John William Bueckert

On March 17th, 2024 in the early morning hours, John, age 66 years, beloved husband of Betty, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at Portage General Hospital. Dad fought his battle with cancer hard for just over a year, wanting to spend more time here with his family.

 Dad was born on February 2nd, 1958 in Rosthern, Saskatchewan to Aaron and Annie Bueckert. When Dad was 8 months old, his parents moved the family to Katrime, Manitoba. Dad attended a Valley Stream Country School and later Gladstone Elementary School. Dad was always willing to help his Dad outside with farm chores.

Dad was baptized on the confession of his faith on June 1st, 1980 in the MacGregor Sommerfeld Church. On August 9th, 1980, Dad married his sweetheart, Betty Dyck. Soon life began with farming cows while also working at various potato farms. The last potato farm where he worked was McCain Farms in Portage where he had many good times driving to work with his brother Dan and brother-in-law Frank.

After a number of years at the farm, Dad started working for the RM of North Norfolk, operating a scraper. When a grader driver position came up in the RM of Westbourne, Dad switched jobs. He was well known for helping people out wherever he could, making friends all over the municipality. Dad retired from the Municipality in 2015. After this he did various jobs. Maintenance at MacGregor Health Centre and Austin Christian Academy. His last part-time job was trucking for Jarvis Trucking. He really enjoyed his trucking job until he was forced to quit because of his cancer diagnosis. Dad also enjoyed checking out various online auctions and buying projects to fix up and resell. He did this up until his body physically couldn’t because of cancer.

Dad enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and travelling. A favourite trip was to Vancouver Island, which included salmon fishing. Dad also loved gardening and blessed many people with his delicious melons and watermelons. Most importantly Dad had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was a huge encouragement. Dad loved spending time with his family. His grandkids had a special place in his heart. Many fun family memories have been made, especially camping and fishing at Duck Mountain Provincial Park.

Dad had a great friendly personality and loved laughing and having fun. He kept his sense of humour to the end of his journey.

He is survived by his wife Betty, of 43 years, and his children; daughter Rachel (Abe) Kroeker, daughter Colleen (Jamie) Penner, son Reynold, daughter Leanne (Matthew) Sawatzky and five grandchildren: Bethany, Dawson, Amelya, Charlotte, and Megan.

He was predeceased by his parents Aaron and Annie Bueckert, his sister Mari, brother Ben and 2 infant grandchildren.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Finney and staff at Cancer Care in Portage, and to Clarke’s Funeral Home for their care and compassion in all the funeral plans.

Any donations can be made to Central Plains Cancer Care or to a charity of one’s choice.