Janko Sutlic

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Janko Sutlic with his family by his side at the Fairview Personal Care Home in Brandon on May 23, 2022 at the age of 88 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Rezka (nee Frankovic), sons Andre (Charlene) and Edward (Cori), grandchildren Bryanna and Reilly, sisters Ivanka (Tony) Golobic, Ana (Joze) Fink, and Barbara (Ivan) Sebalj, brother Miko Sutlic, nieces and nephews Sasha, Marko, Mateja, Maja, Renata, Joze, Robert, as well as many extended family and friends across Canada, United States, and Europe.

He is predeceased by his parents Evzebi and Katarina (nee Cesnik), and sister Stefka Holc.

Born in Slovenia, Janko was the oldest of six children of Evzebi and Katarina Sutlic. He worked very hard from an early age to help his father support the family. Originally a blacksmith by trade, he proudly received his certificate and expertly used his skills crafting metal in many useful ways.

After a courageous journey through Europe with only “the shirt on his back and the boots he wore,” Janko came to Canada in 1958 to start a new life. Rezka followed in 1961, and they were married that same year. Soon after, they added to the family by having two sons, Andre and Ed.

Janko continued to work as a blacksmith, and then changed to work in heavy truck repair for many years at Manitoba Springs, Standard Springs, and Capital Auto Repair. He took great pride in a job well done expertly using his skills and quality workmanship to provide an excellent life for his family, working hard to ensure they were well taken care of.

Janko was good with his hands, and having an aptitude for anything mechanical could fix anything for himself and often helped his friends repair vehicles and create tools. When he was not working, he continued his active lifestyle to hunt, fish, camp, and in his later years, simply sitting outside to enjoy nature or puttering in his garage and garden. He was especially proud of the endeavors of his children and grandchildren.

Janko and Rezka also travelled to relax, enjoying trips across Canada, Hawaii, Venezuela, Jamaica, Mexico, and many trips back to Slovenia. As members of the church community, they enjoyed family outings at the picnic grounds where he could share stories and laughs with friends.

We are saddened by his loss but are comforted that he is no longer in pain. He earned his rest and is finally at peace.

We wish to express our deepest appreciation to St. Boniface Hospital, Seven Oaks Hospital, Brandon General Hospital, as well as Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg and Fairview Personal Care Home of Brandon, both of which became his second home in his final two years. The caring and genuine love the staff displayed with Dad was deeply comforting.

A Funeral Mass for Janko will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 95 MacDonald Avenue, Winnipeg. Committal and Reception to follow at Green Acres Funeral Home, Highway 1 East at Navin Road.