JAN JONKER

JAN JONKER October, 10, 1962 ~ November 18, 2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Jan Manuel Jonker announce his sudden passing in Recklinghausen, Germany on Monday, November 18, 2024 at the age of 62 years. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Annemarie; his daughters who he was so proud of, Megan (Jackson), Janine (Luke); brother, Hinderikus (Hester); sister-in-law, Irene (Jaap); brother-in-law, Peter (Janny); Aunt Piety as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Harm and Geessina Jonker; uncle, Haiko Geertsema and Annemarie’s parents, Wolter and Margreet Rensink. Jan was born on October 10, 1962, in Groningen, The Netherlands. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from agricultural college in 1983. He loved horses and was an active rider, especially show jumping. It was at the arena where he would meet the love of his life, Annemarie. They were married on May 15, 1992 in Veendam, The Netherlands. In 1996, they made the decision to immigrate to Canada to pursue farming. They first lived in Millet and Fort Macleod before settling in Bow Island in 1998, where they would start their family. Jan was so proud of his daughters, their achievements, and was so excited to see where life would take them. He loved nothing more than supporting them through all their milestones, and could always be found in the stands of every single one of their basketball games. Jan didn’t just farm, he loved farming, it was his passion. He was very humble and he took pride in producing the best crops he possibly could and this showed through his sugar beets. He was a five time beet king, and although he never admitted it, he was proud of these achievements. When Jan wasn’t spending his time dedicated to the farm, he could be found watching Formula 1, often with Janine. No matter how early the race was, they could always be found watching it together. In the summer months when time allowed, he loved camping and golfing, and spent as much time as he could doing this. Jan was stubborn and honest but always came off kind and had a great sense of humour. He was the type of person who was funny without trying to be funny; bringing so much joy and laughter to his family. Annemarie, Megan and Janine will miss him so much! A Celebration of Jan’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W. Medicine Hat on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Roger Lobb officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience Jan’s service may visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Private interment will take place prior to the service in the Bow Island Cemetery. Memorial donations in Jan’s name may be made directly to HALO Air Ambulance, 12 – 1 Airport Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5G4. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”