RUDY STEMBERGER Obituary

RUDY STEMBERGER SR. August 4, 1937 - March 18, 2025
Mr. Rudy Stemberger Sr. sadly passed away on March 18, 2025 at TBRHSC.

Rudy Sr. left his country of Yugoslavia at a very young age to travel to many countries as a youngster. He was fluent in many languages and he was quick learner. Every time he spoke about when he lived in Italy his face would always light up bringing up pleasant memories. Two of his favourite pastimes there were playing soccer and drinking wine. He always stated Italian was his most favorite language.

He immigrated to Canada in the 1950's and held various work positions during his working career. He enjoyed working and providing for his family. Some of the fields that he worked in was on the railroad, forestry, carpentry, construction, the shipyard and then retiring from Abitibi Paper Mill as a department head.

Whatever challenges presented in life, he never gave up and always pushed forward leaning on his faith. He was a man of conviction and never wavered from what he believed in.

Rudy Sr. met the love of his life Annette and they had six children together. Family was very important to dad and he always made sure no one did without.

His most cherished pastime was dancing. He always enjoyed playing bocce ball and drinking beer with the guys at his cultural picnics. He always believed in Sunday being a day of rest. It was a day to attend church and quality family time.

He enjoyed camping and boating with his family and always looked forward to going to camp spending time on the lake, doing various building projects and mingling with friends and family.

Rudy is survived by his children Rudy Jr. (Deanna), Joe (Lorie), Chris (Janice), Claudette, Mary (Don), his grandchildren and family still living in his home country.

Rudy Sr. was predeceased by his daughter Trudy, mother of his children Annette, his parents and other family members in Europe.

Special thanks go out to Dr. Ingves, nurses and PSWs that took care of Rudy Sr in his final days at TBRHSC. Thank you to the wound care staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for treating him and trying to make his situation and quality of life better. Thank you to Joyce from Expert Hearing for making out of office visits to attend to him and to the staff of Roseview Nursing Home that expressed sincere kindness to him. If anyone was missed, the family of Rudy Sr. would like to thank you all.

Dad will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

One of dad's favorite sayings was "eat, drink and be merry" - an excellent analogy on approaching life!

Psalm: 23 "The lord is my Shepherd. I lack nothing".
Funeral Services for Rudy Sr. will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at St. Andrew's Church, 294 Red River Rd, where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Francis Berchmans at 10:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will be held at church beginning one hour prior. Burial will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery.

On line condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca