John Elva Pontius
September 11, 1934 ~ December 25, 2018
John E. Pontius , 84, Sioux Falls, died at his home on Tuesday, December 25, 2018, with his family at his side.
Visitation will be 1:30-3:00pm, Sunday, December 30, 2018, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 3pm. A private burial will take place at a later date.
John was born September 11, 1934 in Princeton, MN, to Robert and Ida Mae (Jones) Pontius. When he was six years old, his mother died leaving six young sons. Later, upon moving to Minneapolis, Robert married Ann Burich, who continued on as the boys’ stepmother. John graduated from Minneapolis West High School in 1953.
John worked in the food industry and was happy selling products for Kraft Foods and Nabisco. He taught marketing at Dakota County Vo-Tech for a number of years and then purchased and operated Midwestern Sales Co. until retirement.
John married Doris Honsey from North Dakota in 1957. They lived in Tacoma, WA, during his years in the Army, then in Faribault, MN, Roseville, MN, and Hastings, MN. In 2010, they moved to Sioux Falls, SD.
John will be deeply missed by his wife, Doris; two children, Bradley Pontius, Sioux Falls, and Shannon (Dan) Graber, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, Alina Pontius, Elise Pontius, Annika Graber and Grant Graber; and one brother, James, Hemet, CA.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ida Mae; and four brothers; Ralph, Elsworth, Walt and Bob.
John made his choice to serve God when he was a young man and kept true to that decision. He loved the Word of God and found great joy in inviting others to hear the Gospel Story. It gave him peace when his grandchildren sang hymns around his bedside.
Dear Doris,
All our sympathy to you and your family.
You only know us from Utica Convention. At first it was Gary, me, our 2 boys and my parents. We usually sat close to you people along with your daughter and family. Lately I and sometimes my sister and I brought our mother down. I missed John this past year and his friendly greetings to us. I did get to talk to you, Doris, and found out he was not able to be at convention. So sorry for you and your family in your loss. So thankful for the hope we have.
Love, Ingrid and Gary Lane
Doris, Shannon, & Brad,
I am so sorry to hear about John. It has been too many years since we have spoke Doris, but I do remember all the time I spent with you and John. I remember the the sandwiches you made for me on rye bread and when you would make me an orange float instead of a root beer float. Shannon, I believe we had/have a mutual acquaintance, Wilimena (I apologize if I spelled her name wrong). It is strange the things we remember. Doris, I am eternally grateful for the time I spent with you and your wonderful family and for you and John bringing me to conventions with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time and always. Love, April
Dear Doris and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our family has many fond memories of our time together in Hastings. We and the kids always looked forward to spending time with John and yourself. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, The Paces
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, Doris. We loved being at the same gospel meeting with you and John. Your faithfulness and interest in others meant so much. Thinking of you. Deb and Brad Canaday
Our heart goes out to you at this time. Just losing mom so recently we truly know how you feel So many happy memories of when you lived in Faribault, and again for me you were such an anchore when I was in the Cities. Our love and prayers are with you.
Love Diane and Lorne Jackson
So sorry for you & your family in your Loss. A faithful life gone on to his eternal reward.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Love The kirschenmans
Dear Doris and family,
My thoughts go your way these days with love and sympathy. I’m so grateful for the years we met together and cherish memories of John’s care for others. Love, Lois