Peter Petkau

Peter David Petkau of Calgary, Alberta, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the age of 91 years.

Pete was the oldest of 15 children, born on May 22, 1931, to David and Elizabeth Petkau in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. He lived with his family in Waldheim, Saskatchewan and then Vauxhall, Alberta, where he finished his schooling early to work with his Dad on the family farm. He committed his life to the Lord, was baptized, attended Coaldale Bible School, and sang in many church choirs and quartets.

He married Anna Born in 1952 and they were blessed with 8 children: 5 girls and 3 boys. They lived in Vauxhall, Swift Current, Calgary, Strathmore, and again, Calgary. Pete loved to laugh, telling jokes all his life to anyone who would listen. The Petkau home was constantly hosting friends and family for Sunday lunches, faspa or for a night's stay. Many great memories were made. He loved to play his harmonica with Ann and their family. He liked driving but also working on trucks, watching sports (hockey and wrestling), and playing baseball. Later in life, he absorbed himself in Christian music and books. As spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren joined the family, many meals and laughs continued around the large table. Pete and Ann could be seen in their bedroom, nightly, on their knees praying for their family and friends throughout the world.

Pete worked as a farmer, mechanic, truck driver, owner of Acorn Transport, furniture salesman and before retiring, he became the custodian for Dalhousie Community Church. Pete volunteered as an usher at Highland MB Church, and as a coordinator/team leader for the Calgary Gideon church ministries, speaking in churches and delivering many Gideon hotel Bibles and the youth New Testaments throughout Calgary. Many restaurant staff, that served him, were also given a New Testament or asked to say a prayer for the meal. Pete loved sharing with people about the Lord.

After Ann’s passing, Pete married his second wife, Margaret Friesen, in 2001, and they had many years together, living in Calgary, close to Dalhousie Church, working in the church and serving with the Gideons. They enjoyed many good times going with family and friends to local coffee shops. A favourite for lunch or dinner was Boston Pizza. The last 3 years were spent together in Auburn Heights Retirement Residence, where they made a big impact on many people for the Lord, with their love and caring hearts. The jokes and laughs continued as they spent their time with many of the residents, friends, and staff. Pete and Marg were also faithful prayer warriors, often letting us "head home" at night so they would not miss their devotional time.

Pete is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Margaret; his daughters, Betty (Ron) Quiring of Rocky View County, Joyce (Russell) Maxwell of Sherwood Park, Vivian (Darcy) Siebert of Sundre, Sharon (Jim) Loewen of Rocky View County, Grace (Doug) Friesen of Saskatoon; his sons, Murray (Faye) Petkau of Calgary, Richard (Violet) Petkau of Warman; 47 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren; step-son, Daniel (Monica) Friesen of Calgary; 3 step grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren; as well as, Pete’s 7 brothers and 5 sisters.

Pete was predeceased by his parents, David and Elizabeth Petkau; his first wife, Anna Petkau; his son, Donald Petkau; sister, Elizabeth Petkau; and brother, Abram Petkau.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Dalhousie Community Church in Calgary on Saturday May 20, 2023, at 3pm. A private Interment will be for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to, The Gideons or ShareWord Global, Box 3619, Guelph, ON, N1H 7A2 or Gospel for Asia (Kelly & Melissa Petkau support), 245 King ST.E, Stoney Creek, ON, L8G 1L9.