Ivan Madunic

It is with great sadness that the family of Ivan Madunic announce his passing in the early morning of April 4, 2023. Our dad was born in Cista Provo Croatia on December 23, 1933. Dad had many fond memories of his homeland, and he visited often to share in the changes that came to the place he once called home. In 1957 he made the journey to Canada only to settle in Thunder Bay, Ontario where he met the love of his life Eileen Zadro. Her family became his and they raised two daughters with great pride and joy.Dad always had great friendships. He had old friends, and it was easy for him to make new friends. His love of cooking and wine making became the catalyst for his many parties.
 
Dad began working for the Lakehead Board of Education as a Custodian in September 1973. He loved this job. He always loved the kids, and his staff was near and dear to his heart. In 1998 he retired as head custodian of Forest Park School and his legacy will live on forever. Nobody could maintain that level of cleanliness, only Ivan. In 2018 Ivan lost his most trusted advisor and love of his life, Eileen. Life changed forever. Dad was able to get back to life with a trip planned to Croatia in 2019. He took his daughter and son-in-law and showed them all his history. It was an amazing experience for all. His wish was that we continue to travel back to his homeland and show our kids and grandchildren where Dida came from. In 2022 Ivan became a Great Grandfather. The proudest moment for Ivan was when Cecilia Eileen Young was welcomed into the world.
 
Ivan will be sadly missed by his two daughters Susan (Rob Lemay) and Joanne (Alex Ceci), his grandchildren Alessandra (Arnold Young), and Christian Ceci and his Great Granddaughter Cecilia, his sisters-in-law Nikki Maronik, Anne Zadro, along with numerous nieces and nephews. It is important to mention that dad will be missed by his lifelong friends, Joe Situm, Ivan Mandaric and Vinko and Tonka Boban and Mara and Nick Prsa.
 
Ivan was predeceased by his wife Eileen, his parents, Eva and Ante, his brother Ante his sister Mara, his in laws John and Nellie Zadro, his brother in laws George Zadro and Rudy Maronik, his sister-in-law Goya and his niece Linda Boravoy.
 
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday April 12, 2023, in the Chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with Rev. Ciaran Donnelly officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to St. Joseph's Foundation or the Children’s Wish Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.