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JOHN JOSEPH VANDERSTEEN
Born: Apr 18, 1929
Date of Passing: Apr 23, 2022
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JOHN JOSEPH VANDERSTEEN
April 18, 1929 - April 23, 2022
In Winnipeg, Manitoba in his home, at the age of 93, Dad peacefully went to be with the Lord with his family by his side.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Josephine Vandersteen; siblings: Bert, Neil, Margaret and Ben; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Esther Hudon; as well as numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Holding him in loving memory is his wife of almost 69 years, Claire (Hudon), children: Ida, Wayne (Janice), Ernie (Dawn), Anne-Marie (John), Geraldine (Leonard), Marcel, Ramona (Clarence), Francois (Aline), Simon (Judy), and Imelda (Glen); 22 grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren. He was from a family of 12 and married into a family of 13, so he was uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Dad was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan. In the spring of 1939 their family moved back to Fisher Branch. He was quite young when he started working for other farmers to help support his family.
In June of 1953 he married Mom and they built a home with a mixed farming operation where they milked cows for years. Dad spent lots of time with his family and enjoyed teaching his children how to work on the farm and how to play. He loved the farm and always had horses in his life. He had numerous heavy horse teams and was able to go with Mom on wagon treks, making many friends along the way.
After he retired, he took up golfing, fishing both in summer and winter, and Mom and Dad did lots of dancing. When they moved to Winnipeg in 2003, he made more friends and played cards and pool almost every day until last fall.
He was honest, kind and considerate. His handshake was as good as a contract. He was a part of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered many hours in the community for various causes. He was always willing to help someone in need, whether it be for cows calving, combining, raking or bringing clothing and food up to the reserve.
He will be lovingly remembered by all those who knew him.
A special thanks to Dr. McElhoes for the great care over the years and to the Palliative Care team. Also a big thanks to Mom and the siblings who took such fabulous care of him in his last days. It allowed him to pass away in peace at home surrounded by those he loved.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Fisher Branch. Burial immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dad's memory to Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice.
Due to current new variants of Covid; family has requested wearing a mask in church.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2022
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Dear Claire and family. Anne and I are deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved husband John. We developed a friendship as a result of our meetings as worshippers Sunday mornings at Immaculate Conception Church. We lived in the nearby Peguis community at the time. John and Claire invited us a number of times after church to join them and their family for a home visit and a bite to eat. What a loving, inviting family! John often shared stories about his prized horses as well as demonstrating their abilities. Through our visits with John and Claire, we witnessed the joys and struggles of farm life. When we moved to Winnipeg, we lost track of each other. Somehow a number of years ago, Anne got into contact with John and Claire who now lived in Winnipeg. We shortly after visited them. It was a lovely visit with many stories. Again, John recounted one event that he and Claire took on, that impressed me. As part of a group of enthusiasts, John and Claire travelled and lived as Manitoba pioneers with their team of horses and wagon on a 100 mile trek through old Manitoba trails. Fascinating Stuff! Unfortunately, COVID didn’t allow for another reconnection. We are so sorry, Claire, for the loss of your beloved John, the strong pillar of your family. May you and your loving family stay strong and know your grief is countered by knowing that John is with our Lord Jesus. God be with you all. - Posted by: Chris W Baetsen (Friends from long ago) on: May 17, 2022
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Deepest condolences to the entire family. Visits to the Vandersteens was such a treat! I remember thinking I wanted to be adopted! So much love and joy filled the room! Everyone is so warm and inviting. The thing that stood out the most was John's love for his family. This started with building a strong foundation with Claire. Their love affair with each other and life was evident at every turn. Especially on the dance floor! So beautiful to watch. Hugs to all! - Posted by: Cindy McKay (Friend ) on: May 16, 2022
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Deepest condolences to Claire and family on the passing of John. May your fondest memories of John carry you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Colleen Bride (Friend of Mel & Glen ) on: May 16, 2022
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Johnny was my 3rd cousin and I grew up with many a Sunday walking the mile to visit with his children to play baseball, swim in the “dug-out” etc...always something going on! Johnny was always kind, congenial, always seemed collected and easygoing! My fondest memory was in their home this once, I witnessed their romance when cousin Johnny pulled his wife Claire under the ceiling kitchen light where he *planted on her a deep kiss, to this day unbeknownst to their children when I now mention it, yet some were there with me in the living room!!! Lol - Posted by: Helene Gauthier Swar (Cousin) on: May 15, 2022
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Claire & family. We were sorry to hear of John's passing. Our condolences. - Posted by: John & Anne Stocki (Friends) on: May 15, 2022
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My earliest memories of visiting Uncle Johnny and Aunt Claire and the family, are especially fond ones: a home filled with love and generosity, incredible connection to the land and to family, and horses. I was so fortunate to reconnect with Uncle Johnny (and everyone else) at a family reunion after many years away, and I immediately felt the same warmth. Love and condolences to Aunt Claire and all my cousins. Goodbye Uncle Johnny. - Posted by: Chris Vandersteen (Nephew) on: May 15, 2022
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Our sincere condolences to Claire and the family. Johnny had a very kind and loving heart which touched everyone who knew him. To know him was to love him. He will be missed. God bless! - Posted by: Rita Dandeneau Simoens (2nd cousin) on: May 15, 2022
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My deepest sympathy Mrs. Vandersteen and family. Cherish all the wonderful memories of good times together. RIP Mr. Vandersteen - Posted by: Linda Trachuk (Friend) on: May 14, 2022
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May he Rest In Peace. An absolutely kind sole with one heck of a hand shake, always happy to reminisce. Our family will always have fond memories of him. Grandma (Josephine Tougas) always spoke the world of him, and cherished their bond. - Posted by: Marc Dion (Distance family ) on: May 14, 2022
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I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. May your memories of time with him help to ease your pain and get you through this sad time. Another Fisher Branch pillar lost. May he RIP. - Posted by: Glenda Gard (Acquaintance) on: May 14, 2022
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Our sincere condolences to Claire & family on the passing of John. May your memories, your faith & the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the One who comes along side us, give you Hope, Strength & Peace during this time of grief & mourning. Our thoughts & prayers to you all. With our love & hugs, Jeff & Cindy Plett - Posted by: Jeff & Cindy Plett (Friends of Anne-Marie & John) on: May 14, 2022
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Our sincere condolences Claire and to all your wonderful family! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time R.I.P. Johnny! You will be missed! Aline & Claude Boisjoli❤️🙏🙏❤️ - Posted by: Aline & Claude Boisjoli (Distant cousin and friend.) on: May 14, 2022
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Our sympathies to Claire and the rest of the family!! We are so happy with all the wonderful menories we have had from April and all the years. Johnny loved his horses. Thanks to Johnny and Claire, our greatest memory was the Horse Trek of 1997! Thank you ever so much for this amazing experience! God bless!!! - Posted by: Louise and Walter Wagner (Louise's brother-in-law) on: May 14, 2022
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My sincere condolences to Claire and the family. My prayers for are with you all, including John's siblings. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Simone Meilleur (3rd cousin) on: May 14, 2022
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