MR. STEVE PLESKO of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Joy (nee Pearson), passed away on Monday, March 10, 2008 at the age of 84 years.

Steve was born in Nitra, Czechoslovakia to Stefan and Elizabeth Plesko on March 25, 1923. In 1935 at the age of 12 years old, Steve immigrated to Canada with his family where they eventually settled on a farm east of Lethbridge. Steve attended school in Coaldale until he was needed to help his dad on the farm. Steve married Joy Pearson on November 27, 1946. They scrimped and saved to acquire a home on 5th Street South, which he built himself. Steve and Joy lived in this home for 54 years where he was the head of a loving family that included three children Ronald, Carol and Rodney. Steve started working for the CPR as a wiper in 1943. In 1944 he became a fireman and was promoted to engineer in 1953. Steve retired at the age of 60 years in 1983, after 40 years of service to CP Rail.

Steve had a love for music. He taught himself to play the piano and organ and even took singing lessons. He combined his love of God and music all through his life. He sang in the choir and lead the ""junior"" choir at the Pentecostal church he attended. After retiring from the CPR he started a singing group with his wife and some good friends where they sang in church, retirement lodges and senior care facilities. Steve loved the outdoors. He loved fishing and camping and long drives to Waterton, or over the Logan Pass, or just around the countryside to see what the crops looked like. He was an avid racket ball player and even in his 70's was known to humble a few much younger and fitter opponents. Steve moved from his home to a Condo with his wife in 2006. They moved to the West Highlands Good Samaritan Centre, in September 2007, due to his failing heath resulting from Parkinson's disease where he lived until he went home to be with his Lord & Savior on Monday morning.

Besides his loving wife Joy, Steve is survived by her daughter Carol (Ken) Roset; sons Ron (Michelle) Plesko and Rod (Anne) Plesko; grandchildren Cherlynn (Ryan) Wiest, Kevin (Shannon) Roset, Jason (Kerry) Roset, Janelle (David) Haitel, Jennie (James) Peters, Ryan Plesko, Marc Potvin ; 8 great-grandchildren; sister Kay (Frank) Woodrum; brother Martin (Adele) Plesko; sister-in-law Luella Siray; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Steve was predeceased by his parents Stefan and Elizabeth Plesko and brother Paul Plesko.

Steve will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the WESTSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 480 McMaster Blvd. West, Lethbridge, with Pastor Ken Roset and Pastor Bert Faulkner. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson's Society of Southern Alberta, 1254 - 3 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0J9.