John Stefan Obeda
November 9, 2018
The Rev. John Obeda went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Friday, November 9, 2018 in his 89th year, entering the place that His Saviour, the Lord Jesus, won for him by His life, suffering, and death on the cross.
John leaves behind Marian, his faithful wife of 61 years, sons John (Suzanna), Stephen (Heather), Paul, and his five grandchildren: Michael (Dena), David (Mikaela), Kristen, Katie and Grace. He is survived by his sister-in-law Ann DeLuca, his cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding him are his dear parents, sister Mildred, brother-in-law Elmer Slabon and nephew Wayne.
John was born in Chicago to Stefan and Zuzana (née Basnar), graduating from Concordia Lutheran Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri in 1955. He served various congregations in Texas, Michigan and Ontario; served as chaplain to area hospitals and nursing homes; and after retiring, still served as a guest pastor or organist.
He attended worship services at Faith Lutheran Church, London. Among other passions, he was an avid rose gardener, a member of the William Saunders Rose Society and the Lambeth Horticultural Society.
Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Thursday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m., with devotion at 8:30 p.m. The Funeral Service will be conducted at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 310 Southdale Road East, London on Friday, November 16th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at the church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Rhineland, Ontario where John served as pastor in the early seventies. In lieu of flowers, donations to Faith Congregation’s Memorial Fund, Lutherans for Life – Canada, London Area Right to Life, or the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition will be gratefully accepted.
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(Donated to Lutherans for Life - Canada)
(Donated to Lutherans for Life - Canada)
(Donated to Faith Congregations Memorial Fund)
(Donated to Lutherans for Life - Canada)
Rev. Obeda was a true warrior for truth. His many letters to the editor show his stance for what was right and just. His wisdom will be missed. God's Peace and comfort to Marian and family.
Marion, The St. Thomas & Horticultural Society sends our deepest condolences. John was a long time member of our society. His presence always included his uplifting humor. John's exhibits of award winning roses was a pleasure to witness. He will be dearly missed.
Dear Marion, May God surround you during this time of loss. John was truly an inspiration to us. His selflessness and willingness to give to others was a wonderful expression of Christian living. As St. Paul assured; "We do not mourn as those who have no hope." You are in our prayers. Love Stephen and Mary Ann Alles
Dear Marian; my prayers are with you and your family. May the stars carry your sadness away. May the flowers fill your heart with beauty. May hope forever wipe away your tears. And, above all, may silence make you strong. (Chief Dan George) God bless and keep you in the palm of his hand Doris
Dearest Marian and family, Words cannot express our sorrow at hearing of Pastor John's death. He has always been in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as have you during this time of testing while John was in hospital. Please be assured of our love, sympathy, and prayers. Your witness to the sanctity of life from natural conception to natural death was an inspiration to me and to so many people. I can hear you saying "blessings on your day" and Pastor John calling me "young lady". All of us at London Area Right to Life are with you in faith, hope and love. love and prayers, Bonnie, Mike, Ngan and all of at London Area Right to Life
Dear Marian and family, I would like to send my deepest and sincerest sympathies to you all. I have many wonderful memories of Pastor Obeda and your family during your time at Rhineland, but my most cherished memories of Pastor Obeda were when he re entered my life when I was much older and had a family of my own and the many many visits to Children's Hospital to visit me and my son Matthew. I cannot put into words how much those visits meant to us, his kind words, his compassion and his wonderful humour. He won the heart of my son. I will be forever grateful for the gift of Pastor John Obeda. Marg Puhr Wild
Dearest Marian: "Love knoweth not its own depth until the hour of separation". How you must know this today. I am so sorry for your loss. Nothing can prepare us for the final goodbye, but by God's grace, it's not really final, for we shall all be forever with the Lord. I too loved John's sense of humour. I never heard John grumble and he was always grateful for all the blessings the Lord bestowed upon the two of you all through the years. Every time I pruned my roses, I thought of John and his beautiful rose garden and the many blue ribbons he acquired at the annual rose shows. He will continue to come to mind each time I prune come spring. Please know that friends are holding you in prayer. As you know, I can thank John and will be eternally grateful for the role he played in leading me to Christ in 1978. John loved his Lord and served him diligently for many long years. He has now heard the words: "Well done good and faithful servant". May he rest in everlasting peace. God be with you and your family and strengthen you all in the days ahead. In the Father's love, Your friend, Sharleine
Dear Marian and Family, God's richest blessings as He grants you comfort, strength and peace at this time but also fills our hearts with promise and hope in the salvation and eternal life our Lord has won for us all. John was an true servant of our Lord and his humour was enjoyed by all. Our prayers are with you.
Mrs.Karen J.[Briggs]Robichaud Hi Marian I;m so sorry for your loss to you and John Jr and Stephen and Paul and thier families.I;m sorry I won;t be able to attend the service but my love and prayers go out to you and your family.You and John[Pastor ] and the boys always felt like family and you always will.Love to you Marian and the family.I will never forget yous.
Our condolences to you Marion and family, Pastor O'Beda was a kind and gentle man. We will always remember how much he helped us after our daughter Jillian passed away, May Jesus comfort you in His ever-loving arms during these difficult times. God Bless you all, Les & Lynn
Christ is risen! I thank God for Pastor Obeda, by whose hand I am baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the font at Grace in West Lorne. It will be forty years since that day later this month. I only met him once as an adult, and was a seminarian then, but have served as an LCMS pastor for 12+ years (and counting!) in Michigan. God bless and keep all of his family and friends in the comfort and hope of Jesus' resurrection. Peace be with you! +JB
Heaven has gained another saint for sure. I'll miss John's BIG smile and his many witty comments. I thank the Obeda's for the many many happy memories of hospitality and especially the time when my daughter boarded with them during her University Of Western years. Oh the joy, laughter and even tears. Thankyou doesn't even begin to cover it. Blessings Anne Ashfield and Kristina Ashfield Campbell
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Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
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London Area Right to Life
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(Donated to Lutherans for Life - Canada)
~ Esther Allison