JOSEPH RZESZUTEK

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JOSEPH RZESZUTEK On September 15, 2004 after a brief illness, Joseph Rzeszutek passed away peacefully surrounded by his children, at the Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 81. He leaves to mourn his three children: daughter Helen Rzeszutek (Brent Wallberg) of Winnipeg, her sons, Michael and Matthew Cunningham; daughter Sophie Hendry (Wes) of Calgary and sons, Sean Gellatly, Christopher Hendry and daughter Angela Hendry; and son Ed Rzeszutek (Linda) of Winnipeg and their children, Paul Rezutek (Lisa), Andrew, Jennifer and Katherine Rzeszutek. Joseph is survived by his brother Walter Rzeszutek (Stephanie) of Winnipeg and their seven children and families; and two sisters, Josephine and Helen in Poland. He was predeceased by his wife Stella in 1990 and a brother Stanley one month ago, also from Poland. Born in Poland on February 24, 1923, Joseph spent the war years in Germany where he met and married Stella. He immigrated to Canada in 1948 and worked on a farm near Tufnell, SK until he saved enough money to bring his wife and son to Canada in 1950. The family moved briefly to Winnipeg and then spent seven years on a farm in Julius, MB. In 1959 they returned to Winnipeg where Joseph worked for the University of Manitoba in the Department of Oral Biology as an animal attendant until his retirement in 1988. Family, faith and home were the cornerstones of Grandpa Joes life. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his enormous generosity and help. Dad could fix almost anything and enjoyed keeping his home in good condition. He loved growing wonderful apple trees, vegetables and gardening, in general. He taught us by example, to appreciate natures constant renewal of life. We thank God for giving us such a wonderful Dad. His last days were a profoundly moving experience and a final gift to us. Our family is grateful to Father Antoni, Father McCloskey and Father Dado for their spiritual help during Grandpas illness. A very special thanks to Dads family doctor, Dr. Szajkowski, and a special thanks to Dr. Patel and Dr. Zaki for treating our Dad and helping us to understand what he was battling. We are thankful for the new friends we have made at the Seven Oaks Hospital. Thank-you Olive, for your inspiration, your kindness and your love. We wont forget you. Words cant express the wonderful care, compassion and support our Dad and family received from the staff on the fifth floor in U1 and U2. We now know that angels do exist. Thank-you, Uncle Walter and loving cousins. Wally, you are a pillar of strength. Prayers will be said on Friday, September 17 at 9:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Ave. with interment to follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, the United Way or the Arthritis Society. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2004