Ivan Stelmach

Predeceased by his loving wife Elizabeth (Betty) in 2003. He will be sadly missed by his family; sons Dan of Wawa, Dave of Cambridge, Ron of Cambridge, Terry and his wife Lynda (Krull) of Cambridge. His precious grandchildren Jessica (Sault Ste Marie), Dylan (Sudbury), Shae-Lynn and Kaitlin (Cambridge), Aaron (Niagara Falls), and great-grandson Joshua (Sault Ste Marie). Predeceased by his parents, five brothers and two sisters in Ukraine. Ivan arrived in Canada in 1946 at the age of 22. He started his Canadian life by working on a farm in South Mountain, Ontario. He eventually went to live in Kitchener where he met the love of his life, Betty. They were married on September 12, 1953. They settled on Shantz Hill in Preston where they raised four sons. His main occupation was a baker at Dare Biscuits until his retirement in 1989. Ivan lived on Shantz Hill until January 2020, then he moved to Hilltop Manor where he received excellent care. Ivan attended St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Preston where he was an active member for many decades. He embraced his Ukrainian community where he made many friends. Ivan enjoyed many years at his cottage near Port Dover on Lake Erie. We will miss his delicious cooking, calm demeanour, his great sense of humour, and will always treasure the great stories that he shared. A special thank-you to the caregivers and staff of Hilltop Manor. A private family graveside ceremony will take place. Due to COVID concerns, a Celebration of Ivan’s Life will take place at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 582 Eagle Street North, Cambridge, ON, N3H 1C1 would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Barthel Funeral Home, Cambridge.