Obituary For Joseph Ivan Rukavina
It is with very heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great grandfather, and the patriarch of our whole family. Joseph Ivan Rukavina died on Monday, July 19 at the age of 91 years at the Central Peace Hospital in Spirit River.
Joe was born October 4, 1929, on the family farm four miles south of Rycroft, the second oldest son of Dujo and Milka Rukavina. Dad married Eleanor Fontaine on March 2, 1957, in Rycroft where they farmed and raised their six children. Dad for the most part was a farmer- plain and simple. He loved his cows and was an avid grain farmer. His younger years were spent on seismic running a CAT. Those were his glory days, and he had many a story to share with everyone. Dad had lots of stories and they will be our forever memories.
Dad was tough but fair. He looked forward to visits from everyone and loved family get-togethers, especially if there was turkey involved. He had stories and jokes and an infectious laugh.
Dad and mom were together for over 60 years. Besides their 6 children, they have 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. “The farm” was home to all the family. Dad had a big smile for anyone that walked through the door and made you feel welcome.
Dad could always be found out in the garage fixing some machine; taking his quad to check on the cows; or just sitting in his chair watching his favourite show `Three`s Company`.
Joe was pre-deceased by his wife Eleanor; mother and father; brothers Carl, Martin, and Rudy; and his grandson Conan Cooper.
Dad will be forever missed by his six children Gail, Laura, Jerry and Kelly, Joanne, Donna, Lenny and Barb; his grandchildren: Selena and Bailey; Jason, Darren and Kyle; Arisa, Jeff and Jolea; Eden and Carli; Lacey and Quentin; great grandchildren; and his sister Violet.
Funeral services will be held at St. Peter and Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Rycroft on Friday, July 23 at 1 pm with Father Arockiam Savarimuthu officiating. Interment will be at the Mission Cemetery. A prayer service will be held Thursday evening at 6 pm at the Church.
In memory of Joseph, donations can be made to the family to go towards the Mazankowski Heart Institute.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home and Cremation Sanctuary 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joseph Ivan Rukavina 04/10/1929 19/07/2021..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta