Sawatzky, John (1897-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Jan 24 p. 31

Birth date: 1897 Sep 05

text of obituary:

JOHN SAWATZKY

John Sawatzky was born September 5, 1897 in the village of Nikolajewka in Southern Russia, to Kornelius and Katharina (nee Froese) Sawatzky. He grew up in a happy Christian home, attended the village elementary and secondary schools and later obtained some additional private instruction. At age 17 he already had to join the army but after two years he was released from military service. Then followed the difficult years of the revolution in Russia.

He was united in holy matrimony to Katharina Neufeld on December 26, 1919. Earlier that year his father had fallen prey to the typhoid epidemic and his mother passed away later that same year. They were only 48 and 49 years old. This deep personal loss had a marked effect on him.

During the years of famine and hardship their only prayer was to be able to leave Russia. He and his brother were successful in obtaining permission to leave and in 1923 with the help of Mrs. Sawatzky's brother, Herman, who was already in Canada, they emigrated together with her parents and family. The first years in Canada were difficult ones but God provided. They assisted in building up the "Mennonitische Rundschau", a German periodical. For several years they lived in Winkler. In 1928 they followed the Lord in baptism and became members of the Mennonite Brethren Church. Until he became ill in August,1974 he was employed in Winnipeg as a linotype operator, a work he loved to do. He also loved the church. For over 30 years he was a member of the food committee and for several years treasurer of the German School of the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church. He passed away December 18.

He was a loving father and grandfather and his fervent prayer was that all his children and grandchildren should come to a saving knowledge of Christ. He leaves to mourn his wife Katharina; two sons: Herman and his wife Roby, Johny and his wife Margareta; two daughters: Katie, and Anne and her husband Bill Tasker; 11 grandchildren and four great· grandchildren. He was predeceased by one son-in-law, Dietrich Wiens; his parents; two brothers and one brother-in-law.