Obituary of John Henry Propp

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". PROPP - John Henry Propp was born on February 12, 1921 in Rhein, Saskatchewan. He was the third child born to Alexander and Annie (nee Holstein) Propp. John attended school in Rhein and later in Yorkton when his family moved there in the 1930's. His father established Propp's Foodateria at that time. John delivered groceries with his bicycle and later went on to have a variety of jobs including driving taxi. When the Second World War broke out in Europe, John decided to serve his country and fight to protect freedom. He enlisted in the Canadian Army (Lake Superior Regiment Reconnaissance Platoon Fourth Canadian Armour Division) in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1942. He then went for basic training in Vernon, BC then continued his training in eastern Canada as a wireless operator where he excelled in understanding and using Morse Code. John went overseas and served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. After the war was officially over, he served in the army of occupation in Germany. He received his honourable discharge in 1946 and came back to Yorkton to join the Propp family business. On November 11 that same year, John was in Regina and met the love of his life, the beautiful Ethel Graves. After a brief courtship, there was a Christmas Eve proposal and a wedding was held on May 14, 1947. After the wedding, John and Ethel began their lives together in Yorkton. They were blessed with their first child Richard in 1948, followed by Randall in 1951, Debra in 1954, Judith in 1960, Alan (Jim) in 1961 and Timothy in 1967. Throughout that time, John worked at Propp's until the mid 1950's when his family started Midwest Packers which today is known as Harvest Meats. In 1970, John decided to go back where it all began and took control of Propp's Foodateria on Betts Avenue, a business that he ran with Ethel until 1990 when they retired. Retirement years were spent spoiling grandchildren, spending more time with Ethel, socializing on coffee row, gardening, keeping in touch with everyone through his computer and even having a Facebook account. John always had a keen interest in technology. In the mid 1960's he got his diploma for Radio and Television Servicing from the National Radio Institute based in Washington, DC. John was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and also a Life Member of the Lions' Club where he served as President for one term. He was also a dedicated member of his church and often shared his deep love of music by playing trumpet and singing in the choir. John watched the news and read the newspapers regularly. He gave news and current affairs his full attention and at times, it must be said, his very candid opinions. On Tuesday, September 1st, John peacefully left his home on earth and passed into the arms of his beloved Jesus. John leaves to celebrate his life, his loving wife Ethel, children: Rick (Barbara) of Calgary, Randy of Yorkton, Deb (Bob) Thompson of Yorkton, Judy Phillips of Calgary, Jim (Susan) from Saskatoon and Tim (Cher) of Calgary. His grandchildren: Jeff (Dana), Jenna (Sam), Jillian (Matt), Christiaan, Shannon (Kelly), Crystal (Jody), James (Caitlin), Amanda (Ryan), Daniel (Angela), Bethany, Kaetlyn, Dirk (Keli) and Madison. Great grandchildren; Benjamin, Aria, Nathan, Isaac, Taye, Olivia, Carter, Mekhi, Hayden, Reed, Garnett, Ciara. John's brothers: David (Shirley), Arnold (Joanne), sister Hilda and sisters-in-law Ferne & Ella, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends. John was predeceased by his parents Alexander and Annie, his brothers Ed, Fred, Ron, Rudy, and by sisters Dorothy and Ruth. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, September 7th 2015 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Richard Gibson & Rev. Devon Pattemore officiating. Reflections & remembrances were offered by John's family. Organist, Ruth McPhee led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'How Great Thou Art', 'The Old Rugged Cross', 'Amazing Grace', and 'There's Room at the Cross'. John's daughter Debra sang 'Suppertime'. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gen. Alexander Ross Branch #77, Yorkton formed the color guard and gave the Legion Tribute Service. The interment took place in the Garden of Devotion with sons Jim and Tim serving as the urnbearers. Memorials in John's name can be made to the Knox Presbyterian Memorial Fund or to one's charity of choice. Service Information Monday, September 7th, 2015 1:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens