ALBIN MEDVED

ALBIN MEDVED, affectionately called Al, Bine, and Ata, passed away at the age of 86, in the loving arms of Jesus while in hospice care at his Plymouth home. His wife Albina and their family created a serene environment for his final days. Born in Trboje, Slovenia, on February 17, 1938, Al escaped Yugoslavia with his family in 1945 to avoid the Communist uprising. They spent nearly five years in a British-controlled displaced persons camp in Spittal, Austria, before immigrating to the United States in December 1949. With the assistance of sponsors Teresa and Ann Gillach of Pineville, MN, the family settled in Biwabik, MN, where Al graduated from high school in 1957. He then attended Virginia Junior College for two years before transferring to the University of Minnesota, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. While working at Honeywell, Inc. as a patent draftsman, he attended William Mitchell College of Law and obtained a Juris Doctor, later handling intellectual property matters at Honeywell. Among his accomplishments was a successful lawsuit against Minolta for patent infringement on the “Auto Focus” feature in cameras.

Upon retiring from a distinguished career at Honeywell, Al and Albina traveled to their favorite destinations and were gracious hosts. They took pride in building homes—a Medved family legacy—and enjoyed their winter residences in Naples, Florida, and Snowmass, Colorado. In the summer, Al cherished his time at the home he built on White Iron Lake in Ely, Minnesota.

Albin was deeply involved in Slovenian cultural activities. While living in Biwabik, he founded the organization “SAVA” (Slovenski Akademiki v Ameriki or Slovenian Academics in America), named after Slovenia’s major river, to connect with friends from the displaced persons camp. The inaugural convention in Cleveland, Ohio, drew a large attendance and continued annually for several years, earning him the title “Father of SAVA.”

Al’s grandchildren— Conor and James, twin sons of Jim and Cassie Ahlin; and McKenna and Oskar, children of Mary and Patrick Ralston—provided endless joy. He was also dearly loved and known as “Uncle Al” by his nephews and nieces.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Kristina Breznik and Franc Medved, and siblings John and Kristine. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers Frank and his wife Mary, Miro and his wife Karen, and sister Bernadine and their families.

Mass of Christian Burial 11AM Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Parish Community of St. Joseph, 8701 36th Ave. N., N ew H ope. V isitation one hour before prior to Mass.