John Goertzen

Obituary

John Goertzen passed into the arms of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

John was born in Steinbach on October 5, 1938, the first of 9 children of Abe and Lena.

John is survived by his loving wife Jeanette; children, Gerri (Lee Belanger), Dorothy (Rydel McLoughlin), Dave, and Pat Moore; grandchildren, Angela, Angelina, Shannon, Kirstyn, RJ, Kara and Dylan; six great grandchildren; brothers, Larry (Leona), Ken (Leona); and sisters, Kathy (Henry Sobering), Marie (Ernie Rosche), Marlene (Elmer Smith), and Carol (Richard Klassen).

Predeceased by his parents Abe and Helena Goertzen, brothers Walter and Albert, and son-in-law Harry Moore.

As a young man John discovered his love of music and taught himself to play guitar. In his later teens he started driving truck which led to a lifetime career. John was awarded with a “Mack Million Mile Club” twice. He loved driving and drove through all of the United States except for Alaska and Hawaii. The places he didn’t get to trucking he took Jeanette on their many travelling vacations. Kakabeka Falls and Nashville were two of their favourites.

John was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing at Lake Audy and Bird Lake in the later years. Many fishing trips to The Pas, Flin Flon and Lac la Ronge, SK.

After retirement he picked up his guitar again and became a regular performer on Friday nights at the Metis Club. He backed up many Metis fiddlers and then cut three CD’s. His last CD was a gospel album.

John also enjoyed woodworking and made many gifts for the family. His grandchildren were the delight of his life and he was always thrilled to see them.

After a series of strokes John’s health deteriorated and he was no longer able to play his guitar or work with wood. He spent time at Riverview interim care until he was able to move into Donwood Manor. The family would like to thank the nursing staff for their love and care while he was at Donwood.

Funeral service will be at Grey Street, 651 Sandhurst Avenue, Winnipeg at 1:00 pm on Thursday May 3, 2018.

Interment at Transcona Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.