Stephan “Steve” Shwaga
On July 2, 2023 Stephan ‘Steve’ Shwaga of Athabasca, Alberta passed away at the age of 92.
Steve was born November 24, 1930 near Wroxton, Saskatchewan. When he was 2 years old his family moved to Alberta and in 1940 settled north of Athabasca in what is known as the Northern Heights district. He married Theodora Staszewski on December 27, 1954. When Steve’s parents retired, they took over the family farm until their retirement. Within close proximity with farms of their own, were three of his brothers. Neighbors referred to this area as ‘Shwagaville’.
There was nothing that dad could not fix or build. His children can attest to the fact that they all utilized his self-taught expertise in machining, welding, carpentry, and automobile repair in their own lives.
Hunting was not only a means of providing for the family but also one of his pleasures. Steve also loved fishing and perhaps ice fishing was his favorite. We are not sure whether it was the actual fishing or the socializing with his fishing buddies that he enjoyed the most.
Steve was an active member of the Athabasca Fish and Game Association for many years. He assisted the club with the first elk transplant, moving elk from the over-populated Elk Island National Park to north of Calling Lake.
Steve is survived by his 7 children; Susann (Ken) Alberts, David (Janice), Carolyn Lucas, Glen (Elaine), Gerald (Tammy), Neil (Sheri), Wendy (Lance) Stuckel, 31 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, Brother-in-law Fred (Eleanor) Staszewski and sister-in-law Mary Schwaga, numerous nieces, nephews and neighbors.
He was predeceased by his wife Theodora (Dora), parents Max and Mary, brothers Mike (Annie), Peter, Bill (Margaret), John (Millie) Nick, sisters Kay (Armando) Cherille and Minnie (Mike) Kowalchuk. Grandsons Lee Shwaga and Matt Beaudet.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ade and Dr. Schaub for the care dad received in his final days.
A private family graveside service was held at the Athabasca Community Cemetery.
A Celebration of Lives for both Steve and Dora was held at the Athabasca Senior Centre on July 22, 2023.
