ANTON GJEREK

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ANTON GJEREK May 24, 1937 - February 5, 2017 After a lengthy and hard fought illness Anton Gjerek passed away on February 5, 2017. He is lovingly remembered by his children Rosemarie and Anton, grandson Adam Shorting, and his sister Marija Hozjan of Crensovci, Slovenija. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Dusanka in 2011 and his brother Jozef in 2006. Also left to mourn his passing are numerous nieces and nephews in Slovenija and a circle of loving friends here. Dad was born in the small town of Crensovci, Prekmurje in 1937. Life during and after the war was difficult with Dad working on the family farm, in a sugar beet factory and as an apprentice blacksmith - he proudly bore a dent in his chin from a long ago horse kick. Like many in post war Europe Dad immigrated to Canada, arriving in Montreal in 1957 with little money and no English (or French). Here he met and married Dusanka in 1960. In search of work and opportunity my parents came to Winnipeg in 1969 and settled here permanently. Dad's work as an Air Track Driller on hydro dams, in mining and construction meant that he was away from home a lot. He became a confirmed homebody when home but managed a two week vacation with Mom to Cuba one year that he still raved about years later...one trip away was enough though. The years of hard work took their toll and Dad retired early becoming once again the farmer he always was. He loved working in his garden and was especially proud of growing his peppers with seeds from the old country and tending his apple tree. Having Adam come into our lives brought him additional joy. After Mom died, Dad took on the task of maintaining her beautiful flower gardens as an ongoing tribute to her. He enjoyed the summers spending time outside with his good friends and neighbours as much as he could, mosquitoes or no mosquitoes! Dad also was a great animal lover and kept busy with his dogs, bird feeding (including a family of crows who greeted him every morning) and the neighbourhood stray cats, one of whom became the latest addition to the family. Even as his illness progressed and made breathing and working more and more difficult he tended his animals and the garden he so loved. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Home Care staff who visited Dad every day and always demonstrated kindness and concern, as well as to the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital who cared for Dad with great compassion during his last days. Also to the many wonderful friends who made it possible for Dad to live in his home - Antero, Joseph, Tony and Barbara, I will always be grateful to you. We will miss you forever but are happy that you are now resting peacefully with Mom. Lahko Noc Papa Lahko Noc A private funeral service is planned as for Anton's wishes at Glen Eden with Father Parrenas presiding. Glen Eden Funeral Home and Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2017