John Olfert

John is survived by his loving wife, Elsie; children, Kevin (Robyn), Pearl, and Cheryl; grandchildren Rylie, Joyelle, Claire, Emma, and Faith.

John was born on October 19, 1944 in Winkler, Manitoba to Herman and Elizabeth Olfert. He grew up on the family dairy farm and graduated from high school in 1963. He married the love of his life, Elsie Kuhl, in Morden on July 15, 1967.

He received his teaching certification in 1968 and Bachelor of Education degree in 1973. John went on to teach junior high for 11 years and also was an elementary school principal for 16 years. He was passionate about his teaching and fulfilled his dream of designing thirteen playground structures for his school division, including one for J.R. Walkof Elementary School where he was a principal. For many years his love of photography spilled over into taking wedding and family photos. John enjoyed motorcycling, camping outdoors with family, family gatherings, and finding and connecting with relatives. When John and Elsie retired they renovated and built numerous houses. He had an infectious and hearty laugh and was passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ and sharing it with others. One of his favorite pastimes was meeting others for coffee at various locations where he easily made new friends and often had a practical and compassionate way of helping anyone.

John had various health struggles throughout his life but always looked for ways to tackle each challenge with courage and determination. He had polio as a young child and an injury in his lower back when John and Elsie were newly married, resulting in the fusion of three vertebrae. His mom was amazed at all he was able to survive, and at one point looked at him and said, “God isn’t done with you yet!” John struggled with a chronic lung condition that was later identified as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, which resulted in end stage liver failure.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 14 at the Fort Garry MB Church, 1771 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg. Viewing will be held prior to service.

The Lord is my strength and my defense;

he has become my salvation.

He is my God, and I will praise him,

my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

- Exodus 15:2

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

- Jeremiah 17:7