It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of John (Jan) Wiersema on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ont.
John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Hetty (Hitje) Wiersema; children, Sandra (Mark), Linda, Jeff (Rhonda), Dave (Kristie), and Tanya (Kelly); and 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
John was born in Peize, Netherlands on April 13, 1940. He immigrated to Canada with his parents, Jan and Froukje, and 15 siblings in 1952, settling in Rainy River District.
He began his career in 1966 as a trainman for CN Rail and raised his family in Transcona until his retirement as a conductor in 1996.
After retirement, he spent four summers at Camp of The Woods Campground along the Rainy River, where he took great pride and worked very hard maintaining the campground so everybody could enjoy their summers.
His last years were spent in his hometown of Rainy River, where he always was ready to lend a hand when help was needed.
As per John’s wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held Friday, March 17, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Emo Christian Reformed Church, 18 Meadow St., Emo, Ont.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Psalm 46:1 “God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
JAN (JOHN) WIERSEMA
