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JAN JONGSTRA Obituary pic

JAN JONGSTRA

Born: Dec 02, 1930

Date of Passing: May 04, 2014

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JAN JONGSTRA December 2, 1930 - May 4, 2014 Age 83 As a consequence of a short, persistent and decidedly one-sided encounter with cancer, Jan spent his last few days in Winnipeg Health Sciences in the care of dedicated and appreciated medical professionals. Jan slipped away quietly to commence his journey with the love of his family and the believer's assurance of his destination. Of interest, Jan passed away during the singing of his favourite hymn. In 1949, 18 year old Jan Jongstra left on an earlier journey with the love and support of his parents, immigrating by boat to Canada from Holland with the tenuous promise of work placement to a farm somewhere in Canada. Jan first worked on a farm south of Stonewall, meeting and marrying his first wife, Violet Hickey, in the process. Jan later worked for Klassen Transfer, drove milk truck in the Stonewall area and worked for Dominion Motors in Winnipeg. Jan then found employment at both Stony Mountain and Rockwood institutions as a correctional officer, retiring in 1992 with 35 years of service. Jan and Violet purchased a farm just outside of Stonewall, MB in 1957, where Jan was still residing and farming at the time of his recent hospitalization. Jan and Vi had three sons, Richard Jongstra (wife Beverly), Henry Jongstra (wife Carol) and Laun Jongstra (wife Ruth), as well as one daughter, Evelyn Wirch (husband Ron). Evelyn sadly predeceased both her parents, siblings, her husband and her two children in 1986. Jan's wife Violet died shortly afterwards in 1988 after suffering several bouts of ill health. She is lovingly remembered. Not one to be alone and with lots of love to spare, Jan married a second time. Jan and Audrey (Wolynski) celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary quietly and together at Joey's restaurant, shortly after his diagnosis of cancer and before admission to hospital. Audrey brought two welcomed and appreciated additions to Dad's family, Lorie and Derrick Wolynski. In Jan and Audrey's 25 years of marriage, their roots have sprouted to include 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with two more on their way! Jan's retirement years were full of activity. Jan made many improvements to his farm. Jan and Audrey travelled to several places in the world, including several visits back to Holland. Jan loved to do coffee with his Stonewall area buddies, as well as with the retired officers' club. Jan also liked to bowl with his team. Jan remained active in his church to the end and also volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission on a regular basis. Jan is predeceased by his father Hendrik Jongstra and mother, Hotske Jongstra (Rienstra) and sister Gerrie Fortuin (deceased 2012). Jan's brother Rients Jongstra and sister Yke Fokkema continue to live in Holland and have visited in Canada several times. Service will be held at New Life Church, Stonewall, MB on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Gospel Mission, Winnipeg, MB. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2014

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Jan was a guiding light for my mother. He was a positive influence in my life and always brought me peace on his many visits. I miss him. - Posted by: Lorie Wolynski (step daughter) on: Apr 24, 2015

  • I had the real pleasure to get to know Jan and respect Jan via our careers at SMI and Rockwood Inst. Working with many negative influences it was often a struggle to remain unbiased. Jan was a positive influence for myself with his ability to see the good and positive potential in all people. Throughout my career I would think back to our talks and use his wisdom and experience to help guide me to make the right decisions. His memory will live on in my and many other's thoughts and hearts. I send my condolences to Jan's family. - Posted by: Don Kamins (Coworker) on: May 13, 2014

  • Please know that you are all in our prayers during this time. It is a marvelous thing to take this time to reflect on a wonderful life devoted to Family and his relationship with Christ! - Posted by: Chuck and Jenny-Lynn Kroeker (Friend of the Family) on: May 10, 2014

  • Harry or myself are not able to come to say goodbye to Mr.Jongstra.Harry is sick & I have to work.I,m not very good with word but I,m going to try.Mr.Jongstra has helped me from the time i was a child & when I got married.He would do anything for if he could.Everyone liked him because he was a easy to to talk to.He was a very special man & now he with Jesus now where there is no pain or suffering.We love you miss you here on earth see you in heaven when it is our time to go. - Posted by: Mr.& Mrs. Harry Dyck (Friend) on: May 09, 2014

  • My thoughts and prayers are with the family. - Posted by: Linda Ens (Family friend) on: May 09, 2014

  • Our prayers are with the family. Jan, had a huge heart and loved all he came in contact with. - Posted by: Residents and Staff at U.G.M. (Friends) on: May 08, 2014

  • I am so sorry to hear of your loss and my condolences to you, Audrey, and to your family. I met Jan at Union Gospel Mission, he was a lovely man, and always remember his wonderful smile. Dave always spoke so fondly of him. My God bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Norma Clory () on: May 07, 2014

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. - Posted by: Darcy Petursson (Friend of the Family) on: May 07, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of Jan's passing. May you find comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord now. - Posted by: Sharon Hayward (Friend of Evie's and mother-in-law to Shannon) on: May 07, 2014

  • Thinking of you Audrey at this difficult time of transition and remembering your husband with much respect and fondness for the fine godly man that he is. Trusting Jesus is comforting and granting you peace. Carol LeBlanc - Posted by: Carol LeBlanc (Friend) on: May 07, 2014

  • So sorry to hear about Jan's passing. My sincere condolences to the family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Marion and Willy Klassen (family friend) on: May 07, 2014

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