John Olfert

John Olfert, age 91, passed away peacefully at the Meadows in Swift Current with his family at his side on June 5, 2019. John was born on August 17, 1927 on the family farm at McMahon, SK to Daniel and Helena Olfert. John married Helen Tschetter on June 15, 1955 and lived on a farm just east of Swift Current near the Research Station. They continued to live on the farm until 1995 when they built a duplex and moved into Swift Current.

Dad operated a mixed farm for many years and even after they moved to Swift Current, Dad was still very active on the farm. Dad had heart bypass surgery in February 2000 and didn’t do much on the farm that spring. Around June he got the OK from his Doctor that he could get back on the tractor and he was out to the farm the next day. He was able to continue working on the farm for a number of years.

His faith in God was very important to him. He was a dedicated church member and his capable hands helped out with many construction projects for the church. Dad loved carpentry, from building houses including finish carpentry, to building every barn, quonset, and grain bin on the farm, to making toys for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his favourite social activities was heading to all the auction sales in the area to bring home treasures and to visit with many friends and acquaintances.

John leaves to cherish his memory his three children all residing in Swift Current, Tom (Peg) Olfert, Brad (Micki) Olfert, Marlin (Terri) Olfert; eight Grandchildren and four Great Grandchildren, Blaine (Lisa) Olfert; Nicole Olfert; Colin (Carling) Olfert and their children Ainsley and Griffin; Denae (Stephen) Unger and their children Grayson and Langley; Kelsey Olfert; Danielle Olfert; Jenna Olfert; and Tyler Olfert. He is survived by one sister, Lena (Johnny) Sawatsky of Swift Current; brother-in-law, George (Suzie) Tschetter of Rhineland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his wife Helen, in 2018; granddaughter, Jessica Olfert in 2000; his father, Daniel in 1948; his mother, Helena in 1934. He was also predeceased by numerous brothers, sisters and in-laws. He was the last male member of a family unit of 21 children.

The Funeral Service for John D. Olfert was held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 1:30 pm from Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Mike Smart and Chaplain Jan Burgerhout officiating. “Shall We Gather at the River” was sung by the congregation, with Loreen Tschetter serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Peg Olfert, who sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “How Great Thou Art,” and Helena Leiding, who sang “What a Day That Will Be.” The tribute was given by John’s grandchildren, the obituary was read by Peggy Koethler. A photo presentation was given by Kelsey Olfert and Denae Unger. The ushers in the church were Lawrence Olfert, Tim Fehr, Gary Argue, and Brian Dyck.

The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Blaine Olfert, Tyler Olfert, Lawrence Friesen, Colin Olfert, Korvin Olfert, and Mike Friesen serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of John D. Olfert, donations made to the MCC Food Grain Bank would be appreciated by the family.

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