The death of John Driedger of Brandon and formerly of Justice, occurred suddenly in Brandon on September 5, 2001. John Driedger was born into a Mennonite family, November 6, 1920 in Memrik, Ukraine. The family left Russia in 1924, and settled in Western Manitoba. John grew up in the communities of McAuley, Harding, Foxwarren, Rapid City and Moore Park. John's education was received at Boyle School and Foxwarren. He was needed on the farm and was unable to complete his education. At the age of 17, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, which made a change in his life. John and Katie were married in 1948 and began farming at Justice, raising grain, cattle and poultry. They were members of the Justice Mennonite Brethren Church and contributed in many ways. Later, John and Katie retired to Brandon and joined the Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church. While raising their children, they were very supportive of the children's involvements in 4-H and youth groups. John always enjoyed carpentry throughout his life. Once he retired, he developed his woodworking skills, building cedar furniture and planters as well as oak tables. He also volunteered his time between helping at the M.C.C. stores in Brandon and cultivating trees at his son's tree farm. John took a great deal of interest and pride in his family and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Katie and their children: daughters, Marion of Brandon; Ruth (Al) Froese of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and grandsons, Mark, Dan, and Chris; son, Len (Lorri) of Russell, Manitoba, and grandsons, Eric, Adam, Miles, Kurt, and Caleb; son, Fred (Lori) of Brandon, and grandchildren, Matthew and Katie; daughter, Joyce (Ken) Friesen of Springstein, Manitoba, and grandsons, Michael, Jonathan and Bradley. John is also survived by his brothers, Jake, Peter, Henry, and Walter; and sister, Mary Lepp and their families. He was predeceased by his father, John, mother, Mary, brothers, George and Abe and sister, Betty. The funeral ceremony was held at the Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church, 1525 - 26th Street on Monday, September 10, 2001 with Pastor David Ens officiating. Pallbearers were grandsons, Eric Driedger, Adam Driedger, Chris Froese, Dan Froese, Michael Friesen, and Jonathan Friesen. Flower bearers were grandchildren, Matthew and Katie Driedger. Interment followed at the Sparling Cemetery, Justice, Manitoba. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideon's, P.O. Box 20060, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5Y8. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Gideon's Brandon Camp