John was born on the family farm near Odessa, SK where he lived until he joined the army at the age of 20 and was stationed in Nanaimo, BC. After he was discharged, he moved back to Odessa where he met and married Helen. There they built a life together farming. Dad was always willing to stop his own work to give the neighbours a helping hand. He was a great welder and mechanic and could fix just about anything! John and Helen retired in Indian Head, SK and lived there for 35 years. There he spent many years working and tinkering with his son Dean at H & L Automotive. He had many friends that he would play crib with at the local coffee shops. In 2018 Mom & Dad moved into William Albert Care Home in Emerald Park, SK together. They met many new friends. Dad was always happy to see family and friends and maybe even get in a game of crib with those of us who knew how to play. The last few years Dad struggled with Alzheimer’s. He was very good at disguising it and never lost his sense of humour.
John was predeceased by their infant son David, sons-in-law Gordie Miller and Gary Male and infant granddaughter Patricia Holzapfel.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years Helen, children: Brian (Edie) Holzapfel, Brenda Miller, Dean (Cheryl) Holzapfel, Donna Holzapfel, Tim Holzapfel (Elizabeth Dusseck), Lorraine (Mallory) Englot; grandchildren: David (Tammy) Holzapfel, Shelley Holzapfel (Lucas Wirth) Chris Holzapfel, Angela (Joe) McMaster, Chelsey (Mitch) Criton, and Paige Englot (Kalvin Melnyk); great-grandchildren: Jacob and Claire Holzapfel, Wyatt and Ronin Wirth, Brynley, Benson and Addison Criton and Parker Melnyk.
There will be a private service at a later date as this was Dad’s request.
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