John Siemens
July 21, 1943 – January 18, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father and grandfather John Siemens, after a lengthy cancer journey.
Left to mourn are his wife Helen, children Cale (Carolyn), Kerri, Shawn and James (Loralee). Grandchildren Berlin, Sage, Ryder, Reid, Kelsi, Fiona, Jacob, Abby, Hayden and Willow. He will be missed by his siblings, cousins and many friends.
Dad was born in Hague, Saskatchewan and spent part of his childhood growing up in Willow River and Prince George, BC. After his father passed away when Dad was 12 years old, his mother moved the family to Saskatoon to be closer to relatives. He attended school at Queen Elizabeth elementary and then high school at Rosthern Junior College in Rosthern, SK. He made lifelong friends at RJC and often spoke of how much he enjoyed his time there.
After high school he worked in Rosthern, Calgary and Ontario. He then started in the electrical trade in Saskatoon and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 55 years. His work took him to Ontario, British Columbia, northern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He liked working as an electrician and working with his co-workers.
When he was between jobs he enjoyed building homes with Habitat for Humanity and working in the kitchen at Friendship Inn.
Dad loved to travel and made many trips with Helen and family and friends to Hawaii, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Russia, Mexico, England and Ireland.
Dad spent many hours coaching hockey and soccer and was always at hockey, baseball, soccer, football, volleyball and basketball games watching his sons, and skating, gymnastics and handbell performances with his daughter. He enjoyed watching his kids participate in events even when they were adults – like Cale’s stock car racing and James’ choir performances. His love of watching his kids did not diminish as they got older.
Dad was always “on call” to help his kids with electrical or plumbing issues, or to help paint or build something. With four kids, he was never short on projects to keep him busy! He was almost always the very first call any of us kids made when we had a question about any issue, from construction to appliances to vehicles and everything in between. And he always helped us out, whether in-person or by lending an ear and helping us problem solve, even if he had to pretend he knew what we were talking about!
With his grandkids, he was as involved as any grandparent could be – watching sports, driving the kids to practices, always buying raffle tickets to support every fundraiser and helping to teach them how to drive. He loved going for lunches with his older grandkids and became a fan of Starbucks because of them. Dad also enjoyed all the sleepovers with his grandkids over the years. The sound of their laughter and their energy always made him smile. Even in the last few months of his life, he enjoyed the simple pleasure of watching his grandkids play together and could always be seen with a smile that radiated joy for his family. We all know how much being together meant to Dad and his love of family has been passed on to his children and grandchildren.
He loved the outdoors and we enjoyed years of weekend camping with family and friends, first in a tent and then with his truck and camper. In retirement he often met friends and co-workers for coffee and was always ready with stories and jokes.
In 2023 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. He responded well to some treatments at first until the cancer spread. He became weaker as time went on and was not able to go out as much and do what he loved to do.
Dad had a strong faith and this helped him to stay positive during his cancer journey. He wanted his family to know that he was going to be fine because he was eventually going to be reunited with his family and friends who had gone before him. Not long ago, Dad said, “Don’t be sad for me – you know where I’m going!” His faith was deep and everlasting.
He will be missed immensely, but we are forever grateful for the time we had together and for the opportunity to call him by his many titles – Dad, Grandpa, Opa and Johnny-Cake.
Rest easy, Dad, and keep sharing your jokes with all those around you.
A sincere thank you to Dr. Iqbal and the staff at the Cancer Centre, RUH and St. Paul’s Palliative Care Unit for their kindness and caring in looking after John.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Nutana Park Mennonite Church, 1701 Ruth Street E, Saskatoon. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE JOHN SIEMENS
(A link will be posted once available from the church. No password or login will be necessary. A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)
Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 600 45 Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5W9.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
4 Responses
Thinking of you Helen and your family! We are deeply saddened by the death of your dear Johnny. Peter was friends with John since GradeX. He is missing him so much. Thanks for all the fun times we had! The camping trips both by tent and later by camper! We are also grateful for John’s sense of humour, but most of all we were fortunate to be in the same condo and we had such great visits! May you find peace when you listen to his favorite songs and looking at your many photos.
I was always so impressed with how much love and time John put into preserving moments. His focus was always striking to me. He loved taking pictures, videos and preserving memories, more than anyone I know. He knew that even while moments passed, if they could be captured, it was worth doing and he was the one. He was right, those are the times and stories we repeat telling over and over because they meant something. As you remember him, may you know how much he loved you through his lens. He recorded so much because it all mattered to him. Sending comfort and love to all of you as you celebrate his life
My deepest condolences to the family.
My heartfelt condolences Helen, Cale, Kerri, Shaun, James and families. John was a firm but kind and compassionate man. I always felt welcome in the Siemens household lucky to benefit from their life lessons, values, compassion and love for all. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.