Krahn, John J.
June 3, 1924 – November 4, 2015
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing of John Krahn on Wednesday, November 4 in Calgary, Alberta. John was born in Dobrovka, a village in the Orenburg Mennonite Settlement, Russia in 1924.
Leaving Russia in 1929, John, his parents, one brother and one sister wintered on the Kiel Canal in northern Germany, arriving on the S.S. Melita in New Brunswick in 1930. Many immigrants to Canada at that time were subject to quarantine conditions, in the family’s case the location was what immigrants called ‘Immigration Island’ (actually called Partridge Island in Saint John harbour). After a brief quarantine period the family travelled by train to Saskatchewan.
The family settled near other relatives in the Bridgeford and Rush Lake areas of south central Saskatchewan. The family moved from there to the Gem/Rosemary/Duchess area of southern Alberta in about 1940. John stayed behind until about 1942 when he moved to join the family in Alberta. From there, John worked at various locations in southern Alberta, mainly as a farmhand; plus, a brief stint of military training in 1945. World War II ended just prior to his being shipped out, which caused his release from the Canadian Army.
After this he and his brother Jake looked for work at various places on farms, on oil rigs and other locations in the Calgary area.
Sometime in the early 1950’s John met Agnes and married in November, 1952 in Calgary. In October, 1953 Bob was born and John moved the family to the house that would be called home for 53 years in the small Calgary community of Montgomery. John worked for the Alberta government for about 29 years, retiring in 1982.
John leaves behind sons Bob (Juanita), Ernie and Dave (Dawn); daughters Julie (Gordon) and Rose; grandchildren Erica (Martin), Tim, Jennifer, Freddy, Jaden and Avery; great grandson Thomas; brothers Pete (Helen), George and Henry (Miriam); sisters Helen and Marie (Alan); brother-in-law Helmut; plus numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his wife Agnes; brother Jake; sisters Annie and Sue; and brother-in-law Otto.
John was a very caring family man and loving grandfather. He had great love for his wife, Agnes in their 47 years of marriage. He was a person that loved to talk and tell stories to anyone that was willing to listen. He loved cars and was often telling stories about cars he had known as a young man. He loved history and relating his personal experiences about the old country as a very young child. Plus, he loved living in his adopted country of Canada.
John will be missed as a father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Sunday, November 8, 2015 from 2:00 pm. to 4:00 p.m.
A Graveside Service will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery