John Fritz Sortberg

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John at his home on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.  John was the loving husband of 71 years to Audrey (nee Babcock). A great dad to Carl Sortberg  (Joan), Russell Sortberg (Margo), Rosemary Groenewegen (Casey), and Heather Caird (Gary).   Proud grampa to Hans, Leslie, Joanne,  Alison, Murray, Spencer, Erica, Becky, Molly, Hannah, Sarah, Nicole, Corwin, and Jessie and spouses.  John will be missed by his 29 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.  He will be lovingly remembered by his only surviving sister, Vera Jensen (Flemming) and his sisters and brothers in-law, Muriel Tisdale, Mary Leach, Stan Babcock (Karen), Bill Babcock, Fay Vandewal, Terry Babcock (Cheryl) and the late Neil Babcock (Marlene) along with many nieces and nephews in Denmark and Canada. 

John was born in Denmark, to Hans and Agnes Sortberg and grew up in a family of 8 children.  He came to Canada in 1950, and married Audrey in 1953 and they settled in the Hartington area.  John and Audrey enjoyed traveling and had been to Denmark a number of times.  John lived a full life and had many different occupations, he was never afraid to try new things, and was a honest, strong, hard-working individual.  His main focus was family, and he was always there for family and friends.   John was happy to enjoy a Christmas Celebration with family members just recently.    

A heartfelt thank you to the PSW’s and nurses who took care of him at home. 

Family and friends will be received at the Trousdale Funeral Home in Sydenham, On Tuesday January 7, 2025 between the hours of 1 - 3 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m.  Funeral service in the Chapel of the Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11 a.m.  Rev. Heather McLurg-Murphy to officiate.  Interment to follow at the Harrowsmith Cemetery.  For those who wish;  memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army or South Frontenac Community Living in memory of John. (by cheque only please)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Fritz Sortberg, please visit our floral store.