Contributions to the tribute of John Charles Stutzman

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Debbie Dovel posted a condolence

Monday, August 26, 2019

We are so saddened to hear of John's passing. Praying for the Lord to give you strength and comfort during this tough time and the days ahead. Love, The Dovel Family (Marvin, Debbie, Mark and Melissa)

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Louise Wideman posted a condolence

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Erma, I was sorry to learn of John's death. I have fond memories of visiting Mennonite Church in Normal while on sabbatical several years ago from pastoral ministry at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. I came to your church on my own ... John was one of the first persons to approach me and welcome me there. He asked if I had lunch plans and would I join the two of you? I said yes and you took me down town for a lovely lunch. That example of generous hospitality was woven into a sermon! May the deep peace that only God can give surround you in these days of grief and remembrance. Louise Wideman

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Dr. John Gray posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

I first met John in the late summer,early fall of 1957. We worked closely together at the hospital at St. Anthony, Newfoundland. We quickly learnt that we shared so very much of life together. John was really a very accomplished man. We shared an interest in music and singing, both of us being members of the choir of the United Church which we both attended, this being the only church on the side of the harbour where the hospital was situated. We sang together in the choir along with other Mennonite staff of the Grenfell Mission, both nurses and teachers, along with one MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) member who operated the radio telephone at the hospital. As noted above, the particular area to which he resumed responsibility was along southern Labrador, and in winter I know that he made several trips along that bleak but beautiful wilderness, travelling in winter by dogteam. John spent six years on this coast as the sole doctor responsible for an extensive length of coastline with several communities and outports, and would have to face whatever medical conditions and emergencies came his way. I look back on that year together when John met Erma, and I met my wife Fiona, who came to the Mission as a volunteer for a year. Along with the nursing component of MCC and the teachers who came out through that organization, we made for a very cohesive and happy crowd. Since that time, John and I have remained in close contact over the years, and it was not so very long ago that John so graciously said that I was his greatest friend, a rare and much appreciated comment. Needless to say, I felt the same about John, and confess that it was with great sorrow and with the shedding of some tears that I learnt of his passing. Even when he was in hospital we kept in email contact, which was quite remarkable considering his injuries and chest complications. It was touching for me to hear that John had an open, yet unwritten email to me on his phone at his passing, whereas I had a note as a reminder on my desk to call John. I can truly say that whatever John did he did well. Whether it was in the operating room, or demonstrating empathy and understanding when seeing the numerous outpatients who flocked from isolated settlements on the norther peninsula of Newfoundland and the coast of Labrador. He adopted, so to speak, the area of southern Labrador from Forteau to Red Bay where I have no doubt whatsoever that many of the older population remember him with affection and respect. It was of course in St. Anthony that he met Erma, and I recall very clearly the summer that he got engaged we were in holiday in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, when he somehow located the cabins where we were staying and rang to tell us of his engagement. John is well known in our family and is warmly spoken of as JCS. My wife Fiona, and our four children, remember him as being a warm and welcome friend of the family, as of course was Erma. I wish to pass on to Erma, and the many members of John's close extended family, my deep gratitude for John's life, and my heartfelt condolences to you all as you remember and celebrate John's life at service tomorrow.

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Marion Mapel posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Dr. Stutzman was an awesome person and kind clinician. I worked both Mennonite, Brokaw and later BROMENN in the Medical Records dept. I would see Dr. routinely when he came to the department to complete his medical records. I would transcribe. ( "type") his dictated reports. Always enjoyed his smile and the way he treated the staff. He will be truly missed. God received one of the best in Dr. STUTZMAN.

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Jim Stutzman uploaded photo(s)

Monday, August 12, 2019

We will miss "Uncle" John dearly! He had a passion for life, for learning, and for helping others. We have fond memories of when he visited our home in Lancaster, PA, after attending a strings camp in 2008. Here he is showing us his beautiful cello and playing with Emma.

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Jim Stutzman uploaded photo(s)

Monday, August 12, 2019

We loved visiting John and Erma in their various homes in Bloomington and Normal. We remember their warm hospitality, interest in our lives, meaningful discussions of current events, and lots of laughter. Thank you, John, for sharing your life and passions with others. The world is not as bright without you here. Love, Jim, Ann, Emma, Ben Stutzman, Lancaster PA

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Terry S Mast posted a condolence

Sunday, August 11, 2019

I hold so much love for this dear man. John was first cousin to my dad, Robert L. Stutzman, and in emotional and spiritual reality, they were brothers for one another through childhood, college at Bluffton, medical school, medical practice, church activities, family gatherings, vacations together with their life partners. What a remarkable list of shared joys, adventures, and mutual respect! John, yours was a life so well lived and one of service and support to many others. Please accept my condolences to friends and extended family of Erma's in Ontario, and to Erma directly. Love and peace to you all. - Terry Stutzman Mast, Colorado

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Henry Jonnalagadda posted a condolence

Sunday, August 11, 2019

What a great testimony of life n legacy that John has left behind ! Though, not related to him anyways, I am touched n inspired after reading the obituary above. I am fully convinced that John is safe n sound in the arms of Jesus now I have had the privilege of praying for him in the last few days following a prayer request by Rick from Valleyview Mennonite Church, of which I am a member and I feel humbled n blessed to pray for him. My prayers of comfort for his wife n the rest of the family members following his demise. I praise God for enabling him to live a life so endearing n pleasing to our Lord. Peace Henry Jonnalagadda

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Rick Shantz uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, August 11, 2019

John with great nephews Ben and Jon at Rainbow Rock, Oregon.

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The family of John Charles Stutzman uploaded a photo

Saturday, August 10, 2019

John Charles Stutzman

1928 - 2019