M.A Clark & Sons

Rev. John Woelfle

January 16, 1933 - January 2, 2021

Rev. John Woelfle
January 16, 1933 - January 2, 2021

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Rev. John Woelfle. He was predeceased by his one true love, Jessie, his sister Marilyn (George) Wilson and his parents Walter and Essie Woelfle. Beloved father to Paul Woelfle (Amy) and Sharon (Chris) Schotsman. Adored grandfather to Chloe (Michael), Sarah (Paul), Colette (Kane) and great grandfather to Avery.

John loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his friends. He lived an intentional, full and remarkable life. John was originally from Galt, Ontario. He started dating Jessie in grade 10. They both attended McMaster University, where Jessie studied nursing and John Physics and Chemistry. After receiving his undergrad in Science, John continued his studies and received his Master’s of Science, department of Physics. They married and thus began their life together. They were called to work abroad as missionaries serving under Canadian Baptist Ministries. In 1960, John and Jessie moved to Visakhapatnam, AP, India where John was a teacher at Timpany School. On furlough in 1967, John studied at Gordon College in Boston and received his M.Ed. Then in 1971 they moved to Kodaikanal, TN, India to work at Kodaikanal International School. During a furlough John studied at McMaster Divinity School and received his M.Th In 1991, John and Jessie moved back to Canada and John became the pastor at Ancaster Baptist Church till his retirement. John spent his life serving his Lord and Saviour, with Jessie at his side. We are thankful he is now resting in the arms of Jesus.

We are thankful to Emma, Christine, Juliet, Cita, Daiseree, Nora, Hailey, Kristina, Chiu Ian, and Michelle for the love and care they showed toward John while at Shalom, and to Kathy at LHIN, and to M A Clark & Sons Funeral Home for their ongoing support.

In memoriam, donations may be made to Candian Baptist Ministries (cbmin.org), Harmony Baptist Church (harmonybaptist.ca), Shalom Village (shalomvillage.ca) or Kodaikanal International School (kis.in/community/giving-to-kis/).

Due to the pandemic a private service will take place and cremation has already taken place. Please leave us any stories you may have of John.

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Stan Grummett

Posted on: January 16, 2021

Today would have been John’s 88th birthday. Although I am saddened by his passing, I am gladdened by the knowledge he is finally united with his beloved Jessie. John was a wonderful pastoral mentor, colleague and friend. I was personally blessed by his quick wit, dry humour, and that mischievous twinkle in his eye. John was not afraid to question the status quo, or to offer corrective advice when needed albeit always with a kind, gentle spirit. For a science major, he was nevertheless quite adept at detecting grammatical flaws in my sermons and I certainly kept him busy with that. Perhaps what I now miss most are those occasions when we would meet alone and delve into difficult, puzzling theological issues like suffering. John was never afraid to be open and honest about his fears, his doubts, and his disappointments with God. But in that he offered me a glimpse of his deep, deep love for Jessie, and his dynamic trust and faith in his Saviour and Lord.
To Paul and Sharon, may you be comforted in knowing that your father was a blessing to so many.

Jonathan and Esther Rudd

Posted on: January 16, 2021

Very sorry to hear about Uncle John's passing. Both he and aunt Jessie were so kind and gentle, always showing great interest in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul, Sharon and the entire family during this difficult time.

Kelley Bartlett

Posted on: January 11, 2021

Goodbye Uncle John. I have such fond memories of your visits when home on furlong, with Aunt Jessie and later with Paul and Sharon as well. You provided pre-marital counselling when Jason and I got engaged and later officiated our wedding ceremony. I use to love hearing stories from mom and grandma of when you and mom were kids. You and Jessie were special people. Our condolences to Paul, Sharon and all those whose life you touched.

Branko Vuckovich

Posted on: January 9, 2021

To the family of John Woelfle we would like to express our condolences
on hearing the passing of John. We will remember John as a kind, respectful neighbor who always had a gentle smile. John loved to take his dog Molly for walks daily.
He was a true gentlemen.
Branko and Donna

Patricia Barton

Posted on: January 9, 2021

My condolences to the family.
I spent many Sunday afternoons with John at Shalom village as we participated in organizing the church services. We had many discussions on a variety of of topics interspersed with his lovely smile and quiet humour.
I feel privileged to have known John and will miss him at Shalom when we are back to the Sunday afternoon services.

Tammy Collins

Posted on: January 8, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Deepest condolences to Sharon, Paul and families.

Karen Carder Hunt

Posted on: January 7, 2021

Saddened to hear of “Uncle” John’s passing. He was a wonderful gentle thoughtful person. A couple of months ago I came across slides of he and Aunt Jessie in Vizag on their scooter at the beginning of their India adventure.

