John (Ivan) Kranjcec

We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of John Kranjčec in his 87th year. John Kranjčec was born on December 21, 1939, in Zorkovac, Croatia, to the late Francika and Vida Kranjčec. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Blaženka (daughter of the late Ivanka and Karlo Čerić); his daughter Vanessa (Jadranka) Kelly; his grandchildren Broderick (Alyssa) and Payton Kelly; his son-in-law Sean Kelly; his sister-in-law Daisy (the late Louis) Gollé; and his brother Stipe (Mirjana), along with the Kranjčec family in Croatia. He is also survived by his cousins Frank (Jo-Anne) Mrežar, John (Patricia) Mrežar, Ljubica (the late Steve) Klepin, and Mirjana Prikril (Zvonimir Mikulić), his Kumovi Barica Grgurić (late Slavko), Slavko Jr (Lily), Marianne (Marijan) Vrbanić, as well as many extended family members in Croatia and Australia.

After escaping from Croatia to Germany, then arriving in Toronto, Canada, in 1958 he lived with ‘adopted parents’ Baka and Dida Gollé for many years. He was a member of the Seljačka Stranka Croatian Soccer Club in Toronto and a longtime member of the Croatian National Home. As a member of Hrvatsko Srce, he learned to play the Brač instrument and he played with zest. John worked at National Steel Car as a Tool and Die Maker until his retirement. John was a man of extensive talents; he could take a piece of metal and turn it into a trailer or a fire pit, and he helped all who asked. He enjoyed hunting with friends, but his true love was the North, where he and Bea built a cottage in Parry Sound and spent over 50 wonderful years there.

The family would like to thank Steve Balaško, Marianne Vrbanić, Slavko Grgurić, and Željko Nuić, who visited him regularly at Heritage Green Nursing Home for the last three years. Thank you also to Nick Moravac, who cut his hair when needed. The family also extends their gratitude to Heritage Green Nursing Home for their compassionate care.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on February 20th, 2026, at Holy Cross Croatian Catholic Church (1883 King St East, Hamilton). Following the mass, an interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery (600 Spring Garden Road, Burlington). Following the interment, a celebration of life will be held at the Croatian Sports and Community Center (166 Green Mountain Rd. East). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Croatian National Home Building Fund, or the Holy Cross Croatian Church.

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