Istvan (Steve) Bedo Sr.'s Obituary
Istvan (Steve) Bedo Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 89. Istvan was born in Nagykanizsa, Hungary on July 26, 1935, to the late Jozsef Bedo, and Rozalia Kis.
Istvan is survived by his 4 children John Bedo (Susan), Rosalie Blades (Buford), Lydia Bedo (d. Robert Ball), and Istvan Bedo Jr. (Donna); 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 4 great, great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Noemi Sanchez Bedo, and second wife Ilona Magdolna Sztaniszlovszki Bedo, and his son Joseph Bedo. He also is preceded in death by his sister and 2 brothers.
He was a native of Hungary, a citizen of the United States, and a proud resident of Folsom, Louisiana for 44 years. After immigrating to the U.S. to escape the revolution he met and married Noemi Sanchez Bedo. Their love story spanned 41 years. Their life was filled with love, family, travels, and many grand adventures. In the years following Noemi’s death, Istvan married his first childhood girlfriend Ilona. They also traveled the world together. At home, they were inseparable working on major projects around the house. They remained married until her death in August 2023.
When a young man, the Communist government sent Istvan to college to study engineering and mechanics. All young people in Hungary were expected to learn a trade or profession. Once arriving in New Orleans from Hungary, Istvan quickly used his skills to gain employment with a broom company. He moved quickly to the American Can Company and worked as a Maintenance Machinist Foreman. He then worked at the Colombian Rope Company in the same capacity. Wanting to fulfill that American dream, he opened his own business, Bedo & Sons in Harahan as owner and first-class machinist specializing in large gears, later moving his business to Kentwood, LA. In later years he partnered with Fritz-Culver, then finally moved his business to Folsom, LA where he worked into his 80s. Istvan was a mentor to his 3 sons, who learned their trade from him.
Istvan traveled the United States and the world. He visited Europe many times over the years, traveled back and forth to Hungary, and Central America, and even drove to Costa Rica in a 27-foot camper with 5 kids. In his early years, he was very proud of being a pilot and flying around in his Piper Comanche airplane. He loved woodworking, riding one of his 4 motorcycles, and working on anything with a motor. He passed this love on to his children and grandchildren. He was unique and irreplaceable, well respected and liked, and will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His spirit will remain in the many memories of his cherished friends and family until they meet him again.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM until service time. Interment will take place following the service at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, 2280 W 21st Avenue, Covington, LA.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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