Beth Cullen Keidann

Posted on: January 7, 2021

My deepest sympathy to Sharon, Paul and family. John was a kind and gentle man with a warm smile. Always enjoyed connecting with him and Jessie while in Kodai and at the India family reunions. May God comfort you all. Well done good and faithful servant.

Aneeta Vankayala Thandi

Posted on: January 7, 2021

REST IN PEACE
Thanks for making things easier for a homesick Canadian in Kodaikanal. I will always truly appreciate that.

Mary Weddington Poetker

Posted on: January 6, 2021

Mr. Woelfle was a wonderful Chemistry teacher at Kodaikanal School where I probably took Chemistry in 1971 or 72. He always had a gentle spirit even when we frustrated him with our cheeky behaviors being in boarding school and rebellious kids of the 60’s/70’s. I am sure he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to his family. He loved the Lord and it showed as he walked life out. Bless you all as you miss him and remember his life. Both Henry and I remember him fondly. Mary

Peggy Anderson

Posted on: January 6, 2021

I was sorry to read of John’s passing. He and Jessie were true friends while he was serving in Ancaster and we spent any wonderful times with them.Were around when all three of their girls were born and watched them grow into lovely young ladies. My love and prayers are with you.

Sandra Ricketts

Posted on: January 6, 2021

My loving sympathy to all the Woelfle family and friends. It was my joy to know John and Jessie in India years ago, and then back in ON, Canada. Yes, I affirm all the wonderful things already written above. Both were wonderful followers of Jesus. Prayers and Deepest sympathy, Sandra

Barry Keicher

Posted on: January 6, 2021

" I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Barry Keicher

Posted on: January 6, 2021

Deepest condolences to to both Sharon and Paul and the entire Woelfle family on the passing of a dear father , grandfather and certainly a loving husband to Jessie especially in her time of need. I grew up with Essie and Walter along with John and Jessie and it was truly a delight to know and be related to these people . Many hours of fun and laughter at our cottage in Minden and it was John in particular along with some others that led me to the Lord. John is in Heaven as I write this and his many rewards will be forthcoming from his Lord and Savior.

Kenneth Jackson

Posted on: January 6, 2021

"Amen !" to all of those who have written in appreciation of John. I was deeply impressed with his care of Jessie. I recall attending a funeral years ago. John and Jessie were present. It was plain to me that Jessie was experiencing challenges. It was equally plain that John was tender and gentle in his care of her. A wonderful reminder to all of us.

Kamala Venkatraman

Posted on: January 6, 2021

A noble soul.Om Shanti ! Om Shanti
Knew him and Jessie while at KIS..was in the Rotary also.

Gary Caldwell

Posted on: January 6, 2021

We have lost a soul and colleague with a warm and gentle heart, a compassionate ear, a quiet wisdom, a seeker of knowledge, and a discerning mind. His love of people, and in particular for his precious family, was always evident. May God bless you with warm and wonderful memories and the influence he leaves with you.

Umesh Kulkarni

Posted on: January 6, 2021

Our sympathies to Paul, Sharon, and the Woelfle family. Our paths crossed briefly at Kodai. He always carried a warm smile and a friendly word. May his soul Rest In Peace.

Craig Rumble

Posted on: January 6, 2021

It was a true privilege to know John through our connection at McMaster and his ministry in Ancaster. He was a generous listener and thoughtful speaker, always open to learning something new. What a deeply loving heart he had for all!

Anne Drost

Posted on: January 6, 2021

John was a very kind man. When I worked at CBM (I'm retired now) I spoke to John regularly. He always enjoyed our conversations and he really missed Jessie after she died. John was a man of deep faith and now rests in Gods hands. Peace and comfort to his family,

David Blake Willis and Mika Obayashi, Kobe, Japan

Posted on: January 6, 2021

Our Deepest Condolences, Sharon, Paul, and Families for Such a Great Loss... John was one of my favorite people at Kodai. Something about the Ontario connection we both shared (my Grandfather was from Ayr/Guelph/Galt/Kitchener as his Dad was a Pastor that side).... He will be so missed... A Kind Soul.... With Our Prayers for John and Jessie Both... David and Mika

Richard Evelyn

Posted on: January 5, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I always enjoyed seeing him at the NHA Men's Rally dinner. A great man who would encourage others to use their gifts and talents to build God's Kingdom. I am especially blessed to have received John's words of encouragement in so many ways and will always remember him and Jessie and their dedication to God's leading in many Ministry capacities. Blessings and condolences sent to the family at this time.