DAVID JULIUS PETKAU

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DAVID JULIUS PETKAU October 27, 1923 - September 11, 2014 Our dear Dad, beloved Grandpa and faithful friend, David Petkau, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 after a two-day stay at Boundary Trails Health Centre. David is survived and lovingly remembered by his four children: Brian and his wife, Evelyn Rempel Petkau; Darrel Petkau; Brent and his wife, Suzanne Dueck, and Arlene and her husband, Bill Petrie. His seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren will miss his ready laugh, warm hugs and powerful arm wrestles: Johanna, Tamara and her husband, Joel and their two daughters, Maelle and Esme; Justin and his new wife Sylwia Sieminska; Hannah and Xavi; Graham and Duncan. He will also be greatly missed by his many friends, nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by Betty Petkau in 2010, his devoted wife of 59 years, as well as eight of his nine siblings and their spouses. He is survived by his 100 year old brother, Abe, and his sister-in-law, Ann Enns. Dad was born in Arkadak, Russia in 1923, the ninth of ten children born to Julius and Maria (Grunau) Petkau. In 1925, the family moved to Canada to the Winkler area. So began a lifetime of farming for Dad. When Dad married Mom in 1950, they began a lifetime together of teaching us how to love unconditionally. There were many "constants" in Dad's life. He consistently grew the best tomatoes, Big Beef, of course. He was well-known for how fast he ran the bases for Morden tournament ball teams and for standing tall on the blue line as a young man passionate about hockey. He loved to laugh with his friends and family until the tears rolled. The most important "constant" of all for Dad was his Christian faith. He was baptized at the Morden Bergthaler Mennonite Church as a young man and served as a deacon for 20 years. His faith commitment was quietly demonstrated every single day of his long life. As Dad always said, "We have so much to be thankful for." Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at the Morden Mennonite Church, 363 Gilmour St. with interment at Southside Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made in David's memory to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, an organization so dear to Dad's heart, available at the church. Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden In care of arrangements, 204-822-4755 wiebefuneralhomes.com
Publish Date: Sep 16, 2014

DAVID JULIUS PETKAU October 27, 1923 September 11, 2014 With a harvest moon beginning to rise, our dear dad, beloved grandpa and faithful friend, David Petkau, passed away peacefully after a two day stay at the Boundary Trails Health Centre. Longer obituary to follow. Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden In care of arrangements, 204-822-4755 wiebefuneralhomes.com
Publish Date: Sep 13, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2014