Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 12:00 a.m.
Slemko, Steve
STEVE SLEMKO, of Coaldale, beloved husband of Frances Slemko, passed away at the Coaldale Long Term Care Centre on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the age of 97 years.
STEVE SLEMKO, of Coaldale, beloved husband of Frances Slemko, passed away at the Coaldale Long Term Care Centre on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the age of 97 years.
Steve is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances; son Ken (Kathy), three daughters Mary Coles (Walter), Loretta Simmill (Kevin), Rosanna Stevens (Tom); grandchildren Ken Coles (Dana), Angela Hope (Nick), Mike Coles, Sarah and Kris Slemko, Steven Simmill (Kathy), Lisa Orton (Jeff), David Simmill (Brittany), Tom and James Funk; 9 great grandchildren; two brothers Pete (Diana) and Bill (Jean). Parents Sam and Pearl Slemko, siblings Anne, John and Mary predeceased him.
Steve was born on September 13, 1917 in Coalhurst, AB but raised in Lethbridge until Grade 8 when his family moved to a farm in the Coaldale area. He really enjoyed life on the farm working and playing together as a family unit. He attended Garbutt Business College in Lethbridge and became a bookkeeper and stenographer. He enlisted in 1940 with the Southern Alberta Regiment and because of his training became the "little Radar O'Rielly" in a mobile armoured unit. He received his discharge in1946 and returned to Coaldale. He married Frances Wadden on June 30,1951, built a house on a farm in the Coaldale area and raised their four children. Steve farmed until 1971 when he became a county councillor for the County of Lethbridge. He and Frances developed many strong and lasting friendships within the county. Always steadfast in their faith, they joined the Sisters of St. Martha Association. Steve was secretary-treasurer of St.Joseph's School from 1969-1994. He loved being around all the children and had a pocket full of coins to hand out. In recognition of his contribution to the community and country, Steve received Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee medals. Steve and Frances travelled the world during their retirement years. His children and grandchildren always returned to the farm for holidays enjoying farm life, card playing and family games. Steve and Frances moved from the farm to a senior's residence in Lethbridge in 2012 after Steve experienced deficits from a stroke. He will be remembered with a smile and greatly missed by his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Prayer Service at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 7:30 P.M. with Father Newton Rodriquez officiating.
The Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 - 23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Newton Rodriquez, Celebrant.
A Private Family Interment will follow at the Coaldale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve's name to the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation, C/O Southern Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Program, Foothills Medical Centre, 1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9
Guestbook (6)
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I met Steve and Frances year 2009 in Tim’s coaldale I was a foreigner worker , both of them so kind and loving as my own parents . I will truly missed them I pray that one day I could Visit Frances and Steve grave ! 403-397-7550
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you Celebrate the wonderful life of Steve. May he rest in Peace. Mike and Patricia Tivadar Medicine Hat
What a lovely man. We are the parents of Dave Conroy who married Steve's niece Patsy Slemko. We met tWhathe Slemko family at the marriage of Dave and Patsy and have always been impressed with the cohesiveness and family love shown by Steve and the rest of the Slemkos. Steve had a full and productive life and, although he will be sadly missed by everyone in Lethbridge, he left a legacy of kindness and good will.
Dear Mary, Walter, and all of Steve's Family, I was very sorry to see the post on Facebook announcing Steve's passing. Although he had lived to a very advanced age, and despite knowing that he lived many, many good years, it is never the right time to say that final good-bye. Terry and I will always think of Steve as a very friendly, welcoming man who absolutely loved and adored his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Steve and Francis were living examples of a wonderful marriage, and devotion to family, church and community. May knowing that others care and understand what you are now suffering due to the loss of a parent help to ease your sorrow. May you soon have nothing but fond and warm memories of happy times shared together. Comfort yourselves in knowing that you enriched your Father's life as much as he enriched yours. If we were in Canada we would most certainly have attended the service and offered our sympathies in person. Sincerely, Terry and Patty Atkinson
Frances and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was the best man at our parents (Lynn & Peggy Cannady) wedding in London during WWII so he's been a part of our memories our whole lives. He always made it to funerals which meant a lot to us. I was so happy to be able to spend a bit of time visiting with him at Sunrise Village this last year. Seeing Steve always made me feel like a tiny piece of our Dad was still with us. You have no idea how much that warmed my heart. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with us. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Cannady family.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you prepare to celebrate that amazing life that Steve lived. No matter where I saw Steve, if it was at the Food Market, St. Joseph School or on the streets of Coaldale, he always had time to chat and always wanted to chat with me and see how things were. Just like my Grandpa he always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was one of the most genuine gentlemen that I have had the privilege to meet and get to know over the years. My heart goes out to you and your family, but heaven received yet another angel.