John Paul Wipf, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was born April 26,

1942 on Sandhills Colony to Paul and Anna Wipf. He passed away peacefully the morning of

December 15, 2024 at Three Hills Hospital after a two-year battle with cancer.

German was his first language, and his love for his mother tongue stayed with him even after he

left the colony. Farming was in his bones, and he worked hard doing various chores around the

colony. He did well at whatever he set his mind to, whether it was milking cows, carpentry, or

bee keeping. Dad was not all work and no play, when he was a boy, he loved to go over with his

horses to the neighbours to eat cream pies and watch shows with his cousins and friends.

He gave his life to the Lord early on when he was baptised and became a member of the

Hutterite Brethren. Later on in life, he renewed his commitment to the Lord. He loved giving to

the needy and read his favourite bible every day.

On October 25, 1967 he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Stahl. They were married 57

happy years. Six children were born into their home. They lived at the Warburg and Viking

colonies before taking a giant leap of faith. At the age of 50, they left the only life they had ever

known to join their sons in Calgary in the hopes of a better future, one where they could live out

their faith in God in freedom. After several years, they moved to a farm near the Mennonite

community, close to Acme. They appreciated the closeness of the church community.

Once established on his acreage, he made his living by hobby farming, woodworking, and

market gardening with his wife. John had a big heart, often giving free vegetables and eggs to

needy families. He and Grandma Elizabeth were best known around the community for their

fruit pies, eggs, chickens, as well as smoked sausage and fish.

He loved his family and he always lit up with joy whenever he saw his grandchildren and

great-grandchildren. He had a very good sense of humour and often made his family laugh. He

loved to add intriguing details to his stories, crinkling his eyes with glee as he did so. One thing

John always did was tell people about his walk with the Lord. He never faltered in giving God

the credit for all his blessings.

After years of good health, he found out he had cancer, and that was a challenging period of his

life. He found it difficult to be laid up in the house or hospital, asking the doctors often, "When

can I go back to work?". He always lit up when talking about his chicken and sheep, often giving

directions on how to look after his animals until the day before he died.

Those left with precious memories are his wife Elizabeth and their children: Judy (Sunday),

David (Rebecca), Johnny (Jeannette), Jonathan (Kristy), Evelyn (Jonathan), Benjamin (Diane).

He will be missed by 18 grandchildren and their spouses as well as 5 great-grandchildren. He

also leaves behind two brothers, Paul and Darius, and two sisters, Matilda and Rebecca. He is

also mourned by his brother-and sister-in laws, nieces and nephews, and many other extended

family.

Loved ones gone before: His parents, one brother (David) and three sisters (Annie, Elizabeth

and Dora).

The Service can be audio-streamed HERE