Page 53 - June Mag2025

Remembrances

Irene Elizabeth (Bobovski) Durisin Bernard S. Shinko

After a stay in the hospital, Irene was Irene loved to drive, travel and tried Bernard (Bernie) Stanley Shinko, 96,
unexpectedly called to her Heavenly to visit as many of the 50 states as passed away Monday, April 14, 2025,
Home on March 31, 2025. she could. Many times, it was just her at the VA Hospital in Wilkes-Barre,
She felt behind her loving husband and some of her kids and/or her good PA. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Bernie was
of almost 70 years, George, and her friend, Nancy McCrellias. George and the son of John Shinko and Stella (Pa-
eight children: Anna Marie (Mike Irene also spent many winters travel- duch) Shinko and attended Meyers
Pero), Jane (Bob Semak), Mike (Kar- ing to Mexico Beach, Florida and to High School.
en), Dan (Lynn), Sue (Jeff Kreft), Gloria Medjugorje, where many other close Bernie dedicated many years to his
(Rob Kennedy), Patty (Kolby Barbera) friends were also made as a result. career as an iron worker, specializ-
and Nancy (Ken Czarny). She was The family also enjoyed summer va- ing in steel fabrication before retiring
blessed with 19 grandkids and 10 cations at Colchester Beach, Ontario. at age 62. He was a skilled welder,
great grandkids. Irene left behind her Irene was an avid reader, loved to known for his meticulous work on
brothers Joe Bobovski and Bill Bobo- sew, crochet and craft, and her flow- custom staircases. Not one to remain
vski (Elaine), sisters Helen Kremposky er garden. She was a football fan and idle, he returned to work part -time at
and Anna Roll (Gene), and sister-in- a Tigers fan. She was on a bowling Cee Kay Auto, finally retiring again at
law Sandy Luckham. Her parents Pe- team for many years and had good age 90. Bernie honorably served in
ter and Mary, her brother George, and friends there, also. She loved ba- the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1951. He
sister Mary Novak and great grand- bies-anyone’s babies-and always en- was a Private First Class (PFC) in the
son Noah pre-deceased her. couraged and supported the young Military Police, serving first in Ger-
Irene was a wonderful and loving mothers. She collected coffee mugs many then later serving in Okinawa
wife, mother, grandmother and great from all over the world and had quite during the Korean War.
grandmother (baba). She was very a big collection. Irene also took pic- Bernie was actively involved in the
involved throughout her life with her tures constantly and loved to look at community serving as a Boy Scout
church activities, such as teaching cat- them with family and reminisce about Troop Leader for many years. He was a
echism, belonging to the JOY guild, people and places. life member of the Kingston VFW Post
and running the local GCU chapter Irene made friends wherever she 283 where he served as Post Com-
for her church. She was the President went. She had a wonderful sense of mander from 1970 to 1972. He was a
of the former lodge 384 and also was humor and was still laughing, joking life member of the American Legion
the recording Secretary of the former and making friends with hospital staff Post 395. Bernie also coordinated the
District 11 in Michigan. She was active until the end. George and Irene won West Side Memorial Day Parade for
in many of the GCU events that were an award at their home in American over 50 years. According to those who
sponsored at St. Stephen’s Church in House as the “most loving couple.” knew Bernie, the parade will never be
Allen Park, MI such as Easter egg hunts, She had a special place in her heart the same without him. He was an in-
bowling tournaments and visits from St. for all her family and friends. Irene will spiration to many. Bernie was a devout
Nicholas. She was a true cheerleader be missed, but her love and memory member of Saint Hedwig’s Catholic
for the GCU! She participated in many will live on. As Irene always used to Church where he served as an usher
local Slovak events, including those at say, “Because I said so!” and past president of the Holy Name
Hart Plaza in Detroit. Her biggest love Blessed repose and eternal memory. Society. He was also a member of the
was doing things with her family. Knights of Columbus, 4th degree and
Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church.
Bernie also served as an officer in the
GCU-Sargeant at Arms for District 5
and as President and Vice President
for lodge 182.
In addition to his parents and his
wife of 59 years, Betty Shinko, he
was preceded in death by his siblings
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GCU MAGAZINE JUNE 2025 51