Johan “John” Boersen, age 77 of Stratford, passed away peacefully at Sakura House on July 17, 2018. Born in Stoutenburg, Holland, on June 19, 1941, son of the late Ysbrand and Adriana Boersen, John immigrated to Canada with his whole family in 1951.
Survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Viola (Wolfe) Boersen; his son and daughter, Mark and Mary; his brothers and sisters, Annie Bokkers (Peter), Ted, Gerry (Renelda), Henk (Emma), Joan Oud, and Aleida Vlasman (Joe); his in-laws, Judy, Ann, and Liz Boersen, Margaret Wolfe, Ellen Wolfe (Bruce Mitchell), Pearl Wolfe (Howard Elliott), and Mary Wolfe. Predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Borden and Sadie (Wilhelm) Wolfe; his brothers, John, Tony and Bert Boersen; his sisters, Dora Olsthoorn (Adrian) and Betty Gras (Andre); and, his in-laws, Martina Boersen, Peter Oud, Ruth, George, and Johnny Wolfe, and Geoff Fry.
John loved working with his hands and being outdoors. He farmed in Ellice Township until moving to Stratford in 2009. His greatest joy was helping family, friends, and neighbours in any way possible. Known to all for his friendly personality and witty sense of humour, he was quick to make friends and share jokes. He was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, where he ushered during Masses. In his last days he thought every day was Sunday and wanted to go to Mass.
Sincere thanks to his caring family and neighbours, for accompanying him with love, prayer, and visits throughout the months of his illness. A very special thanks to Fr. Dick Bester and Fr. David Butler, for their spiritual support throughout his journey. Lastly, a heart-felt thanks and appreciation for the nurses and caregivers from Care Partners, Dr. Kulkarni, and the entire staff at Sakura House, for helping the family care for him at every moment of the way.
Visitation will be at Francis Funeral Home, 77 Woodstock St. N., Tavistock, on Friday, July 20, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Family is invited to gather at 1:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Parish Prayers will commence at 1:45 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 96 Huron Street, Stratford on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Fr. David Butler as celebrant. There will be a visitation at St. Joseph’s one hour prior to the Mass. Private family burial will be in Avondale Cemetery, Stratford, at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church Restoration Fund through Francis Funeral Home (519-655-2431).
