John David Mierau
Sept. 4, 1928 - Oct. 26, 2004
John Mierau went to be with the Lord after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lydia, son Cameron (Linda) Mierau; and daughter Marlis (Fred) Peters. He was the loving grandfather of six teenagers: Ian, Jeffrey, and Luke Mierau, Michael, Eric and Emily Peters. He is also survived by brothers Peter (Mary) Mierau, Jake (Lucille) Mierau, Ed (Agnes) Balzer, Reuben (Esther) Balzer, and sisters Nettie Rempel, Martha Lesser, Bertha Peters, Tina Halvorson, and Elizabeth Voth.
John was born in Langham, Sask. the third youngest of a large blended family. He grew up and worked alongside his step-father and brothers on the family farm until he found employment in Saskatoon.
In June, 1957, John married Lydia Ediger and they lived and worked in Saskatoon for six years. During that time their son Cameron and daughter Marlis were born. In 1963 John’s love of the land prompted him to move his family to Abbotsford, BC where he bought a small dairy farm. Then in 1968 John and Lydia purchased another farm where he based his custom-work business and raised beef cattle. In that home of 35 years, they taught their children to love the Lord and to work hard and to enjoy themselves. John and Lydia moved to their townhouse in 1993 but instead of retiring John worked on Darshan Mahill’s farm and enjoyed his relationship with the Mahills.
John will be remembered for his deep love and devotion to God and his dedication and generosity to his church and MCC-BC. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and extended family was always evident. John also loved music, which was part of his life since childhood. He used his rich tenor voice to sing his favourite hymns that brought praise and worship to God. He also enjoyed being out in God’s creation and his life’s work and hobbies reflected that. He liked all animals and enthusiastically went on walks and hikes. Throughout his life John instilled these passions in his children and grandchildren and they thank God for his life and his wise and loving heart. He will be sadly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 3471 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MCC-BC. The family wishes to thank the staff of Sherwood Manor for their excellent and compassionate care for John Mierau.
Wiebe & Jeske
Funeral Directors
in care of arrangements
604-859-5885