George Grubesic

It is with heavy hearts that the family of George Juraj Grubesič announce his peaceful passing on June 12, 2025 at Royal University Hospital at the age of 87. 

George was born in Jarče Polje, Croatia on January 23, 1938 to Ana and Josip Grubesič. After training as a cabinetmaker, he fled Yugoslavia and worked in Germany before immigrating to Canada in 1960. He met and married Irene Pawlukiewicz in 1964, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at St. John Bosco church. They had three children, Robert, Richard, and Kristine. George was a cabinet maker and worked for Boychuk before having his own business, Grubesic Construction. 

George was a master woodworker and was always proud of the home he built for his family. He built furniture, cabinets, houses, and boats. George was also very handy and could repair most things. He loved to go fishing and eat his catch. He was quite the card player; he particularly enjoyed the game, Kaiser. He always had a story to tell, and especially loved to tell his life stories to his grandchildren. 

George leaves to mourn his wife of 61 years, Irene; his children, Richard (Tina) Grubesic and Kristine (Walter) Korol; his grandchildren, Vincent, Vaughn, Amanda (Ryan), Monica (Vincent), Brandon, and Ava; his great grandchildren, Draco, Henry, and Leah; and his sister, Barbara Lorkovič. 

George was predeceased by his parents, Ana and Josip. In 1975 his son, Robert, died at the age of nine, leaving George profoundly heartbroken.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Royal University Hospital for caring for George during his final days.

A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes church, Saskatoon on Friday, June 27 at 1:30 p.m. He has been cremated and will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery with his son, Robert, after the service. A luncheon will follow.