Stephen Peter Zeleny
Dec. 26, 1921 — Sept. 20, 2015
On Sept. 20, 2015, a sunny Sunday morning, Steve Zeleny passed away peacefully at Davidson Health Centre with his wife Agnes and daughter Brenda at his side.
He was predeceased by his parents Josef and Annie; all his siblings: Annie, Joe, Nettie, Charlie, Josephine, Tony, Henry, Alice and Gerry, and their spouses; as well as his father- and mother-in-law Joe and Effie Knourek.
Steve was born on Dec. 26, 1921 in Gerald, Sask., the youngest of 10. He attended school in Gerald and began his teaching career shortly after in small, one-room schools.
In 1948, he met his wife Agnes Knourek at a teacher’s convention, and they married on July 1, 1950. While teaching, Steve completed his B.Ed. in 1956 by taking summer school classes.
He and Agnes moved to Success, Sask., where they both taught school from 1951 to 1963. In November 1957, their only child Brenda was born. After two short years in Elrose, Sask., they moved to Davidson, which became the community they called home.
In 1980, Steve retired from teaching, but never slowed down. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Parish council, and an avid champion of the Special Olympics and Donor’s Choice, to name a few.
Although he had many interests, his love of travel never waned. Each summer was a chance for the family to explore some place new. They covered Canada from coast to coast many times, most of the United States, cruised the Caribbean, and enjoyed Alaska and Hawaii.
The highlight was travelling to Czechoslovakia to see his parents’ homeland. He would return more than once, taking in the sights from Scotland to Italy. Whether by rail or bus or boat or plane, he was always ready for another adventure. His camera and video recorder were always handy to capture a memory.
His one extravagance was being able to buy a new car and pick it up right at the factory, but at heart he was a man of simple tastes and simple wants. He doted on his wife Agnes and was proud of his daughter Brenda, and found joy in the simple splendour of nature.
He leaves behind his wife of 65 years Agnes, his daughter Brenda and her husband Ted Brown, as well as nieces, nephews and the many friends he made at home and away.
Prayers were held on Thurs., Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Davidson. A funeral mass was held in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Fri., Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. with Father Joseph Gyim-Austin officiating.
Interment took place in the family plot on Sat., Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Esterhazy, Sask., with Father Valentine officiating.
Special thanks go to the staff at the Davidson Health Centre for the care and compassion they showed Steve in the last six years. Steve was admitted to the centre on Nov. 19, 2008.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Davidson Health Centre. Hanson’s Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.