Abe Petkau

June 8, 1930 - May 17, 2024

In loving memory ~

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Abe Petkau on May 17th at home, at the age of 93.

Abe was born on June 8, 1930, in Glenbush, Saskatchewan to Abram and Agatha Paetkau, as the fourth of six children. The family moved to Elm Creek in 1948. Throughout his youth Abe worked on the family farm and until his passing still had farmland in Elm Creek that brought him much joy.

Abe spent time working in Ontario and Vancouver before graduating from Teachers' College and the University of Manitoba with degrees in Education and Science. In Manitoba, Abe taught high school math, chemistry, and physics. In 1970 Abe met his wife Martha (Regehr) six weeks before leaving for Columbia to teach. They were married the following year in Miami with both returning to Columbia and later to Winnipeg.

In 1980 the family moved to Abbotsford BC, where Abe became a tax preparer, eventually owning an HR Block franchise in Mission. Abe enjoyed the various people he would meet while preparing their tax returns, and only stopped this last year.

From an early age faith was an important part of Abe's life. Abe was very involved with Central Heights Church and over the years taught an adult Sunday School class, Chaired the Finance Committee and was a church Elder. He drew inspiration from Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

Abe was predeceased by his parents and siblings Agatha, Albert, Elsie (Froese) and Harold. He will be greatly missed by his wife Martha, son Norm (Gabrielle) and their son Desmond and son Don (Rhianon) and their sons Henry, Holden, and Pierce, along with Abe's sister Amanda.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Friday May 31st, 2024, at Central Heights Church Cafe in Abbotsford with the entrance on the west side.