John Zylstra

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved John on October 23rd, 2023.

John was first and foremost a family man, doting on his wife, his children, and grandchildren. He was the quiet observer, who loved to laugh and enjoy the company of others. Being one of 9 children, John valued quality time spent with his siblings and extended family.

He will continue to be held in the hearts of his adoring son Michael (Kari), daughter Ashley (Adam), Jenn (Glen), grandsons Noah, Lucas, Linkin, Ezra, AJ and Finley as well as his loving siblings Lina, Shirley, Gord (Grace), Annette (Art), Harold (Freda), Victor (Kathy), Judy (John), and Joyce (Rick) as well as countless nieces and nephews, his father-in-law Percy and extended Paracholski family. John was predeceased by his loving wife Lori of 43 years, his parents, mother-in-law Irene and brother-in-law Franz.

John dedicated his adult working life to MTS, and even married his first boss’ daughter. He worked his way up from climbing telephone poles, to working in the engineering department. John was a lover of the open road from the seat of his motorcycle. He also enjoyed traveling the globe, where he relished in taking in different cultures and historical sites. He loved classic cars, going for long walks, listening to classic rock, going out for breakfast, and playing baseball and card games. John’s quiet demeanor vanished when playing games, as his competitive nature would come out. You could always depend on John to be on time, and have a comb in his pocket, as he never liked to have a hair out of place. He was always his children’s number one fan. If he could avoid it, he would never miss a game, performance, event, and most times even practices and training. This carried on with his grandchildren. John would tell you that his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He was a proud father and grandfather. He deeply loved and will forever be loved by his family.

A celebration of life for John will take place on Saturday, November 18th at 2:00pm in Winnipeg at Green Acres Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresfuneralhome.com for the Zylstra family.