John P. Chan

John Peter Chan Jr., age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on May 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on April 30, 1939, to John Chan Sr. and Mary (Tvrdik) Chan, both of whom preceded him in death.

He grew up on the farm his parents owned, and attended Country School District 14 at the corner of that land. He graduated in 1957 from Central High School in Alexandria, and was very active in FFA during his high school years.

John was united in marriage to Marian (Trousil) on September 20, 1966 at St. John Nepomuk (Lake Reno) Catholic Church, and together built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and quiet generosity, sharing nearly 60 years of marriage. To this union, five children were born.

From the time he was a young boy, John dedicated his life to farming. He worked alongside his brother Francis in dairy farming before later crop farming with his son Steve until his retirement. Farming was not simply his work — it was his way of life, built on commitment, resilience, and pride in providing for his family.

John was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. If someone needed help, he was always there without hesitation. He gave to his family and others, never expecting anything in return. He was a loving husband, a steady and dependable father, and a proud grandfather who deeply cherished his grandchildren.

He especially enjoyed visits from friends, neighbors, and family who stopped by to talk and share time together, or a simple drive around the neighborhood. His quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering work ethic left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

John is survived by his devoted wife Marian and their children: son Jeffrey and wife Jennifer, with their sons Trevor and Carter; son Steven (“Boogs”); son Jason and wife Sheila, with their daughters Cecilia and Georgia; and daughter Brenda and her daughters Nicole and husband Alex, and Hailey; along with his siblings Francis (Lorraine), Rose Ann, Mary (Bob Geris) and Caroline, and four nieces and nephews Vickie, Shelly, Paul and Nathan. He was preceded in death by his infant son, John Peter Chan III, his infant twin sisters Lillian and Marian, and niece, Sarah.

John lived a great life and was a great man. Our family remembers, raises a few toasts, cries more than a few tears, and then goes forward to our new normal with his life as a cherished memory and example.