In loving memory of

Igor Oleksandrovych Vovkovinskiy
September 18, 1982 - August 20, 2021

Igor Oleksandrovych Vovkovinskiy, of Rochester, Minnesota died on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Marys campus. He was born on September 18, 1982, in Bar, Ukraine, to Oleksandr Ladan and Svetlana Vovkovinska.

Igor moved to Rochester, MN over 30 years ago, in 1989. He graduated from John Marshall high school and Rochester Community and Technical College.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, occasional fishing and travelling, and helping the Ukrainian Army in any way he could.

Igor is preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, Svetlana; his brother, Oleh (Alla) Ladan; his niece, Kristina; his nephew, Andriy, and his step-sister Olha.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial of his cremated remains will be held at a later date.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Vovkovinskiy family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Theresa A Zabliski wrote on Oct 4, 2021:

"To the Family of Igor Vovkovinskiy - although I did not know you, I watched the video tribute to Igor with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful legacy he leaves in these photos of his love for his family, for people, for animals, for children and babies, and his support for Ukraine. His mother and family, so obviously truly devoted to him. What a beautiful life lived, despite pain and severe difficulties. May God bless you all. Sincerely, Theresa Zabliski "

Jerry Single wrote on Aug 28, 2021:

"To the Family of Igor Vovkovinskiy Please accept my expressions of Sympathy on the passing of Igor. May God give you Strength, Peace, and Comfort in this difficult time. Also take comfort in knowing that so many people care, and that Igor had such a positive influence on many of us. We celebrate with you the caring and wonderful person that Igor was. My son Jeremy and I first met Igor and Svetlana at KMart , and his aunt interpreted for us after I tried to say hello in poor Russian. This was soon after Igor came to the Mayo Clinic. I had occasion to visit with Igor several other times, including when he took his mother for a Mother?s Day dinner at old Victoria?s. I had visited with him a few times when he worked at Sam?s Club. I always enjoyed our visits and appreciated Igor?s sense of humor. I also have a great respect for how Igor dealt with his health issues and in overcoming adversity and setbacks. I will fondly remember Igor for a long time. In Friendship, Jerry Single "

Chelsea Kemp wrote on Aug 28, 2021:

"I?m so sorry to hear of Igor?s passing. He helped me so much when I had to travel to Mayo Clinic and we became friends because of our unique health issues. Saying prayers for the family ????"

Lena Davidson wrote on Aug 28, 2021:

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Thomas Dousa wrote on Aug 28, 2021:

"My deepest condolences to Svetlana, Oleh, and other members of the Vovkovinskiy family on the death of Igor, who bore his physical afflictions with admirable nobility and grace. Vichnaya pamyat! "

Mady wrote on Aug 28, 2021:

"I did not know Igor personally but I knew of him through his media appearances. Igor was a special person and I greatly admired him. I am deeply saddened to hear he has passed away. My heart goes out to his wonderful mother and the rest of his family during this difficult time. We will always remember him."

Erwin wrote on Aug 27, 2021:

"I don't really know Igor personally but I am so inspired by his kindness and humility. Rest in Peace Igor.."

Rene' Perrance wrote on Aug 26, 2021:

"Ellen told me that Igor has passed away. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. "

Beth wrote on Aug 26, 2021:

"What a beautiful smile he had! Thank you for sharing the photos. May he rest in peace. "

Maria Keller wrote on Aug 25, 2021:

"Prayers for your family ."

Tony Saracelli wrote on Aug 25, 2021:

"My sincerest sympathies to your family and friends!"

