John Holtmann was born on May 24th, 1950, the youngest of Heinrich and Johanna Holtmann’s eight children. He grew up on a dairy farm in Rosser, Manitoba, and would want you to know that he had a wonderful happy childhood.
John was a family man, the pillar of his family. Married to Mary-Jane at the age of 22, they raised five children, Charles (Sherri), Andrew (Lisa), Daniel (Kendra), Mathew (Ashley) and Caitlin (Randy). These children in turn blessed him with six grandchildren. There was much happiness in the Holtmann household and many wonderful camping trips, ski trips, and Sunday dinners. John’s family was much larger then this though. His brothers and sisters, his nephews and nieces, all felt the warmth of his love, his interest and his advice. He was delighted to include a great many of them on annual spring break pilgrimage to the great white altar Colorado ski slopes or to the Fernie Trails.
John was always active in his community. During the years of his children’s youth he was involved in their sports activities at the local community club and supported many community initiatives and charitable organizations. He was an active parishioner at Mary Mother of the Church and served as the fund raising coordinator for the new church and on the building committee for South Park Estates. He made friends wherever he went.
John was an accomplished businessman. At the age of 21 he took a summer job at Vita Health and never left. Eventually owning the company, he derived great pleasure and satisfaction from guiding and growing the business. It was a source of particular pride for him to see his son take over. On a national level, John served on the board of the Canadian Health Food Association and was a founding member of the Health First Network. He contributed to the evolution of the natural products industry that exists in Canada today.
John was a devoted friend. He was interested in people and formed rich relationships with many, working hard maintain contact over long distances of time and space. He had friendships that have spanned his lifetime. John was an organizer of good times, and when he arrived he brought the party.
John Holtmann was many different things to many different people. The said, he was always genuine, always sincere and always gave his whole self to whatever he did. This man was loved.
Prayers will be said on Wednesday, December 7 at 7:00 pm at Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive with Fr. Kevin Bettins the Celebrant. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 8 at 11:00 a.m. with Interment in Thomson “In the Park” Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Christmas Cheer Board, Winnipeg, 1385 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0G3.