Date of Birth: December 3, 1960
Date of Death: December 7, 2018
John Mike Buchholzer passed away on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, Sask., at the age of 81 years, with his loving wife by his side.
John was born to Katherine Buchholzer (Young) and Mike Buchholzer on Aug. 4, 1937 in Melville, Sask. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
On Dec. 3, 1960, John married Dee (Donalda) Davis. John and Dee lived in several places
throughout their marriage, including Grenfell and Winnipeg, where John held various jobs. They eventually returned to Melville with their two sons and one daughter, where John retired from his job at Morris Industries in 2002.
John enjoyed numerous camping trips with his family, where the highlight was eating his famous pancakes. He also enjoyed his fishing trips with his sons, his trips to Chitek Lake, Niagara Falls, Maui, Nova Scotia and Alaska.
John enjoyed his retirement to the fullest, as he was active to the very end. From fly-in fishing trips to building decks, finishing basements, rolling dice or simply having a one-on-one discussion with him, he had a lasting effect on many. One outstanding quality about him was the love of his family. Any moment spent with his kids, grandkids or great-grandkids was extra special.
Over the years, John and Dee enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. John enjoyed coffee row, woodworking, camping, fishing, hunting, dancing and travelling. He volunteered for the Hamlet of Westview as a board member and a volunteer firefighter, sat on the Regional Park Board and enjoyed driving bus for the Melville Girl Guides.
John was predeceased by his father, Mike Buchholzer; his step-father, George Berenyi, Sr.; his mother, Katherine Berenyi; and his brother, Ernie Buchholzer.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dee Buchholzer; son, Michael Buchholzer (Charlene) and family, Matthew Buchholzer (Lara) and daughter, Quinn, Amanda Buchholzer; daughter, Brenda Kowbel (Robert) and family, Sara Schultz (Mike Campbell and daughter, Ava, Jessica Ivanochko (John) and daughters, Rebecca and Charlotte, Kristle Dumalski (Josh); son, Mark Buchholzer (Dana Reid) and family, Mackenzie Buchholzer, Zachary Buchholzer, Brayden Reid, Michaela Reid; sisters, Ruth Szaroz and Shirley Burant; brother, George Berenyi, Jr.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Pat Uhll, Vivian and Harry Uhll, Allan and Vi Davis, Chuck and Louise Lalonde, Eileen and Wilf Ludwar, and Karen McKay; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
John’s funeral service was held on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Melville, with the Rev. Doug Schmirler officiating, assisted by Margaret Anne Yost. Marilyn Senyk led the congregation in singing the hymns, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” “Jesus Loves Me” and “Joy to the World.” Readers were Kristle Dumalski and Sara Schultz, and the urn bearers were Matthew and Zach Buchholzer.
Interment will take place in Melville City Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
