John J. Unger, beloved husband of Susie Unger, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at the age of 90 years.
John was born on May 13, 1921 in Kiptchak in the Crimean Peninsula of Southern Russia. In 1925, his family immigrated to Canada, settling in Coaldale. John attended grades 3-9 at the school in Readymade. He held his teacher, Mr. Roycroft, in high esteem and we often heard quotes like “Nothing is a bargain if you don’t need it.”
At age 17, John was trying to decide whether to pursue farming or to study medicine. Seeking to know God’s will, he drew lots. The outcome was to continue farming. He committed himself to this vocation and strove to farm to the very best of his ability. In 1966, at the age of 45, John suffered a major heart attack. In spite of continued health limitations, John lived with this focus: to fulfill our task on earth is to do our best in whatever talent God has given us. He believed that “a man of God, in the will of God, is immortal until God’s work for him is finished”. On May 31, 2011, he drew his last breath and went to meet his Saviour face to face; his work on earth was done. John’s study of the Word of God shaped his faith, giving him a strong sense of right and wrong. He leaves behind a legacy of steadfast and unwavering faith. John is survived by Susie (his wife of nearly 65 years) and children John (Merrill), Melvin (Betty), Terry (Susan), Linda, Alfred (Diane), Edith, Clarence (Theresa), 19 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by his parents John and Aganetha Unger, brothers Dan and Henry, sister Margaret, and son-in-law Florian. A celebration of John’s life will be held at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 - 17 St., Coaldale, at 11:00am on Saturday, June 4 with Pastor Manfred Boller officiating. Interment will precede the service at 10:00 at the Coaldale Cemetery; friends and family are welcome.

Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, #210, 2946-32 St NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6J7, or online https://donate.mcc.org Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca