John H. Gerbrandt

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JOHN H. GERBRANDT

A Love Letter To My Family From Heaven

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even as them also which sleep in Jesus God will bring with Him.

I took residence in my new heavenly home on September 19, 2015. What a great reunion it was to see all my family and friends. But most of all, to come face to face with my Lord and Saviour. My battle with leukemia and other health issues had come to an end.

I was born to wonderful Christian parents, Leonard and Agnes Gerbrandt on February 13th, 1949 in Herbert, Saskatchewan. My father passed away when I was a young child, as well later my two siblings, Josie and Tom.

I married my sweetie, Sandra Hovorka on July 17th, 1976. We were blessed with 39 years together.

My life consisted of working at various jobs, that I felt privileged of doing. They were autobody work for Peter Koop, Loewen Autobody, Alvin and Roy Broesky at Oakridge Autobody, and being self-employed at Krash Pad. I even experienced the joy of opening up a business venture with Allan Tarasenco as Hotline Motorsport, which dealt with motorcycles and snowmobiles. Throughout that time, I also had the good fortune of working with Charles Horvath, which I had the utmost respect for. As well, I worked at the Teenage Drop In Center as a youth counsellor, something I really was able to relate to. My last employment was with Steinbach Dodge, where I spent 20 plus years as a car salesman. I truly loved working there and my relationships with Paul and Jim Neustaedter felt like family. I worked there until I medically retired at the age of 58.

The good Lord blessed me with six wonderful children. My firstborn son Johnny, is my namesake and bears a striking resemblance to me. I always enjoyed our deep discussions about God and life. You married Jennifer, who cooked me many fine breakfasts at Skylite and who has a real servant’s heart. Together you had four children: Jorden, Troy, Brandi and Hope. How I enjoyed going to your house Christmas morning, to watch the children open their presents. Brandi and Cory blessed me with my one and only great-grandchild, Antonio, who I loved and adored.

Kamara, my oldest daughter, though you had moved away, the distance did not lessen our love for each other. You married Don Lucas and had your precious daughter, Isabella. How I enjoyed our time together, each Christmas holiday we spent at your place. Those were special memories indeed.

Dane, my middle son, you are not only my son, but my brother in Christ. How amazing the Lord used a bad situation in your life, to allow the special time we were able to spend together, these last few years. Many movies and sport games we were able to watch together.

Garrett, my youngest son, who I share the love of horses with. Not only was it wonderful to see how you had grown in the Lord, but I so appreciated how you were able to minister to me in the hospital by your songs, bible readings and prayers. Taniya, your wife has a real gentle spirit, who often was there nursing me in the hospital. God blessed you with two sons, Seth and Silas. Gone to be with the Lord were your twins Jude and Ezra. It was so awesome to see them here!

Lindsey, my middle daughter, who I so enjoyed watching at the hockey rink for so many years. All the time you spent at the hospital, was so meaningful to me. I so enjoyed all of our talks. I pray that if I was your rock in this life, that you will carry on with what you learnt from me, now in your own life.

My baby girl, Krystle. What can I say. You alone knew how to handle me, even when I got a little difficult. Your daily bible readings and devotions in the hospital was so uplifting. Our love for music was a special bond that we had together. Frank Thiessen, your husband, was always there to lend a helping hand if needed. Together you were blessed with Layla and Jude. How privileged I was to have been able to help care for them both, while I was able to. Special times and so many memories.

Now for my special wife Sandra, who never left my side, while I was sick and in the hospital. A true dedication that is seldom ever seen. How I marvelled at your steadfast strength in all that you did. Not only were you my life helpmate, but a true pioneer woman at heart. I thank God for blessing me with you in my life. You will always be my sweetie!

But most of all, I thank my Lord and Savior, who I loved and leaned on daily. Especially in these last years of my life, for giving me strength, hope and peace. The great influence that my mother gave me early on in my life and for her being the prayer warrior that she was, I know really made a difference in my life. I was baptized upon confession of my faith, which I kept and clung onto, till my last breath. I had a heart for the missions, especially the youth. This I'm sure dates back to when I was involved with the Maranatha Missions for many years.

I will miss all of you, my immediate family, as well as my extended family, which includes my siblings: Sandra (Len), Bill (Doris), George (Linda), Peter (Linda), Mary (Jack), Barbara (Anton), my special brother Jackie and my sister-in-law Marlene; in-laws include: George, John (Nadia), Mike and the late Roberta, and Edward (Mary); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles coming from both sides of the family. As well as my many, many friends. You all know who you are. I really appreciated all those that took the time to visit me at home and in the hospital. The talks we had over a cup of Tim's coffee was always welcomed. Sorry, my home here is too awesome for me to want to leave and come back. Some day you will all understand when we are reunited.

A huge thank you to Dr. Gordon Dyck, for your care all these years. As well, to the numerous other doctors, nurses and health care aides who cared for me at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital and St. Boniface Hospital. I cannot thank you enough. Your compassion was not only felt by me, but by Sandra and the rest of my family. You truly all were angels here on earth!

During my time here on earth, I enjoyed going for coffee and breakfast, carving walking sticks, watching movies and sports, cutting grass on my riding mower, relaxing in the sunshine, spending time with family, friends and my horses. How I loved to read a good book, listen to all kinds of music, whether it be blues, old gospel or contemporary Christian, I loved singing and listening to it all. Nothing got my adrenaline up more than watching a good horse race at the track. All of these things pale in comparison, to what I am experiencing now in my heavenly home. I can hardly wait to see all of you here!

My funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 24th, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church at 360 McKenzie Avenue, Steinbach, with burial following at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015 at 7:00 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach. Come and enjoy some coffee time together. A viewing will also be held at the church prior to the funeral service.

My family thanks Bill Dyck and Birchwood Funeral Chapel for all their compassionate assistance, as well as Pastor Dave Dickey, who helped walk along this journey with us. To everyone for their numerous acts of kindness and endless prayers, may God richly bless you all!

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church Mission Fund or to a “Youth Mission” of your choice.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Sep 23, 2015