Obituary of FRANK MRAVINEC

Frank Mravinec

December 25, 1934 – September 10, 2024

On September 10, surrounded by his family, Frank Mravinec, aged 89 years passed into the arms of the Lord. He is predeceased by his parents, Franc and Tereza, his stepmother Maria, his sister Ana (Vladimir), sister-in- law Carol and his former son-in-law Darren. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years Maria; his daughters Teresa (David) and Helen; Mark; grandchildren Christopher, Danny (Amy), Matthew, Brittany (Tyler) and Aidan; brothers, John and Lojze (Fanika) and sisters, Teresa (Leopold), Marica (Adolf) and Katica (Stane); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank was born in the village of Nova Lipa, Slovenia on December 25, 1934.

At the age of 24 he left Yugoslavia and arrived by boat in Montreal in 1958. He continued westward until he found work and a small Slovenian community in Winnipeg. He worked hard to establish a stable life and sent for Maria five years later.  They were the first couple to be married in the newly established Our Lady of Lourdes Slovenian church, in 1963. They welcomed Teresa and Helena a few years later. The family was active in the church throughout the years. 

Dad excelled as a woodworker, cabinet maker and master carpenter. He made all the furniture in our home and also made countless pieces for friends. 

Dad was a wonderful father, but he excelled as a grandfather. The birth of Christopher gave him a new lease on life. Followed in quick succession by Danny, Brittany, Matthew and Aidan, he found his second calling as “Stari tata” (grandfather). The grandkids were welcomed day or night. He loved sharing his knowledge of woodworking and grape growing, told them countless stories of his homeland and showered them with love and wisdom. There was never a more loved or loving Stari tata. 

As the years went on, dad was afflicted with arthritis from his many years of hard physical work. That, along with mom and dad’s dementia made staying in the family home impossible. Last October they made the difficult move to Middlechurch Personal Care Home. 

The family wish to thank the caring staff of St.  Boniface emergency department. As well, the patience and loving care of the staff at Middlechurch home was, and continues to be greatly appreciated. 

The Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 95 MacDonald Avenue. Interment will follow at Green Acres Cemetery, 1 Green Acres Lane.