Victor was born on August 13, 1942 in Yugoslavia to Alojzij Gognavec and Ludvika Jeselnik. He was the youngest of 8 children. Victor and his family, with the help of Father Mathias Lani of St. Stephens Catholic Church of Los Angeles, CA immigrated to the United States in 1951. They left a war torn Europe to live a better life in the United States. They lived in Los Angeles then moved to Cherry Valley, CA in 1957.
Victor was a master machinist for 59 years. He started working at a very young age and went on to own his own business, Vic's Machine Works. He worked for Lockheed, Boeing, and Northrop. After retiring he started Vic's Citrus Firewood, which turned out to be a very fun job for him.
Victor was deeply loved by all of his family and friends. He was a genuine friend to anyone he met. If you needed help with anything, Victor was there. His love for animals, big and small had no bounds. He loved to watch the birds and bunnies in his yard and fed them daily. He enjoyed the outdoors and was often seen sitting outside and admiring the day or enjoying an outdoor fire. He enjoyed working with wood and carpentry projects. Some of his favorite memories were of camping in Lake Tahoe, Oregon and the Coast of California. He loved going to the casino whenever he was able, and it was always an adventure.
Victor is survived by his daughters Tammy (Darrin) Woods of Beaumont, Susette (Ken) LeRoy of Beaumont, grandson Branden Horn, Klint LeRoy, Troy LeRoy, Granddaughters Bryttney Woods, Hailey Berg, Jolene LeRoy, Juliette LeRoy, great granddaughter Casandra Abreu, great grandson Valen Acosta, Sisters Maria Di Lenardo of Wisconsin, Herta Mihalovic of Turlock, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alojzij Gognavec, Mother Ludvika Gognavec, brothers, Louis Gognavec, Ludwig Gognavec, Ernest Gognavec, and sisters Frieda Linda and Teresa (Rosie)
Schultz.
A memorial service will be held at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave., Beaumont, CA on Wednesday, May 30th at 11:00 am.
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