Stefan Lovenjak

It is with heavy hearts, the family of Stefan Lovenjak announce his passing on June 4, 2019 at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre after a brief illness at the age of 87. 

Stefan was born in Poznanovce, Slovenia on July 19, 1931.  He was predeceased by his parents Janes and Trezeka, brother Alujz, sister Marija and leaves to mourn his loving wife of 62 years Ida, their children Steven, Erika and husband Gerry, Milan and wife Nancy, Johnny and wife Teri-Lynn and his grandchildren, Leah, Bryce, Jennifer, Roxanna, Luke, Jordanna, Irena and Jody.

Stefan grew up in Slovenia on the family farm and at 18 years of age, was enlisted in the Slovenian army where he trained for 2 years. Fortunately, the war ended and he was not required to fight for his country.  He met and married his wife Ida and together they decided to immigrate to Canada in 1959 with their young son Steven and soon to be daughter, Erika. They landed in Montreal where he shovelled snow to provide for his family.  With the help of his cousin Stefan Car who sent him train tickets, he came to Winnipeg.  We eventually lived across the street from his cousin and dad found work in construction. He was a bricklayer by trade and an artist. He constructed and designed many brick and stone fronts, planter boxes, fireplaces and he even built a wood fired bread oven so mom could bake bread the old fashioned way like they did in Slovenia.

Our father missed being on the farm and decided that he wanted to live in the country. In 1969, he purchased a 50 acre farm and we moved to Ashfield.  Dad farmed the land and we had cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits, a dog and some cats.  It was a big change from the city but we all loved it and got used to country living very quickly.  He went to work in Winnipeg but loved to come home to the country at the end of the day.  Dad and mom tended to the farm, yard and gardens making sure everything was in pristine condition.  He also loved to have fun, tell jokes and enjoyed socializing with family and friends.  We often had visitors and mom and dad were great hosts, you never left hungry or thirsty after coming to the farm.

Our father also liked to sing and listen to Slovenian music.  We went to many Slovenian Celebrations where dad enjoyed the food, dancing and music.  He was proud of his Slovenian heritage and showed us the importance of our nationality.  Dad and mom were fortunate enough to travel back to Slovenia to visit family and friends.

Dad was not afraid of hard work and it showed in his big strong hands and in his generosity to his children and grandchildren. Whether it was helping to build a house, bricklaying, pouring a cement floor, building a garage, making patio stones, landscaping or help in funding his grandchildren’s university and college education, our dad and grandfather was there. He was not afraid to give his opinion and had a big heart for family, friends and animals. He loved dogs and we had many growing up but his favourite was Suzie, a black lab cross that he brought home from the Humane Society. 

Thank you dad.  We will always have fond memories of growing up on the farm and we cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done to make our lives so blessed.  We love you and we will miss you very much.

A special thank you to our father’s caregivers at the hospital.  The compassion and care you provided was much appreciated and we were comforted in knowing that he passed away peacefully.  While in the hospital, dad sang and told jokes to the staff which was enjoyed by all.

The service will take place at Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served in the banquet hall after the service.  Burial will take place at Ashfield Cemetery on Ashfield Road.

Please join us in celebrating Stefan’s life and to say farewell to our father.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stefan Lovenjak, please visit our floral store.