Paetkau, Henry Harry (1923-1972)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1972 Apr 07 p. 30

Birth date: 1923 May 02

text of obituary:

HENRY H. PAETKAU

Henry Harry Paetkau was born on May 2, 1923 in Russia. He completed his secondary education at Lowe Farm, Manitoba, and became a Christian during that time. After the war he felt called to become a teacher and entered a Teacher's Training School in the autumn of 1947.

On July 16, 1949, he was united in marriage to Mary Friesen. The marriage was blessed with six children. He nurtured his children with loving and Christian care through family worship, the sharing of experiences and togetherness.

In 1955 he moved to Winnipeg with his family. As a member of the teaching staff of the Winnipeg School Board, he taught in different schools, often on special assignments. Through his understanding and sympathy of students, combined with his knowledge and ability to communicate, he was able to help the slow learners, challenge the bright students and encourage the adults.

He was baptized in August 1955, and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church. He was secretary treasurer of the Portage Avenue Church Sunday school up to the time of his illness.

His health became a matter of concern in September, 1971, and on December 24 he was rushed to the hospital. On February 22 he became gravely ill and on March 3 he went home to be wi1h his Lord. Surviving besides his wife. Mary are three sons. Henry, Donald, Wesley; three daughters. Marlene, Lois, Judy, and one son-in-law, Vic Isaak; three sisters, Agnes, Helen, Marianne; and one brother Abe.

His family are grateful to their beloved husband and father for his loving care. The experience of victorious Christian living that he shared will never be forgotten. They are assured of meeting him aain because he testified of a personal relationship to Jesus Christ, his Savior. He affirmed with Isaiah that "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."