Obituaries | M.G. Daly Funeral Home Ltd. |
| Wodzak, Ivan John |
July 29, 1947 – November 13, 2025 Ivan died peacefully at Madawaska Valley Hospice, Barry’s Bay, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind Beverly (Baragar) Wodzak of 57 years, his daughter Heidi (Kevin) Jessup, and son Danny. Ivan was a cherished grandfather, adoringly nick-named “Gabby” to Melissa (Jan) Campbell, and Joshua (Amanda) McDonald, as well as 4 great-grandchildren, that he loved to see each visit. Ivan was born in Schutt, Ontario to the late William and Albertine (Brodufski) Wodzak. He was predeceased by his brothers Edmund and Glen. Left to grieve are Betty (Edmund’s wife), Denise (Glen’s wife), Mancel (Peggy-Jo) and Orlan (Sheila) and many nieces and nephews. Ivan quit school at a very young age to help out on his family’s farm. He then began his working career in his early teens working in the Maple Leaf Lumber Mill, working for $0.50 a day. Later Ivan became a chainsaw & equipment operator and mechanic. The next career change saw him working in Petawawa for a construction company in nearly every equipment operating position, where he made several life-long friends of co-workers. In 1996, he and Bev bought their own transport truck, and together travelled from coast to coast in Canada. Before retiring completely, Ivan drove a commercial snowplow at a local detachment for a few winters. Ivan, not one to stay still, and a jack of all trades, spent his retirement doing the things that gave him fulfillment and joy – helping neighbours (both by doing minor mechanical work to their vehicles and doing backhoe work for them), snowplowing people out after a snowstorm, making maple syrup with family and friends, and tinkering in his garage. Ivan received his devastating cancer diagnosis the beginning of October. Thanks to Madawaska Valley Hospice and the nursing staff of Bayshore that provided the necessary care and equipment needed to make Ivan’s wish of staying home a reality for 4 weeks, where he received many friends and family offering prayers, support and love. When it became too much for family to provide the care Ivan needed at home, he was moved into Madawaska Valley Hospice where volunteers and staff provided compassionate care at every step of his illness. The dedicated nurses and staff at both Bayshore, and St. Francis Memorial Hospital ensured both Ivan and his family were as comfortable as possible with their empathy and support. The family wishes to offer their most heartfelt thankyou for your kindness and unwavering support. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Ivan’s Life will take place at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church (786 Renfrew County Road 514, Palmer Rapids) on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. As expressions of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations to Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care or St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Schutt would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to M.G. Daly Funeral Home, Maynooth. (613) 338-3259 (Condolence messages may be e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or visit www.mgdalyfuneralhome.com).
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