Joe + Mary Gerich

Joza and Mara Gerich escaped the then “Yugoslavia” in 1951/52 and met in the Austrian immigration camp.  They married once they came to Canada and settled in Winnipeg where they had three children: Otilia, Stefan and Pauline.

They were a part of the group who looked at churches for sale in Winnipeg in the early 60’s when the current church property (Our lady of Lourdes) was found, purchased and restored.  They enjoyed many years of camaraderie with fellow Slovenes doing events, weddings, blessed church celebrations etc.  Joza enjoyed singing base in the church’s men’s choir while Mara being a long time member of the Catholic Women’s league cooked in the kitchen during the numerous events.  They loved to kick up their heels at the many dances and were known for their polkas and waltzes.

Their life’s work was spent on their cattle ranch in the interlace district in Manitoba.  They raised different breeds at different times: Hereford, Simmental, Charlaise.  They even dabbled in embryo transplants.  Mara was known for her menagerie of many animals: chickens, geese, lambs, milk cows etc.  All the family children loved to go to “The Farm” to play with the animals.

Today their children and grandchildren continue this work in the CSCS, dance group and hog roasts and other church events.

November 2021