John Dormer
April 6, 1936 - April 20-2025
It is with sad hearts and loving memories that we announce the passing of John Dormer, aged 89, of Morden, Manitoba, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. John was born on April 6, 1936 in Winnipeg to Henry and Anna Dormer. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Jo, in 2017.
John was the fourth of five children and grew up on “The Farm” in Winnipeg where he learned the value of hard work from a young age. John worked tirelessly alongside his parents and siblings to maintain the family farm—a place that deeply shaped his character and instilled in him a lifelong commitment to perseverance and dedication.
John felt called to ministry and attended Alberta Bible Institute (ABI) in Camrose. Since John was taken out of school early to work on the farm, he completed his high school education at ABI where he also started his Bachelor of Theology. He completed it later by correspondence coupled with determination and hard work.
While visiting Medicine Hat Church of God with the ABI choir, he saw Mary Jo, although he never spoke to her. He also saw her picture on his ABI roommate’s desk as she was dating him at the time. The two finally met on a bus in Edmonton when Mary Jo, John and his sister Margaret were travelling to the same church. After asking her out, John travelled back and forth from Camrose to Edmonton/Westlock and then to Athabasca where she worked. It was there that John proposed and they were married on October 3, 1959 in Medicine Hat, and attended ABI together.
John and Mary Jo moved to Blythe, Ontario where John pastored at the Blythe Church of God and where their two eldest sons, Rod and Brian, were born. Life in ministry was fulfilling, but after the passing of his mother, John’s father requested he return to help manage the family farm. In 1965, they returned to Winnipeg, where they completed their family with the births of Brenda, Murray and Pam.
John worked hard to provide for his family. By day, he held a full-time job, after which he came home, changed his clothes and laboured in the fields until dark. He was a natural problem solver and a true “fix-it” man. Whether it was a broken tool, household appliance or mechanical issue, John wouldn’t rest until he found a solution. He had a sharp and inquisitive mind, and he passed down that same determination and ingenuity to his children.
The Dormer home was a hub of the community and exuded hospitality. John and Mary Jo frequently opened their doors for church events and youth gatherings. Whether it was campfires, Bible studies, wiener roasts, games of volleyball, ping pong, or croquet, their home was always full of warmth and welcome. John could often be found mowing the lawn, chopping wood, setting up bonfires, or hauling chairs and tables—always ensuring guests felt at home.
John created an active environment for his family—he built a tire swing that became a highlight of every birthday party, gave snowmobile rides in the winter, pulled his children and their friends on tubes through snowy fields, and joined in on cross-country skiing.
Alongside Mary Jo, John was actively involved in church life—leading Bible studies, attending prayer meetings, and visiting those in need. In 1986, they moved to Plum Coulee, Manitoba, where John pastored the Church of God until his retirement. In retirement, John and Mary Jo settled in Morden, Manitoba.
He found joy in the simple things—his garden, his flowers, and the peace that came from working with his hands. Whether planting rows of vegetables or tending to colorful blooms, John found solace and purpose in God’s creation.
Dad never met a stranger—he had a natural warmth that made everyone feel at ease. Whether it was a neighbour he greeted with a “hi, hi", a newcomer to church or in the community, or someone he met at the hardware store, he always greeted people with a smile and genuine interest. He took the time to listen, ask questions, and offer help wherever he could. His welcoming nature made our home a place of comfort not just for family, but for friends, visitors and anyone who happened to stop by.
John leaves behind all those family and friends who bless his memory, and is survived by his five loving children, Rod (Jan), Brian, (Cathy), Brenda (Bert), Murray, Pam (Steve); his cherished grandchildren, Danna (Shogo), Ben (Ashley), Jenna (Brendan), Jillian (Karl), Jesse, Tobi, and Jamie; his great grandchildren, Kaito, Owen, Yoshiki, Judah, Violet and Conor; his stepmother Magdi Dormer; his brothers Henry and Ernie (Darlene); dearest friend Mary Anne Krashel of Morden; and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, wife Mary Jo, two sisters and their husbands, Anne and Neil Schmidt and Margaret and Jake Kroeker, and sister-in-law Susie Dormer.
We were truly blessed to have had John in our lives—a man who taught us and prayed for us—teaching us by word and example as we grew through the years.
“Hon”, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, you are finally at peace with your Lord and Saviour. We miss you but cherish our time with you and celebrate your home going. “Jesus said … I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die." John 11:25-26
John’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 10th at Christ Lutheran Church, 155 Gilmour Street in Morden at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service, a private interment with family only will take place. All are welcome to continue celebrating Dad and Grampa’s life at a reception at 12:30 p.m. at Wiebe Funeral Home.
April 6, 1936 - April 20-2025
It is with sad hearts and loving memories that we announce the passing of John Dormer, aged 89, of Morden, Manitoba, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. John was born on April 6, 1936 in Winnipeg to Henry and Anna Dormer. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Jo, in 2017.
John was the fourth of five children and grew up on “The Farm” in Winnipeg where he learned the value of hard work from a young age. John worked tirelessly alongside his parents and siblings to maintain the family farm—a place that deeply shaped his character and instilled in him a lifelong commitment to perseverance and dedication.
John felt called to ministry and attended Alberta Bible Institute (ABI) in Camrose. Since John was taken out of school early to work on the farm, he completed his high school education at ABI where he also started his Bachelor of Theology. He completed it later by correspondence coupled with determination and hard work.
While visiting Medicine Hat Church of God with the ABI choir, he saw Mary Jo, although he never spoke to her. He also saw her picture on his ABI roommate’s desk as she was dating him at the time. The two finally met on a bus in Edmonton when Mary Jo, John and his sister Margaret were travelling to the same church. After asking her out, John travelled back and forth from Camrose to Edmonton/Westlock and then to Athabasca where she worked. It was there that John proposed and they were married on October 3, 1959 in Medicine Hat, and attended ABI together.
John and Mary Jo moved to Blythe, Ontario where John pastored at the Blythe Church of God and where their two eldest sons, Rod and Brian, were born. Life in ministry was fulfilling, but after the passing of his mother, John’s father requested he return to help manage the family farm. In 1965, they returned to Winnipeg, where they completed their family with the births of Brenda, Murray and Pam.
John worked hard to provide for his family. By day, he held a full-time job, after which he came home, changed his clothes and laboured in the fields until dark. He was a natural problem solver and a true “fix-it” man. Whether it was a broken tool, household appliance or mechanical issue, John wouldn’t rest until he found a solution. He had a sharp and inquisitive mind, and he passed down that same determination and ingenuity to his children.
The Dormer home was a hub of the community and exuded hospitality. John and Mary Jo frequently opened their doors for church events and youth gatherings. Whether it was campfires, Bible studies, wiener roasts, games of volleyball, ping pong, or croquet, their home was always full of warmth and welcome. John could often be found mowing the lawn, chopping wood, setting up bonfires, or hauling chairs and tables—always ensuring guests felt at home.
John created an active environment for his family—he built a tire swing that became a highlight of every birthday party, gave snowmobile rides in the winter, pulled his children and their friends on tubes through snowy fields, and joined in on cross-country skiing.
Alongside Mary Jo, John was actively involved in church life—leading Bible studies, attending prayer meetings, and visiting those in need. In 1986, they moved to Plum Coulee, Manitoba, where John pastored the Church of God until his retirement. In retirement, John and Mary Jo settled in Morden, Manitoba.
He found joy in the simple things—his garden, his flowers, and the peace that came from working with his hands. Whether planting rows of vegetables or tending to colorful blooms, John found solace and purpose in God’s creation.
Dad never met a stranger—he had a natural warmth that made everyone feel at ease. Whether it was a neighbour he greeted with a “hi, hi", a newcomer to church or in the community, or someone he met at the hardware store, he always greeted people with a smile and genuine interest. He took the time to listen, ask questions, and offer help wherever he could. His welcoming nature made our home a place of comfort not just for family, but for friends, visitors and anyone who happened to stop by.
John leaves behind all those family and friends who bless his memory, and is survived by his five loving children, Rod (Jan), Brian, (Cathy), Brenda (Bert), Murray, Pam (Steve); his cherished grandchildren, Danna (Shogo), Ben (Ashley), Jenna (Brendan), Jillian (Karl), Jesse, Tobi, and Jamie; his great grandchildren, Kaito, Owen, Yoshiki, Judah, Violet and Conor; his stepmother Magdi Dormer; his brothers Henry and Ernie (Darlene); dearest friend Mary Anne Krashel of Morden; and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, wife Mary Jo, two sisters and their husbands, Anne and Neil Schmidt and Margaret and Jake Kroeker, and sister-in-law Susie Dormer.
We were truly blessed to have had John in our lives—a man who taught us and prayed for us—teaching us by word and example as we grew through the years.
“Hon”, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, you are finally at peace with your Lord and Saviour. We miss you but cherish our time with you and celebrate your home going. “Jesus said … I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die." John 11:25-26
John’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 10th at Christ Lutheran Church, 155 Gilmour Street in Morden at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service, a private interment with family only will take place. All are welcome to continue celebrating Dad and Grampa’s life at a reception at 12:30 p.m. at Wiebe Funeral Home.