ZEINSTRA, John

ZEINSTRA JOHN ZEINSTRA, cherished husband of Christine Zeinstra and beloved father of Roger Zeinstra, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Center – Palliative Care Unit on April 23, 2024 at the age of 80 years.
John was born on May 24, 1943 in Achlum, Friesland, NL, and emigrated to Picture Butte in 1965. In 1973, he married Celeste LeClair. They farmed and raised their family at Picture Butte and Enchant. After Celeste’s death in 2020, he became re-acquainted with Christine Williams. John and Christine were married in June 2023. John was, especially, excited about becoming “Grandpa” to Christine’s 9 grandchildren.
John had an easy and contagious laugh, a generous spirit, and was rarely seen without a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He loved time spent with family and friends, “crop tours”, and traveling near and far. He was an active member of the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers Association, the Picture Butte Tractor Club, and the Picture Butte Elks Club, among others, holding positions on the Board of Directors in most of the organizations he supported. John was one of the initial investors in the Picture Butte Golf Club – although he never golfed a game! He was also on the Board of Directors for the building of the Picture Butte Sportsplex.
John was very strong in his faith, which gave him courage and peace when faced with unexpected health challenges in his final days. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus in both Picture Butte and Lethbridge, serving in many capacities including Faithful Navigator. He was honored to be a 4th degree KC for many years.
John is survived by his wife Christine; son Roger; brothers Morris (Jackie) and Jerry (Dixie); sister Truus; brothers-in-law Yves (Ronni), Denis (Cheryl) and Gilles (Tina); Christine’s children: Diane Weening-Arsenault (Russell), Anthony Bastiaansen (Pearl), and Denise Block (Neil); grandchildren: Maija, Mark, Amaris (Richard) and Aiden Weening; Jacobus and Teagan Bastiaansen, and Arika, Lauren and Dane Block; and their families; sister-in-law Sheila Pyne (Mike); numerous nephews and nieces, and many treasured friends.
John was predeceased by his first wife, Celeste, his son Robert, his parents, parents-in-law, 5 siblings and 3 siblings-in-law.
Thank you to the doctors and nursing staff of the Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for their exceptional care of John!
A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com