MICHAEL OLEKSIW

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MICHAEL OLEKSIW June 7, 1922 - September 10, 2000 Michael Oleksiw, age 78 years, beloved husband of Marie, passed away at the Concordia Hospital on September 10, 2000. Michael was born on June 7, 1922. He was raised on a farm in Inwood, Manitoba. On July 22, 1944, he married Marie Walchuk and had four children, Roger, Rosario, Perry and Pearlanne. Michael acquired his trade as a meat cutter working at the Burns meat factory. Michael had a dream of owning his own business. Together, with his wife Marie, they opened a small corner grocery store. Later on they built and operated Oleksiws Supermarket. After 20 years of business, Michael retired at the age of 53 in 1975. His passion and gifted ability for music spanned his whole lifetime. When he was not working, he played his instruments for whoever would listen. He played the violin, clarinet, cymballa and the saxophone. He entertained with numerous bands and treasured the friendships he made along the way. After he retired, he spent most of his days repairing instruments and giving them away, and spent many afternoons playing for the elderly. Michael was an armchair participant in all sports and enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends. Michael also had a love for ice cream and enjoyed sharing it with his grandchildren. Michael was not much of a traveler, but enjoyed the company of whoever came to visit. Besides his loving wife Marie, he is survived by four children, Roger, Rosario (Brenda Jarema), Perry and Pearlanne (Barry Cervenka) eight grandchildren, Cheryl (Jake Barton), David (Gail), Douglas and Shelly; Little Zaz; and Samantha Joseph and Joshua Cervenka. Three great-grandchildren, Jessica, Christopher and Justin; two sisters, Mary Tesarski (Pete) and Stella Pemkowski; two brothers, Paul (Betty) and Eddie (Judy). Preceding him in death were his parents, Sofie and Peter and two brothers, Nick and David. Cremation has taken place and there will be a Memorial Mass on Thursday, September 14, at 1:00 p.m. at St Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 505 Brewster Street, Transcona with Fr. Roy officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice in memory of Mike. GOD BLESS YOU POP, WE LOVE YOU CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2000