John Cipko 1912-1990

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I called him "Grandpa."  Grandpa was an interesting character.  He had a collection of plates that were hung around the living room, covering the walls, from every state and every place he had visited.  I still have a little one from Disneyland that I picked out when they were taken down.  His taste in music was a little different.  We found many old Russian polka albums that had belonged to him.  He loved to travel and rode the rails as a young man.  One thing I will always remember was that one of his fingers had the end cut off.  He always told me that the dog bit it off, even though it was really from an accident he had at work.  The following is a bio put together for my grandpa's funeral in 1990:

John Cipko was born in Chicago, IL Sep 25, 1912 and grew up in Gary, IN.  The railroad and trains had a fascinating influence upon his life, giving a great desire for travel and to see the USA.   He first traveled by himself on the trains and later over the years with his family.  Visited every state in the US except for Hawaii and Alaska.  There is a collection of plates to prove it.   John Cipko served in the US Army in the Medics during WWII.  He came to Calif. in 1946.  Worked in the Fontana steel mill, and later worked at Douglas and North American.   John loved history, to read it and see it.  He was always interested in politics and had his opinionated views.   He was a great father and a loving, caring dad.  It can really be said "He cared for his family".  He would love to tell them stories of his travels and life's experiences.  He was faithful in sending cards and letters to his family, and carried on the family traditions that were handed down from his parents.   After he retired he loved to take care of all his grandchildren, taking them to special places such as the duck pond, Knott's Berry Farm, or just to ride in the car. The last while was difficult for him and caused a great disappointment to him that he could no longer spend time with his children.   He leaves to remember his passing, wife Christina, children:    1. Patrick J Heaney    2. Dorothy C Hudson    3. Michael G Cipko    4.  Christine O Eledge    5. Gary C Cipko    6.  Mary E Mazey    7.  Margaret A Faleafine 2 Sisters:    Olga Thomas    Anna Osika 1 Brother:    Nick Matulis 15 Grandchildren 2 Great Grandchildren   In the last while John struggled with emphysema and was in and out of Doctors Hospital of Lakewood.  It was here that I, Pastor Jerry Heemstra, met John Cipko.  Visited with him talked about the Bible and knowing the Lord.  He would look forward to my visits and time of prayer with him. From Johns Funeral, 1990