John Henry Broekema

On Sunday, January 2, 2022, John Broekema Sr., in his 90th year, joined his wife, Henny (August 2021), in heavenly glory.

John was the beloved husband for 64 years of Henny (VandenAkker) and precious father of Margaret (Arnold), John (Joanne), Rob (Jolanda) and Nancy (David) and loving Opa to 13 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. John loved his grandchildren and great children. He loved to make them laugh, smile, and giggle.

John was one of 9 children born to Willem and Martje Broekema in Sebaldeburen, Groningen, the Netherlands. He has two remaining sister-in-laws in the Netherlands, Grietje and Ank. He has many nephews and nieces in the Netherlands who will miss him.

He will also be missed by Henny’s siblings - Riet (Tom), Bert (Mieka), Joanne (George), and Gertrude and by his many Canadian nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his Canadian brother-in-laws Herman and Leo.

John immigrated to Canada on his own when he was 18 years old. In Canada he met his loving wife Henny. John worked many years as a framer, followed by work in the greenhouse as well as having helped his wife with custodial work at Covenant Christian Reformed Church. John volunteered many of his years to the CRC church as a deacon, elder, with the Friendship group, custodial work as well as volunteering at Shalom Manor.

John was well loved in his neighbourhood and church community.

Both John and Henny’s hospitality and generous hearts will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 278 Parnell Road, St.Catharines on Monday January 10th at 11:30am. In keeping with Covid guidelines, wearing of masks are mandatory.

The service will also be live streamed at www.covenant-church.ca

John's memorial video: https://youtu.be/jwunOXcd8l8

Memorial donations can be made to Beacon Christian School and Shalom Manor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HulseandEnglish.com