Petkau, Aganeta Klassen (1895-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1978 Mar 03 p. 33

Birth date: 1895 Jan 11

text of obituary:

MRS. AGANETA PETKAU

The daughter of Gerhard G. and Aganeta (nee Hildebrandt) Klassen, (Mrs.) Aganeta Petkau was born on January 11, 1895 in Chortitza, south Russia. At the age of 21 she was baptized and received into the Kronsweider Church. With John J. Enns, whom she married in 1918, she moved to the village of Burwalde. Tragedy followed them, a son died at age two, and her husband John was murdered by bandits in 1919 during the Revoluiton. She found peace and assurance in receiving Christ as her Saviour in 1920, was baptized by immersion and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church in Burwalde.

Her second marriage took place on April 24, 1921 to Gerhard J. Petkau. The Petkaus moved to Canada with their first child in 1924. They farmed at Winkler, Man., for six years, then moved to a farm at nearby Newton Siding. Mr. Petkau suffered a severe stroke in 1950, forcing the Petkaus to eventurally leave the farm and settle in Winnipeg. Mr. Petkau went to be with the Lord on July 31, 1967; his wife was also suddenly called home by her Lord on December 9, 1977.

Aganeta dearly loved her Lord and the fellowship of god's people in her church. She was exemplary in her spirit of love and forgiveness, and took a keen interest in the work of missions and MCC. Her home going, though sudden was a glorious answer to her prayers.

She was predeceased by one son and one daughter. Left to mourn are two sons, four daughters and their spouses; sons George and Mary of Winnipeg and John and Eleanor of Elm Creek; daughters Natalie (Mrs. Henry) Janzen, (Mrs.) Helen Martens and Anne (John) Neufeld, all of Winnipeg, and Elizabeth (Mrs. Brian) Bates of Three Hills, Alta; three sisters; two brothers; 23 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.