WLADYSLAW OLESZKO

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WLADYSLAW (WALTER) OLESZKO After being blessed with a long and fulfilling life, we sadly announce the peaceful passing of our dear Tata and Dziadziu on January 26, 2015. Walter was born on January 5, 1923 in the farming village of Izdebki, Poland. During the war, at the age of 17, he was taken from his family to labour on a farm in Germany. He later served with a branch of the U.S. Army in the military. Walter immigrated to Canada in 1948. In 1950 he met Wanda Targonska, the love of his life, in Winnipeg and they married in 1953. They raised their family in the first and only home that they purchased in St. Boniface in 1955. Our home was filled with joy and laughter. Walter worked for The Public Markets Limited for 38 years, mostly as the night supervisor retiring in 1987. He was an active member of Sokol #2 mainly in the capacity of Treasurer well into his 80s. Walter was also a founding member of St. Andrew Bobola Roman Catholic Church. Walter was predeceased by his loving wife Wanda in 2010, after 57 years of marriage. Remaining to cherish his memory are his five children: Liz (Hugh) Price and grandson Thomas (Fallon); Alice (Allan) Wiebe and granddaughters Jaime and Julie (Matt); Helen Oleszko; Irene Shewchuk (John) and grandchildren Cole and Hannah; and Ed (Laura) and grandchildren Matthew (Caitlin), Jennifer (Owen), Erika and Colin. Walter has four great-grandchildren: Abrielle and Caelix Oleszko, Rosa Levasseur and Keleka Quill. He is also survived by his sister Helena Skrabala and extended family in Poland, as well as his sisters-in-law Sophie Targonski and Steffie Oleszko, and many nieces, nephews and friends in Canada. To Walter, his family was his life. He was a wonderful husband, a great father and an amazing grandfather. He was happiest with the simple things in life - having a good meal surrounded by his family with a good shot of brandy. Walter was a man of great faith. He was wise, strong, hard-working and disciplined. He taught us honesty, respect and love of family. His influence has greatly shaped the people that we are and the way that we share our love with our family. We are so very blessed and grateful for how he has enriched our lives. Our family wishes to express our sincerest gratitude to Walter's Heritage Lodge family. Since September 2012, they have provided him with not only a place to reside, but with compassionate and exemplary care, as well as being a huge support for our entire family. God bless you. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walter's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice. To celebrate Walter's life, a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrew Bobola Roman Catholic Church, 541 Marion Street on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Sokol Hall, 523 Doucet Street. Wieczny Odpoczynek Racz Mu Dac Panie. Ich z Bogem. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2015