Obituary of Fr. John Casper Zunti OMI

ZUNTI,

Fr. John OMI

1933 - 2020

 

 

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The death of Fr John Zunti, occurred peacefully on Friday October 23, 2020 in Saskatoon. Fr John was born November 10, 1933, on the family farm near Luseland, Saskatchewan to Jacob and Paula Zunti.

Fr John began school at the Deer Lodge School and completed grade twelve at St. Thomas College, North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

After completing high school John worked for farmers near the Saskatchewan communities of Luseland, Major, Wilkie, and Debden. In 1959, John moved to an area around Peace River country in Northern Alberta to fulfill his dream of becoming a homesteader. John ranched there for many years as well as worked in the oil and gas industry as a heavy equipment operator. From here, John changed his life’s direction.

In 1983, Fr John enter the Novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at Brother Anthony Novitiate, St Albert, Alberta. Fr John’s Novice Master was Fr. Joseph Blatz, OMI.

Fr John took his First Vows, June 28, 1984 in St Albert, Alberta, and in August 1987, Fr John entered into Priesthood at St. Thomas More Church, Fairview, Alberta. He was Ordained by Bishop H. Legare, OMI.

Fr John’s obedience began in 1987 with Native Ministry Area #3 and it continued up until his final Obedience in 2013 which brought both retirement and a welcome home to St Mary’s Residence in Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Fr John later retired to Mazenod Residence and finally to Trinity Manor with his Brother Oblates.

Father John was known for his very kind heart, his generosity and his beautiful devotion to Mary. Fr John loved telling stories about his ranching days and wearing cowboy boots was his favorite footwear. In his Ministry, Fr John was loved by everyone.

Father John will be remembered for his commitment and faithfulness for his Mission. As an Oblate of Mary Immaculate Fr John had a passion for the poor and the marginalized, and for this, we are forever grateful.

On behalf of the Oblates of OMI Lacombe Canada, we would like to say a special thank you to Fr John’s nephew Dan Zunti for being such a big part of Fr John’s care and support.

Fr. John was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Paula Zunti. He was also predeceased by siblings and (spouses): James, Joe (Louise), Mary (Wendelin Schwab), Bertha (Joffre Dixon), Edward (Mary, Fran), Eva (Wilf McDonald), Morris (Pearl), Wilfred (Bernadette), Hedy (Jack LaCroix, George Kucher), Fred (Alice), Robert, (Terry Charteris), (Alphonse Feist), (Steven Cregg).

He is survived by sibling (and spouses): Lydia, Margaret, Charlie (Carol), Pauline, Sister Trudy, Tom (Ann), and (Marlene) and his Brother Oblates and the Oblate Community of OMI Lacombe Canada. Fr. John is also survived by many well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former parishioners who all have been a big part of his life.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St Philip Roman Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. October 31, 2020. Due to COVID there will be no lunch served. Masks are required to attend the funeral service.

Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Oblate Cemetery at Battleford, Saskatchewan.