and two girls. For many years Johanna gave music lessons in town, as well as teaching school. She retired after 37 years of teaching and remained in Edam for many years. At the age of 90 she took up residence in a condo in Battleford; after seven years she lived with her son Zane and his wife Barb in Saskatoon for a while before finally settling into Bethany Manor, where she passed away on Nov. 13th, 2015. Johanna’s long life was marked by her profound faith in God, her courage in adversity, her vigorous work ethic, and her caring attitude toward others. To the end she took a great delight in the simple things of life, enjoyed fellowship and a good laugh, and was grateful for her many blessings. Johanna leaves to mourn her passing: four children: Michael (Beryl) Tymchak, Sandra (Garry) Wouters, Dianne (Maurice) MacGregor and Zane (Barbara) Tymchak; eleven grandchildren: Rachel (Tom) McCullagh, Mark (Cara) Tymchak, Kim (Dan) Johnston, Tammy (Biskie) Gugushe, Sean (Angelique) Wouters, Tanya (Darren) Myles, Ryan (Laura) MacGregor, Johanna (Bibian) Rajakumar, Sarah (James) MacMillan, Zane (Jennifer) Tymchak and Stephen Tymchak; twenty-two great grandchildren: Aleah, Jordan, Nathaniel, Zachary, Lena, Kassia, Amanda, Davin, Lauren, Mateo, Tyson, Holden, Justin, Lesya, Sascha, Alexandra, Emily, Ethan, Matthew, Avery, Luke and Heidi. Johanna was predeceased by her parents: Jan and Lena Vreke and her husband, Zane. The Funeral Service for Johanna was conducted from Edam Community Recreation Centre, Edam, Saskatchewan on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Kun Kim officiating. The eulogy was given by Michael Tymchak and Zane Tymchak. The readings were given by Kim Johnston, Tamara Gugushe, Rachael McCullagh and Tanya Myles. The hymns sung were "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" accompanied by organist Bev Meikle. Special music was performed by Johanna Rajakumar, Stephen Tymchak, Sarah McMillan, James McMillan and Zane Tymchak, Jr. The active pallbearers were Tom McCullagh, Mark Tymchak, Sean Wouters, Ryan MacGregor, Zane Tymchak, Jr. and Stephen Tymchak. Interment was held in the Edam Municipal Cemetery. Donations in memory of Johanna Tymchak may be made to Lady Minto Health Care Centre or Bethany Manor. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.