Mary Ann wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. May God?s Blessings be with you today and always. "

Chris deWerd wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"His curiosity lead him to learn about so many different and interesting topics. He could talk about just about anything. We had some fun videos planned before Covid happened. Blessed to have known him. Condolences to his family, friends, and of course his kitty. "

Ted Shogren wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"Wow what a loss. One of the most selfless and positive people I've ever met. I met him last year through a collecting hobby online. I visited him this summer in Rochester and we shared many cups of coffee. I was so happy to make a great new friend with such an interesting story. Just last week I was going to call him. Never wait to see your friends. You will be missed my friend."

lsp18_@hotmail.com wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"My prayers and deep condolences to his Mom and family and everyone who loves and will miss Igor. I wish you peace and comfort as you continue to hold him in your hearts. He will forever be with you in your love. With warm kindness, Take good care, lynne "

Marcus Preston wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"My deepest condolences and prayers for your family. May God bless you with peace and comfort during this time. "

Rebecca Kruetzfeldt wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"I find comfort knowing that his beloved Tarzan was waiting for him when he gained his angel wings. He had such a big heart! Prayers for his mom, brother and family during this difficult, even Katya will be grieving. "

Timothy Leake & John Nave wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"May the angels lead you into paradise! Our deepest condolences to all of your family and friends!"

Alison J. Ramsey wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"God bless you and your family ?"

Avery Ecklein wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"????? ???????? ? ??????? ??????! ? ???????? ??????? ?? ???? ??????. ?"

Amanda Ike wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"I knew Igor in high school. He was very kind and helpful! You were the brightest star in a high school of darkness. You loved learning and being kind to anyone no matter what! I appreciated your kindness and friendship during that time. I remember you are Jared Diercks playing I believe D&D one night a while after graduation. You all were having so much fun. You will be missed!"

Jean Day wrote on Aug 24, 2021:

"Svetlana- mother to mother?as I wrote so many years ago to you then on Mother?s Day. I will see you at the visitation, I feel a need to hug you, as you have lost a light that no parent should lose. I loved your Igor like a son. May you know you are are in the hearts of many. I love the fact the Steve Elwood that adjusted your van is on here. I was so happy to help get that connection. Know Svetlana you are in my prayers. Until a real hug, a cyber one is holding you know. Jean Day "

Silker David wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"My first encounter with Igor was as a parent of a athletic teammate on the baseball and on the basketball court. Igor just wanted to be accepted as a normal kid and that is exactly how his teammates and coaches treated him. He was so kind to whomever he came into contact with. Years later, Igor and my path crossed again when he would enthusiastically attend WWE events at the Mayo Civic Center. He loved the sport of Pro Wrestling and would smile ear to ear as he witnessed his favorite wrestlers showcase their abilities and entertainment value. Igor was so very appreciative of everything that the Mayo Civic Center staff provided in excellent customer service. Thank You Igor for making our life in Rochester so beautiful having known you. You will be missed. David Silker"

Wyvonne Ware wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"Absent from the body, present with the Lord. Igor RIP. May the Holy Spirit comfort the family. ?????"

Sharon Speer wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"I never met him, but through tall clubs I always heard people say what a nice young man he was."

Connie Krohn wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"I met Igor, Svetlana and Oleh in 1990 at the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester. I remember when he had his first surgery . We were in the hospital at the same time and we visited. Though we were both going through difficult times in our life, I will always remember his huge heart & gigantic smile. This and the memory of him and another boy running down the hallway at the Ronald Donald House and jumping onto bean bags at the end. The house was seriously shaking. Grandma Flo was there too. ?"

Carl Honsaker wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"You may have been Obamas biggest supporter, but you stole all our hearts when we first watched you. God needed an angel and he picked a damn good one. fly high brother"

Steve Elwood wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"I met Igor and Svetlana probably 20 years ago. Of course I saw them around town and was aware of the crazy size difference. But I didn?t get to really know them until they needed a solution to getting Igor behind the wheel of a car. Wow. What a pair those two were. Everyone wants to talk about the physical size of Igor. But it was clear they were looking in the wrong place. He had a big heart behind that big smile. Life was hard for him but he was such a gracious and warm guy. We were so honored to find a way to allow him to drive that mini van. It?s one of our prouder moments in business. Here?s the man with the big heart!!! Godspeed. Respectfully. Steve Elwood Med City Mobility 507-261-5957"

Theresa wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"Igor and his mother would visit the restaurant I worked at when they were in Rochester. They were both very kind people. The care and compassion they had for each other was evident. My thoughts go out to his mother and the rest of the family as they reflect on the life Igor lived and the love he shared with those around him."

