Obituary of JAN OSCIAK

Peacefully, surrounded by family, Jan Osciak passed away on the morning of April 27th, 2024. Mourning his loss are children Krysia (Jurek) and Zbyszek (Marzena), grandchildren Michal (Dawn), Bart (Jiyoung), Kasia (Jahmeel), Piotr, Agata (Adam) and many great-grandchildren and extended family.

Born January 31, 1930, in Ihrowica, Poland to Rozalia and Gustaw, Jan started his young life with his beloved brothers Kazimierz, Franciszek, Zbigniew, and sisters Paulina, Stasia, and Jadzia. He married Stefania in 1953 and they started their life in Pliskow, later settling in Jamno with their children Zbyszek, Krysia, and Stasio, who passed away as an infant. He subsequently took on a career as a forester and farmer to help in supporting his young family. Upon immigrating to Winnipeg in 1981 in pursuit of a brighter future for his family, he started a new chapter in his career as a commercial roofer until his retirement in the 1990s. Tragically Stefania lost her battle with cancer and Jan was widowed in 1988, with Zbyszek and Krysia joining him in Winnipeg to say goodbye to their mom.

Jan was active within Holy Ghost church in Winnipeg and took part in the Jerusalem pilgrimage, which he loved sharing pictures of with his friends and family. But Jerusalem was not his only faraway adventure: he traveled to South Korea to attend his grandson’s wedding and even traveled to Cuba on his first winter getaway just shy of turning 90 years old. He also took joy in assisting his son Zbyszek with his various projects: building, roofing and even straightening old nails to reuse. He adored the outdoors, with mushroom picking, fishing, and gardening being his favorites, as they were activities that he could not only share with others but also provided others with the fruits of his labor. Making Kielbasa was always a highlight for him, as it would bring his loved ones back to his home on Matheson to fire up the backyard smoker.

As Jan progressed in his life, his daughter Krysia and son-in-law Jurek ensured that he was looked after. Their relentless dedication gave us all time with Dziadzio, not only to spend time with him but also to truly get to know him and his life story.

The family expresses special gratitude to Jan's wonderful caregivers Marysia, Oksana, Sabina, and Krystyna for their care and compassion. 

Flowers are gratefully declined; donations in Jan's name and in memory of his wife Stefania can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or Radio Polonia, which he enjoyed and supported for many decades.