John Enns

Obituary

Born on April 28, 1937, John Martin Enns was the seventh child of Martin and Maria Enns of Cabri, Saskatchewan. Following the death of his mother, his father was remarried to Elizabeth Letkeman. She, and her daughter Betty, moved from Manitoba to Saskatchewan, forming a new family that blended seamlessly.

When John was eight years old, the family moved to a farm east of Steinbach, the town he would call home for the rest of his life. He attended Ekron-Oswald school as a youngster and completed grade 10 at the Steinbach High School. Following a year of work on the family farm, he began working at Penner Tom Boy, staying with the company for over five decades. While he took pride in being a good meat cutter, he found even more joy in his interactions with colleagues and customers.

During a leave from his job, Dad attended Elim Bible School. It was there he met Agatha Sawatzky. Married in the spring of 1964, they started a family soon after. Viola was born in 1967, Phillip in 1968, and in 1973 Beverly and Brenda were born.

While dedicated to family and work, John’s life was marked by a faith in God that was always lived out in service of others. Baptized in and attending Steinbach Mennonite Church his whole life, he loved his many years conducting the choir and leading congregational singing. He also enjoyed serving together with Agatha, as deacons and as conductor and pianist.

Combining his loves of conducting, the church, and service, the years spent conducting the Southeast Male Choir gave John a great sense of delight and fulfillment. John also found much joy serving in the community, with Soup’s On, the MCC Thrift Store, and with Birchwood Funeral Chapel where he was able to serve on the board and assist with funerals.

Beyond music and service to others, John also had a lot of fun with friends, sharing coffee at Rocco’s, breakfast at Smitty’s, or playing a relaxed nine holes of golf, where he enjoyed looking for balls in the bush as much as he enjoyed the game.

John’s ever present smile shone even brighter when the family was together. He loved watching his grandkids grow up and always found time to cheer them on at their games and enjoy their concerts.

Though receiving a leukemia diagnosis just over a year ago, John continued to enjoy life and was only forced to slow down a few weeks before his passing on August 24, 2017. His presence at home, in the church and in the community will be greatly missed.

John was predeceased by his parents, siblings Cornie and Betty, siblings-in-law Kay, Kathy, and Herman, nephews Lauren, Cameron, and Stephen.

Dad will be missed by his loving wife, Agatha, daughter Viola and Cornie of Winkler, grandchildren Katrina, Ben and Laura, son Phil and Heather of Winnipeg, granddaughters Ava and Lia, and daughters Bev and Brenda, both of Steinbach.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd., with viewing one hour prior to the service.

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