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John Van Nistelrooy Mass Recording

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Van Nistelrooy, John

January 9, 1956

July 17, 2025

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Date of Service: July 30, 2025

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of JOHN FRANK VAN NISTELROOY on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 in Lethbridge, AB.

John was born in Lethbridge on January 9th, 1956, the second of seven children to Gerry and Annie Van Nistelrooy. He was raised on the farm in Iron Springs, where he made many memories growing up and working alongside his family.

He met and married his high school sweetheart Bonnie Bailey in Picture Butte, where a vision of the life they would build together first took shape. The goal of having a farm came to fruition when land was purchased in Enchant AB in 1977. Over the next 40 years, he raised his family while continuing to build and diversify the business, with the addition of a cattle operation, and enjoyed success watching it grow. It brought him pleasure spending time with family, building a life and legacy, and making many lifelong friends and memories that were with him until his passing. His unique perspective served him and those around him well, as he volunteered and served on many boards until his retirement to Lethbridge in 2017.

Over the years, he always loved playing cards with family and friends, sought out new challenges, found adventure in travel, and enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren, biking, going to the park, and attending their numerous dance and sporting events. He took great pride in his home and yard, and in always being there when anyone was in need of advice, a helping hand, conversation, a well-timed pick-me-up, or just a coffee together. He could always be counted on.

He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie; two children Jeff (Lynn) and Jodie (Moira); his three adoring grandchildren Beau, Shea, and Taryn; father Gerard Van Nistelrooy; siblings Frank (Helen), Henry (Wendy), Albert, MaryAnne (Soren) Christensen, Martin (Jackie), and Kenny (Karen); as well as brothers and sister-in-law Allan (Shirley) Bailey, Gary (Nita) Bailey and Michelle (Doug) Edwards along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is also survived by a close group of his cherished lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by his mother Annie, mother and father-in-law Yvonne and Leroy Bailey, sister-in-law Sheri, niece Adrienne, and close friend Vivian Ragan.

We welcome you to honour the Life of John with us. A Prayer Vigil will be held at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH – 1011 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. A Reception and Celebration of John’s Life will follow.

Both the Prayer Vigil and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through John’s obituary on the Cornerstone website at their respective times.

A private family Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, where John will be laid to rest.

Special thanks to Brenda and the staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for their dedication and compassion, which we deeply appreciated.

To the family and friends who have, and continue to come together in the journey of John’s illness and loss alongside us, we have valued your support, visits, kind words and gifts. There are not words to express how much it has meant to both John and ourselves.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you follow in John’s example, and give of yourself in time, caring and gifts to those around you.

The void left in Johns passing can never be filled, and he will be deeply missed now and always by friends, family, and all who knew him.

If you have any photos of John, please email them to care@cornerstonefh.ca and they will be shared with the family.