It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Josko Jagodnik "Joe" beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle at the Health Science Center General Hospital on the afternoon of Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the age of 72 years.

 

Joe is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty”, son Josko Jr “Joe” (Stephanie), daughter Elizabeth Pimentel (John) and daughter Tara. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren Emilie, Sophia, Benjamin, Amalia, Ryker, Charlotte, Alexander and by his sisters Stanislava “Stanka”, Cvetka, and his brother Emil “Milan”. Along with numerous nieces and nephews both in Canada and back home in Slovenija. He was predeceased by his parents Jozef and Antonija Jagodnik, brother Danilo, brother-in-law Joseph and sister-in-law Louise.

 

Dad was born in Gornji Zemon, Slovenija on May 29, 1951. He was raised on the family farm and always had a dream to be a farmer. He loved to care for all the farm animals and especially loved herding them throughout the hills surrounding his village. In 1967 at 16 years young, Dad left farm life and Slovenija with his mother to come to Canada to be with his sister Stanka, and have a better life. Finding Canada too cold, his mother returned to Slovenija, however, Joe stayed and settled in Winnipeg.

 

Using his German language skills he found his first job was at Riediger's Supermarket on Isabel. Eventually, as his English became more proficient, Dad got a job at Safeway in the produce department. At Safeway, he would meet Betty, the special lady that would become his wife of over 43 years.

 

Joe and Betty started their own business which they ran for many successful years. Their store was a children's clothing store which was based on the children Joey and Elizabeth. It was their “Pride and Joy” based in Selkirk on Manitoba Ave with locations in Arborg and Winnipeg.

 

After years of self employment, Dad then switched to working for Woolco “Walmart” as a produce manager up to his retirement. You could say Dad was Bananas for his produce. He would ensure to pick the best fruits for his family.

 

Joe and Betty started their young marriage off in a cute house on Harriet. In this home they started to raise their two oldest children. With the support of their caring family and great neighbor Mrs. P they raised Joey and Elizabeth. Eventually, they moved to Selkirk to better manage the business. In the late 1980’s they moved to St Andrews and Dad's dream of country life in Canada was achieved. He lived in St. Andrews on the family farm up to his resting point.

 

Dad had many joys in his life including his family, many grandchildren, the Blue Bombers, Riding Mountain, the cabin in Lac Du Bonnet and his faith. Dad loved his football, the Canadian Football League and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. After his retirement from Walmart he had time to become a season ticket holder of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren to football games. He truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren Amalia (flag) and Ryker (tackle) play football. Dad would come to many of their practices and games to cheer them on. He would always share his tips on what could have been better, however, he was always proud even if it was a win or loss.

 

Dad enjoyed spending time at the cabin in Lac du Bonnet. He also enjoyed fishing and enjoyed it even more when he had his dog and grandchildren beside him with his fishing rod. Dad liked to visit Riding Mountain National Park, he would mention that the hills reminded him of back home in Slovenia.

 

Dad was very proud that all of his grandchildren danced for the Canadian Slovenian Cultural Society. He would go to Folklorama yearly once his grandchildren started dancing for the CSCS. He would even go nightly before his sickness took over. He loved to see his roots coming alive in his grandchildren.

 

In March of 2022, dad joined a local weight loss group called TOPS (Taken Pounds Off Sensibly). His daughter Elizabeth was already a member, but he decided to join so they could have weekly Father/Daughter days. After their meeting it would be followed by lunch at the local eator. Eventually his daughter Tara joined, and they all had their ups and downs. Before dad got sick he had lost over 40 lbs with TOPS. Dad enjoyed the meetings and made many friends with the members.

 

Dad had a strong belief in his Roman Catholic faith. Dad is very thankful for Father Dado for all his prayers and visits. Coming to all the hospitals and even bringing his Brother Milan to visit with dad too. The Jagodnik Family is very thankful that Father Dado was able to give dad his last rights before his passing. Dad was very proud to see his faith be passed down to his grandchildren. He was proud to see his grandchildren Emilie, Sophia, Amalia and Ryker as altar servers and to be as close to God.

 

Thanks go to the staff of Seven Oaks Hospital, Selkirk General Hospital and Health Science General Hospital. Huge thanks to all the staff on HSC MICU and GD4. It's too long to mention everybody but noticeable mentions to Carol (ICU), Luce (ICU), Eric (GD4), Regina (GD4), Margaret (GD4), Farrah (GD4) and Taylor (GD4). Huge thanks to his niece Doris for coming to the hospital and being a huge part of his medical care. Thanks to everybody for sending their well wishes for Dad.

 

A funeral service will be held on Friday March 15 at 11am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Reception after church service in the church basement. 

 

In lieu of Flowers, Dad requested donation be made to Father Dado of Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 95 MacDonald Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0J3 or via EMT for OLL: oll@stpaultheapostle.mb.ca