John Asaph Klatt

John Klatt

1936 - 2026

John Klatt, of Minitonas, MB, passed away March 23, 2026, at the Swan Valley Health Centre at 89 years of age.

John was born November 3, 1936 in the Sinclair River District north of Minitonas. He was born just months after his parents immigrated to Canada from Eastern Europe. He was the 2nd oldest of 5 siblings. As the oldest brother, he had many responsibilities and took pride in doing his job and overseeing the crew. He remembers being tasked with safely getting his siblings to school across the fields with their horse, Susie, guiding the way. Eventually his parents moved into Minitonas, which meant that he and his siblings could attend school more regularly and be closer to their extended family in town. Week-ends were spent playing baseball or playing hockey on the dugout with his many cousins.

John left school early to work alongside his dad on their farm, eventually working on his own after his parents retired to BC. He worked diligently to build his farming practice northeast of Minitonas; initially with a mixed cattle-grain operation and then eventually to solely a grain operation.

In the winter of 1968, he was encouraged by friends to join a mixed curling league where he met Shirley Cleaveley. They soon decided that this partnership was a good match for life and they were married on July 25, 1969 in Minitonas. Together they welcomed 2 children, John Ian and Romy to their family. John and Shirley worked alongside each other in their different roles on the farm and in the home and were a well-suited couple. John’s quiet nature complemented Shirley’s bubbly personality and they enjoyed visiting with their neighbours and were active in their church and their community.

After John Ian finished high school, he worked alongside his dad on the farm. Their relationship grew and their roles on the farm adapted and changed over the many years they farmed together. The farming practices changed greatly over the decades and John met these changes with interest and a desire to stay current and up-to-date with the industry. He was motivated to start each new season and we are so thankful that his health let him continue to actively farm until 87 years of age.

The days that each of his grandchildren were born were some of the happiest days of his life. He was a quiet observer to their various activities and always wanted to be updated on their lives. He was so pleased to see them grown and starting to pursue their own lives and careers and was proud to see his grandchildren help with the harvest during the last few years. 

John said, “For every problem, there is a solution.” This motto was evident as he navigated through his life; never shying away from tackling the hardships that he was faced with. When Shirley passed away in 1998, he had to continue on without his greatest support by his side. We are thankful that he continued to carry on and learn how to manage so many tasks that she had always so graciously done for him.

The diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and starting his dialysis journey also brought new challenges and changes to his life. Despite his age, he was motivated to carry on and we are so grateful that he was willing to face this new test. This provided him with another 5 years of life, remaining in his home until shortly before his passing.

John is predeceased by his parents, Reinhold and Adina Klatt, his wife, Shirley, his siblings, Ruth Kuhn, Edward Klatt, brothers-in-law Donald Cleaveley, Victor Logeot, Robert Kuhn, sister-in-law Patricia Maksymchuk and nephew, Blair Cleaveley.

He is survived and dearly missed by his son, John Ian Klatt and wife, Deanna, their children, Brenna, Lauren (Cody), Erin and Griffin; his daughter, Romy Russell and husband Mark; his sister Annette Logeot; his brother Walter Klatt and wife Ruth; brother-in-law Bill Maksymchuk; sisters-in-law Lora Klatt and Rita Cleaveley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his faithful dog, Mitzy, whose daily presence brought him much humour and joy in the last few years.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Swan Valley Health Centre for their kindness and for the compassionate care that our dad received in his final days.

A private family funeral service will be held on April 9, 2026, with Pastor Neal Effa officiating followed by burial in the Minitonas Cemetery.  A Memorial Luncheon will be held at the Westwood Inn at 12:30 PM, all are welcome to attend.

Go in peace, Dad, you’ve earned your rest. Until we meet again.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of John may be made to Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation Box 1450 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 or Community Foundation of Swan Valley Box 1509 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 or a charity of one’s choice.