John Straub went to be with his Lord on June 22, 2025 at the age of 88.

John was predeceased by Erna, his wife of 58 years.

John leaves behind to cherish his memory 4 children, Robert (Wendy), Susan (Michael Sandberg), Gary (Rhonda), Karin (Ellard Kanewischer), "chosen" daughter Jacky (Bob LaRocque), 13 grandchildren and 3 great grand-daughters, numerous brother and sister-in laws, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

John was born November 12, 1936 in Romania. Due to war, the family was expelled from Romania in 1940, first going to Czechoslovakia, before relocating in Germany, where he received his education and graduated from trade school. John immigrated to Canada in 1955 at age 18, settling in Calgary, and helped bring his family over the following year. John met Erna in 1960 while attending St. John's Lutheran Church and they were married in 1961. After 15 years in Calgary, John realized a lifelong dream of buying the farm in Tilley, where they spent the following 49 years, raising crops, livestock and family. John was a man of many talents that included building, designing, fabricating, machining, mechanic, musician, being a father, grandfather and devoted husband. John loved his God and was an active and faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church during his life in Tilley. John was also community minded, helping neighbours with welding or mechanical repairs, building houses, volunteering on the Bethany Church council, church choir, Tirol Gas board and Tilley fire department. Music and singing were a gift that brought him great joy and he loved to share at every occasion and regularly entertained "the old people" at senior facilities throughout the community and playing for church. John played numerous instruments including accordion, harmonica, button accordion, zither, and even tried his hand at guitar at age 46. Proving he was never too old to learn, John took up trumpet at age 60 and became a member of the Brooks Community Band for the next 10 years.

In their retirement years, John and Erna travelled to many countries in Europe, Israel, Hawaii, Alaska and California, and throughout Canada. John was industrious, a storyteller, life-long learner and will be remembered for his love of family, his generous and gregarious nature and love of life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, Tilley on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Rev. John Theiss officiating. Interment to follow at the Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery.