Peacefully on November 19, 2021, the Lord called Jan (John) Vandersluis at the age of 85, to his heavenly home.
Beloved husband of Rietje Vandersluis, loving father of Joan, Bob (Lorraine), Debbie, Barb (Kent), Bev (Jake) and Gail (Ron). Loving grandfather of Wade, Courtney, Tyson, Josh, Taylor, Samantha, Connor, and Ronin.
Dad was born in Zwollerkerspel, the Netherlands, on December 10, 1935. He was the 2nd oldest of 5. Dad always wanted to be a farmer and went to agriculture school in Holland for a number of years. When his family first talked about immigrating to Canada, Dad told Opa to “just give me a few cows and I’ll stay in Holland”. In 1953 he did immigrate with his family to Canada.
As a young man, Dad worked at various jobs including cutting pulpwood in Pine Falls, working the CPP rail line in Elie, hoeing sugar beets, and working on the family farm.
Soon after, Mom came into Dad’s life and they married on May 27, 1960. They built a small house across the river from his parents and began farming full time. Together they raised 7 children. In the late 1970’s they purchased more land and moved into a larger house across the road. This has been their home ever since.
Dad enjoyed growing a variety of crops including sugar beets, peas, oats, barley, flax, and for a time, raised hogs.
Dad loved everything about the outdoors. He had a wide assortment of hobby animals and many people will lovingly remember visiting “Uncle John” and feeding his deer, goats, emus, peacocks and other kinds of birds. Often, to Mom’s dismay and our delight, he would bring baby animals into the house. He was still putting out feed for the prairie chickens the day before he passed away. Dad also enjoyed bonfires, snowmobiling, chopping firewood, Sunday drives and watching hockey.
Due to health issues, Dad had to retire early from farming. He continued to keep busy with his hobby farm and helping Mom in their large garden became a new passion. They grew all kinds of fruit and vegetables and shared willingly with all who visited. Special highlights for the grandkids were strawberry and pumpkin picking with Grandpa and Grandma.
Dad cherished his family and friends. He was always willing to lend an ear, offer a word of advice, and of course, share some tea and koek with anyone who stopped by.
Through it all, Dad had a strong faith and trusted in God to meet his and his family’s needs.
Dad was predeceased by his daughter Shirley, sisters Femmie and Susie, and his brother Bill.
He will be also missed by his brother Gerry (Alice); 4 brothers-in-law: Henry, Bill (Marina), Wim (Shirley), John (Myrna); his sister-in-law Tineke (Bill) and many other family and friends.
Public viewing will take place on Tuesday, November 23, 7:00–8:00 pm at Doyle’s Funeral Home in Carman.
A private funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 24 in the Canadian Reformed Church of Carman East (112 - 4th Ave. SE) with Rev. Van Dam officiating. To follow the service via livestream please visit:
Private immediate family interment will take place after the service.
Donations may be made in his memory to The Kidney Foundation of Canada (Manitoba Branch), 452 Dovercourt Drive, Unit 1, Winnipeg, M
Beloved husband of Rietje Vandersluis, loving father of Joan, Bob (Lorraine), Debbie, Barb (Kent), Bev (Jake) and Gail (Ron). Loving grandfather of Wade, Courtney, Tyson, Josh, Taylor, Samantha, Connor, and Ronin.
Dad was born in Zwollerkerspel, the Netherlands, on December 10, 1935. He was the 2nd oldest of 5. Dad always wanted to be a farmer and went to agriculture school in Holland for a number of years. When his family first talked about immigrating to Canada, Dad told Opa to “just give me a few cows and I’ll stay in Holland”. In 1953 he did immigrate with his family to Canada.
As a young man, Dad worked at various jobs including cutting pulpwood in Pine Falls, working the CPP rail line in Elie, hoeing sugar beets, and working on the family farm.
Soon after, Mom came into Dad’s life and they married on May 27, 1960. They built a small house across the river from his parents and began farming full time. Together they raised 7 children. In the late 1970’s they purchased more land and moved into a larger house across the road. This has been their home ever since.
Dad enjoyed growing a variety of crops including sugar beets, peas, oats, barley, flax, and for a time, raised hogs.
Dad loved everything about the outdoors. He had a wide assortment of hobby animals and many people will lovingly remember visiting “Uncle John” and feeding his deer, goats, emus, peacocks and other kinds of birds. Often, to Mom’s dismay and our delight, he would bring baby animals into the house. He was still putting out feed for the prairie chickens the day before he passed away. Dad also enjoyed bonfires, snowmobiling, chopping firewood, Sunday drives and watching hockey.
Due to health issues, Dad had to retire early from farming. He continued to keep busy with his hobby farm and helping Mom in their large garden became a new passion. They grew all kinds of fruit and vegetables and shared willingly with all who visited. Special highlights for the grandkids were strawberry and pumpkin picking with Grandpa and Grandma.
Dad cherished his family and friends. He was always willing to lend an ear, offer a word of advice, and of course, share some tea and koek with anyone who stopped by.
Through it all, Dad had a strong faith and trusted in God to meet his and his family’s needs.
Dad was predeceased by his daughter Shirley, sisters Femmie and Susie, and his brother Bill.
He will be also missed by his brother Gerry (Alice); 4 brothers-in-law: Henry, Bill (Marina), Wim (Shirley), John (Myrna); his sister-in-law Tineke (Bill) and many other family and friends.
Public viewing will take place on Tuesday, November 23, 7:00–8:00 pm at Doyle’s Funeral Home in Carman.
A private funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 24 in the Canadian Reformed Church of Carman East (112 - 4th Ave. SE) with Rev. Van Dam officiating. To follow the service via livestream please visit:
Private immediate family interment will take place after the service.
Donations may be made in his memory to The Kidney Foundation of Canada (Manitoba Branch), 452 Dovercourt Drive, Unit 1, Winnipeg, M