John Relk Obituary
12/02/1930 - 08/07/2016
John Relk passed away August 7, 2016 at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Nampa. He was 85 years old. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday August 12, 2016 at Bowman Funeral Home, 10254 W. Carlton Bay, Garden City, Idaho, followed by a private family burial service at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.
John was born December 2, 1930 to Jacob & Aafje Appel Relk in Nyssa Oregon. John graduated from the University of Idaho with a BS degree in agriculture. He continued his education at the College of Idaho as well Arizona State University with degrees in chemistry & physics. While in college he joined the ROTC, and later joined the Air Force initially in Communications & Electronics, and eventually serving as a liaison officer for the Air Force Academy for the state of Idaho.
John married Afine Joosten August 2, 1957 in the Netherlands. She immigrated (legally) to the US shortly thereafter, and together they have resided in the Nampa community ever since.
John was a math, chemistry and physics teacher at a variety of schools throughout the community. He worked in the lab at the Amalgamated Sugar Company for approximately 10 years. He was also a part-time farmer and dairyman always enjoying plants, trees and gardening. After retirement he volunteered at the Nampa Fish & Game helping to maintain Wilson Ponds. He liked music, playing the piano, riding his bike and swimming laps at the Rec Center.
John and Afine founded the Nampa Farmers Market in 1989. They modeled their idea of a local farmers market on what Afine had experienced at farmers markets in the Netherlands. They enjoyed being able to share their excess produce and eventually combine it with many other local vendors to provide a weekly Saturday market that the Nampa community has come to enjoy and appreciate.
John is survived by his wife Afine, four children, Jack (Kelly) Relk, Mike Relk, Alita (Max) Svaty, Joe (Alane) Relk, sisters Winnie Hollenbeck, Marianne (Jim) Bean and Louise Hill. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren Jordan (Erin) Relk, Jerad (Amy) Relk, Ryan (Randi) Svaty, Rachel (Reece) Noble, Sunny(Justin) Christensen, Alex Relk, Aidan Relk, and 8 great grandchildren Lilly, Bailey & Dawson Relk, Ryelin, Rhenlee & Royce Noble, Hudson & Hayden Christensen.
In lieu of flowers, support of the Nampa Farmers Market would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John and Donna Stevens
August 12, 2016
Dear Jack and Kelly and Relk Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. When I was working with Kelly at the bank, I would often hear people speak about John and how much they respected and admired him. I know he will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Bonnie Kruse
August 12, 2016
We will miss John. Such a kind man. Loved driving by and always seeing him tend to his mini farm. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
JoAnn Koozer
August 12, 2016
What a kind and sharing neighbor John was to us. Gene and I will miss seeing him out front of his house tending to his many trees or his beloved cows, or riding his bicycle off down Locust Lane to swim at the Rec. Center.
August 12, 2016
Our prayers are with you. We remember John at the Farmers Market in Nampa and always working in his garden. He will be greatly missed. Robert and June Miller
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Ann and Tony Loeffen
August 11, 2016
The Relk family,Our prayers are with you for your loss
Brenda Lynch
August 11, 2016
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Lynch
Billie Hopper
August 11, 2016
The Relk Family: You are a wonderful family and I feel it is a privilege to know you. We go back a long way! I wish you God's peace and love at this time of sorrow.
August 11, 2016
Sending love and prayers across the miles during this difficult time of loss for your families. We have wonderful memories of John and are thankful for what he contributed to the community.
God Bless
Richard and Michelle Burger
Gail Croft
August 10, 2016
Dear Alita and family-
So sorry to hear of your loss of your Dad. His obituary shows he had a very interesting life. My prayers to you at this time of heartache.
Vaughn & Gina Day
August 10, 2016
May you all find peace and happiness in your memories.
August 10, 2016
Thoughts and prayers for all of you. Very kind man whose family made our neighborhood better by living in it. God bless.
Gregg Pierce and family
Gary and Kim Briggs
August 9, 2016
Dear Afine, Jack, Mike, Alita, Joe and Families,
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
With love and sympathy,
Kim and Gary Briggs and Family
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10254 W Carlton Bay Dr, Garden City, ID 83714
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