John Sawatzky

God heard and answered the endless prayers of John Sawatzky, “My Jesus, I just want to be with you, and my Toots!”

On Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 he was hospitalized, was unconscious after a fall. With some family at his side he was gifted his wish that evening! At age 96 he peacefully went to Heaven.

He leaves behind: 5 children, Gloria, Valerie (Shaun), Emily (Ken), Tim (Pamela) and Mark (Irma). As well as 15 grandchildren and spouses, 31 great grandchildren, 1 sister, 1 sister-in-law, many nieces & nephews.

John was #9 of 14 children. He was predeceased by: his wife Toots, 1 son-in-law (Grant Heinrichs), 1 grand-daughter (Natalie Heinrichs), 2 great grandsons (Deklyn & Wyatt Sawatzky), and all the rest of his siblings and in-laws.

John was born on Aug. 18, 1929 on his parents’ farm in the Houston District (near Halbstadt, MB). He walked or rode horse + buggy or sleigh to a nearby country school. Recess was his favourite subject, especially when he could keep his skates on from one recess to the next!

He only managed to get a Grade 6 education because he always was kept home from school to help on the farm during seeding and harvest times. He loved to play hockey on the outdoor rink in Halbstadt, a few miles away (no matter how cold it was).

John had numerous jobs: in Wpg. at Federal Seed Plant and Eaton’s Mail Order Box Factory. And in wintertime at the Gold Mine in Snow Lake.

July 22, 1951 he married his “curly-haired beauty”, the love of his life, Toots Hildebrand. First winter they lived in Snow Lake, then with parents and parents-in-law.

As newly-weds they found Jesus as their personal Savior during the Big Tent Lundstrom Crusades!

They loved their farming life in Edenburg, where they raised their 5 children.

They became Deacon and pianist of the Halbstadt Mennonite Church. Also serving as Sunday School teachers, and choir members, for many years. John also served on numerous boards in the community.

John attended Elim Bible School. He so loved his Lord. Early every morning he could be found in the living room reading his Bible or kneeling in prayer.

John and Toots were a good farming team growing crops, milking cows, raising hogs and chickens, having cattle in a loose-housing feed lot in winter. He took a welding course and could creatively fix almost anything.

He was a great family man, together enjoying the cabin at Moose Lake, camping, fishing, swimming, travelling many places.

He enjoyed water or cross-country or downhill skiing, skating, biking, rollerblading (until age 88!). But riding his scooter at full speed downtown (in his 90’s) – that was rather concerning!

He could be such a tease, having a great, keen sense of humor, sharing many laughs. He always had a hearty appetite, loved new adventures, sunrises and sunsets and photography. He was a great listener, and a most dedicated husband, father, grandpa and friend. Faithfully attended kids & grandkids school sports events.

Those of you that knew John, have most certainly heard of his numerous near-death accidents/events in his life which were life-changing: He had rheumatic fever as a young boy; As a young lad he was working on the field with a rake hitched to a run-away team of horses which crashed him into the machine-shed; in the mines; on their boat; and a car accident. These were always stories shared because it was him witnessing how the Lord spared his life, his testimony to anyone, everyone who would listen.

John and Toots volunteered for MDS, MCC in Akron, PA & Altona many years, making friends around the world. Always keeping in touch with their Amish friends. He truly valued relationships. His usual goodbye was “God bless you”.

He would witness to everyone, anyone, anywhere, anytime about Jesus. John would proudly say he had his BA degree (BORN AGAIN).

He was a prayer warrior. Lived a long, happy, full life.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Victory Family Church, Altona. A private interment will be held prior to the service. Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Thursday, March 5 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. and on Friday, March 6 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon.

Donations in memory of John may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.