John D Block

John was born in a small German village in south central Siberia, on November 6, 1913. He went to be with his Savior on November 28, 2011. He escaped Communism at age 15, through China en route to California, arriving in 1930. He was a farmer in the San Joaquin Valley. He married Kathryn Harms on November 6, 1936. Their marriage was blessed with 2 sons, James and Paul. When the boys were young, John was called by God into the ministry. After completing his formal education, which had stopped when he left his village, he began serving as pastor in Mennonite Brethren churches in California, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He retired after his final pastorate in Sacramento, CA, then spent many productive years in teaching theology and in real estate. John maintained contact with his family remaining in Siberia, visiting there 3 times, in 1978, 1991, and 2002.

In 1996 John and Kathryn moved to Thousand Oaks, CA, to live near their sons. Kathryn passed away on March 5, 2000. On February 15, 2003 John married Betty Anderson and enjoyed a new season of life. Betty passed away November 2, 2009.

John is survived by his sons, Jim Block and wife Judy of Calabasas, and Paul Block and his wife Annette of Thousand Oaks, 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Luis, David and Cesar for their dedicated care during John’s last weeks. John was a gracious man, caring for others above himself, always ready to take on a new challenge and see it through to completion. To read his autobiography, go to www.siberiaheritage.com.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Calvary Community Church designated for the Russian Orphan Ministry, or to Pioneers, designated for the ministry of Jim Overton in Russia.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Community Church at 1:30pm on Monday, December 5.

Arrangements under the direction of Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Mortuary, Westlake Village, CA.