REUTLINGER, John Henry

October 30, 1930 — March 7, 2024

On the morning of March 7, 2024, knowing the love of his family, and the sun shining on him, John Henry Reutlinger left this world… a better place.

He was born in Humbolt, Saskatchewan, to John and Emma (Arp) Reutlinger and raised between Naicam and Lake Lenore, in the St. James district of Saskatchewan. It is here, that he learned about hard work, doing without, looking out for each other, and having integrity.

Left to carry on his memory are his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Candace Reutlinger; granddaughter, Amanda Hoxha (Andrew); grandson Christopher Reutlinger (Lorissa); and great-granddaughters Kayla, Savannah, Sage and Haeden. He was an exceptional brother to Lorraine, Bill, Clarence, Ernie, and Doris who will cherish the memories of their oldest brother. Even over the past year when his health was failing, he made his regular phone calls to check in and see how they were doing and wish them all the best on their birthdays. His step-children and their families will also remember him: Doreen Rozmarniewich (Walter d.1994), Randy Hauff (Nancy); step-grandchildren David, Brian, Brenda, Andrew, Nicole, and Cory Lee, Angela, and Emerald.

Leaving this world before him were his two loves: his wife Julie Reutlinger (d. March 24, 2000), and long-time sweetheart, Hope Bany (d. February 20, 2024). He was sadly predeceased by his parents John and Emma Reutlinger (d.1961); sisters Betty-Lou (d.1950), Margaret (d. 2021), Bertha (d. 2021), and Evelyn (d. 2023); step-daughter Evelyn Hellanius(d. 2009) and Evelyn’s husband Dennis Hellanius(d. 2014); and step-grandson Byron (d. 2005).

In the early 50’s, John left Saskatchewan for a new adventure to Prince George, BC, where he began his career in the logging industry before moving his family to Kelowna in 1974. From this time until his retirement John was a valued employee of Grey Beverages/ Pepsi. After retiring he was proud to hold a lifetime membership to the Rutland and Kelowna Senior Centres where he carpet bowled, played cribbage, danced, served at pancake breakfasts, and made many friends. You may also remember him from one of his coffee groups that gathered at McDonalds and A&W in Rutland.

John will be remembered as a kind and gentle man, a Scandinavian folk dancer, gardener, social butterfly, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy watcher, cribbage player, and loving pet parent to his pup Noogie. He had a witty sense of humour that will not be forgotten by anyone, especially the servers at the restaurants that he enjoyed eating at. John did not put a lot of value in earthly stuff. He was not one to collect things….. he collected friends and many of them; speaking fondly of everyone he met.

We wish to thank everyone who was involved in caring for John as this sad day approached.

John’s family invites both extended family and friends to join them in remembering and celebrating his life well lived on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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