John Froese

John Albert Froese

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Albert Froese on Thursday, April 26, 2012 on the farm at Portage la Prairie at the age of 78 years.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Irene; daughters Margaret Ann (Ron) Andres and Jane Froese; and one dearly cherished granddaughter, Erica Andres. Also left to mourn are his brothers David (Rose), George (Kae) and Alfred (Ruth); sister Margaret Peters; brother-in-law Paul Wiebe, sister-in-law Louise Froese; and their families. John was predeceased by his parents, Peter J. and Margaret Froese; sister Katie Wiebe; brother Peter Froese; and brother-in-law Jake Peters.

Dad was born in Manitou, MB on Nov. 20, 1933. The family relocated to the farm at Newton in 1938. He attended school at Elm River and M.B.C.I. (Winnipeg). John graduated from Winkler Bible Institute, Mennonite Brethren Bible College (B. Th.), and Tabor College in Kansas (B.A.). He briefly taught at New Rosedale Colony. John married Irene Kopp in 1962. They lived in Winkler where he taught for seven years at W.B.I., and for a short time served as the pastor at the Horndean MB Church.

Dad's desire to farm led them to pursue this vocation full-time in the spring of 1969. He wholeheartedly undertook the hard work and challenges of mixed farming and his efforts were met with success. In the past few years, Dad eased out of full-time farming, but still kept involved in agriculture. Mennonite history and the genealogy of any and all he met was Dad's other passion. With little or no encouragement, he could speak at length on these subjects.

Dad took pride in his children and modelled exemplary living to them. Our dad will be remembered as one who had a positive outlook on life, and as one who was concerned about the well-being of others. This was evidenced by his compassion, patience and generousity, as well as his care for the marginalized.

Dad was a man of faith. His life was a reflection of that faith with scripture reading, memorization and prayer as its cornerstone. This faith is the legacy he leaves his family.

A visitation will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Monday, April 30, 2012 from 7pm to 8pm. A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Portage Alliance Church, 2375 Saskatchewan Ave. West, Portage la Prairie, MB. A private interment will be held at Oakville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Canadian Food Grains Bank, P.O. Box 767, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L4 or the Portage la Prairie Salvation Army Food Bank, 220 Duke Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0S6.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com