John Overeem

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Jan (John) Overeem, beloved husband of Mrs. Judith Overeem, in Picture Butte, Alberta, on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the age of 89 years.

Dad was born in Veenendaal, Holland on March 18, 1932, to Cornelis and Kaatje Overeem and immigrated to Canada in 1949 at the age of 17, along with his parents and sister Johanna. He married Judith Slingerland on April 8, 1958, and they spent 63 years together. During those years, Dad and Mom spent twenty years in Rainier farming and running a ceramic business; then in 1984, they moved to Picture Butte and operated a woodworking business. Dad was also a bus driver for Calvin Christian School for many years. In his retirement, Dad started work on building a plane and joined the Lethbridge Flying Club. They especially enjoyed the Saturday morning breakfasts with the LFC, as well as travelling all throughout the United States, attending airshows. In October 2019, due to progressive kidney failure, Dad started dialysis and they moved to Bethesda Care Home in July 2021.

He is survived by his children Kathy (Matt) Jakober, Casey, Jenny (Anthony) Vanden Hoek, Joanne (Roy) Van Driesten, Corrie Davidson, Cor and special friend Marie, Judy (Art) Arends, John (Juanita), Jake (Margaret), Joyce (Andre) Van Weverwyk, Marilyn (Jan) VanderMeer, and Brenda (Wout) van Luik; sixty-one grandchildren and forty-one great grandchildren.

He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law Jannie de Kok, Fygje Van Herk, Coby Slingerland and Anneke Slingerland; brothers and sisters-in-law Wim (Teuni) Slingerland, Tony (Margaret) Slingerland and Andy (Nita) Slingerland.

He was predeceased by his parents; in laws Cornelis and Jannigje Slingerland; son in law Martin Davidson; sister Johanna Thomassen; brothers in law Kees Slingerland, Teun Van Herk, Jake Slingerland, Allen Thomassen and Huib de Kok.

Our family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Wong and all of the nurses at the Lethbridge Renal Clinic, Lethbridge Family Services Home Care, and all of the staff at Bethesda Care Home for the expert and compassionate care Dad received.

Opportunity for Condolences will take place from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Picture Butte.

Interment will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.  Please be aware that COVID 19 protocols for outdoor gatherings will be followed.

A Service for family and close friends will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, October 15, 2021 at NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE with Reverend E.C. Adams, officiating. Please be advised that COVID 19 protocols for worship services will be followed.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  For those who wish, donations may be made to Bethesda Care Home, Picture Butte, Alberta, T0K 1V0.

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