Harry Wrulbeski

Harry Maxamillion Wrubleski was born Sept. 6, 1913 in a log house with a sod roof eight miles North of Kuroki. He had three brothers and four sisters. His father Mike Wrubleski was born in Poland , and made the three week trip to the United States when he was 17. He went to Yorkton to homestead near his brother, but found there was no land available, so he drove a herd of cattle north all the way to Kuroki where he settled, having to milk the cows every day on the way. His mother Epolonia Zgoda was born in the United States , having a Polish background. She also came through Yorkton and moved on to Kuroki.

When Harry first went to the Scofield School he only knew Polish, and learned most of his English there. His mother passed away in 1932 when she was 42, so Harry stayed and helped his family on the farm. He then married Pauline Banadyga on Nov. 8, 1938.

Pauline was born in Preeceville on June 15, 1913 and had 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Her mother Mary and her father Nicholas were born in Poland with a Ukrainian background. They first came to Preeceville and were farmers and labourers. Nicholas enjoyed learning, and went to night school to learn English.

            Pauline and Harry started their own farm and had livestock. They retired to Wadena in 1981 after farming 45 years together. They had four children, Audrey, Joan, James and Bruce. They were not able to get their children to high school so they decided it was best to board them in Yorkton so they could go to school. The girls went to St. Mary’s and the boys to St. Joseph ’s school. Harry now has around 15 grandchildren, only one being male, and 15 great grandchildren.

            Harry and Pauline belonged to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and meals on wheels. Pauline was also part of the Catholic Woman’s League. Pauline passed away in 2002 after 62 wonderful years of marriage, and she is dearly missed.

            Harry enjoyed gardening and hunting, and misses being out on the farm. He knows it is true that “you can take the farmer out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the farmer”. Congratulations Harry on your nearly-94 years, and we hope there are many more to come.