Tim Todoran wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"Condolences to the family, may he be at peace "

Lee olson wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"Igor handled his condition with style and grace,he was a fellow bookworm and it was kinda cramped when the both of us would be in the library bookstore,rip ,he was a good kid"

Linda wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"My heart goes out to the family as you go through your journey of grief. May God give you peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray for healing of your broken heart for a life well lived in a short period of time. Rest In Peace Igor. ????"

Tami Sue wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"Igor and I were in a creative writing course in college. At first I found him shy, maybe scared of being judged. But the day I met him I said hello, and he gave me the biggest smile. Then as I got to know him as a fellow student he told me he was in the movie ?Hall Pass?, when I asked him what it was about and what kind of part he had in it he said it was a low budget comedy and that he punched a kid out, he said it was basically a waste of his time. I lost touch with Igor in the years since but I always wondered if he had made it to Hollywood and am saddened to hear of this shy but wonderful mans passing. But the light at the end of the tunnel is that Igor is now free from pain and ridicule!! Rest easy my friend!! Thank you for being you?"

Donna Boone wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"My husband and I had some very good memories with Igor and his mother. My love and prayers for the family."

Steve Langland wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"My deepest sympathy in Igor's passing. While I saw him around Rochester and I followed his life history I never actually met him, due to my desire to respect his privacy. May God bless you his mother and the rest of your family. He's now at peace and in heaven."

Anne wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"Prayers for the family...what an inspiration Igor was..always smiling..deepest sympathies to our Rochester gentle angel..hugs for his mother and family.. "

Rick Dobrinz wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"I remember running into Igor for the first time at a gas station in Rochester many years ago and being surprised at how mellow and laid back your voice was (for being the tallest person in America). Rest in peace brother"

Rick Dobrinz wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"I remember running into Igor for the first time at a gas station in Rochester many years ago and being surprised at how mellow and laid back your voice was (for being the tallest person in America). Rest in peace brother."

Cindy Scrodin wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"So sorry for your loss and thinking of you at this time of your loss. Igor was such an inspiration to so many."

Lori Fischer wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"We knew each other in school. You will be in my thoughts. "

Jenny Putzier wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"I met Igor when he first came to America, as I worked in Peds at Mayo Clinic. He was such a wonderful human being. It was an honor to have known him. So very sorry for your loss."

Vladimir Valioukevitch wrote on Aug 23, 2021:

"I met Svetlana, Oleg and Igor in 1991, wonderful family. My mother and I stayed at Ronald McDonald House. Svetlana helped us non stop, we did not speak English, lady of huge heart, wisdom and courage. Oleg and Igor were not only my friends, they were more like brothers. Still remember having so much fun with them all in early 90s. I knew Igor more than 30 years, smart, passionate and kind, he had the coolest smile. My family and I are very upset about such a tragic loss. Igor, I will always remember you."

Barbara Bateman wrote on Aug 22, 2021:

"Sorry for your loss. Svetlana, my daughter and I have fond memories of our time at Ronald McDonald house when you both came to the US. I was impressed by your bravery to relocate. I?ve enjoyed seeing occasional articles about Igor?s life. He was a sweetheart."

Sue Hinsch wrote on Aug 22, 2021:

"SVETLANA... my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you walk this path. I pray you have someone to hold you close in their arms as you held me when my husband passed. "

Jonathan Holmes wrote on Aug 22, 2021:

"Igor was a great guy. I was in class with him years ago at RCTC, he was a friend to all. ~Jonathan "

Dawn wrote on Aug 22, 2021:

"A gentle giant has left from this life, but leaves us many memories."

Ellen wrote on Aug 22, 2021:

"Thinking of all your family. "