BRANKO MRAK -

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BRANKO MRAK 1929 - 2006 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father and Deda with family by his side at Seven Oaks General Hospital on March 31, 2006. Branko was predeceased by his parents Valent and Ana Mrak and his brother Vlado, all in Croatia. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Helena (Jelka), daughter Barbara Budnick (Paul), son Walter (Cathy), grandchildren Christine Budnick (Scott Reynolds), Karen Budnick (Frank Baldwin), Andrea Mrak, great- grandchildren Dawson and Hunter Reynolds, sister Irena Zezula (in Croatia), nephew John Zezula and many cousins in Croatia. Branko was born in Beljevina, Croatia on April 24, 1929. He tried his hand at several trades as a teenager. His skills as a builder were apparent even at age 17, when he built a house which still stands today, for his widowed cousin in Croatia. He married his beloved wife, Helena on January 1, 1949 and with her and their two children he immigrated to Canada in 1958 with $20 in his pocket and two suitcases. Upon arrival in Winnipeg he started working as a bricklayer. Over the course of his life he worked at all aspects of residential construction. As a self-employed contractor, he erected many stone fronts throughout the city, as well as numerous homes in the Maples, including his own, his son's and his daughter's. He was fair and just in all his dealings and generous to his friends and family. Branko worked hard six days a week but for him Sunday was a day of rest to be spent with family. During the 1960's, summer Sundays were spent at Patricia beach swimming, boating and fishing. In his later years, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his treasures. He loved to entertain them with barbeques in the backyard and games on the lawn. Among the lifetime dreams fulfilled during Branko and Helena's 57 years of marriage were trips to Croatia in 1997 and to Hawaii to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 10:00 a.m. at the Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St., Msgr. N. Chartrand officiating. Viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Interment and reception will follow. The family wishes to thank Dr. John Moncek for his on-going care, the staff of Seven Oaks General Hospital, Home Care staff and all of Branko's friends for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main St. 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 03, 2006