Obituary of Abe Plett

Abe Plett, age 90, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Rest Haven Care Home, Steinbach, MB.

 He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria (Loewen); three daughters, Helen (Ron), and their children Stephanie (Owen), Leanne (Bryan), Tim (Chelsea), Russ (Nicole) and 10 grandchildren; Lydia, and her children Rachael (Marvin), Jeremy (Jasmine), Amanda (Chris), Zachary (Ivory) and 17 grandchildren, and Rose (James) and their son Kaden. He will be lovingly remembered by siblings Tina (Dick), Mary (Henry), Willy (Betty), and sisters-in-law Hedy, June (Wilbert), and Nettie.

He was predeceased by son-in-law Ron, six great-grandchildren, and brothers Peter, Walter (Lena), and Henry.

Dad was born to Abram and Sarah Plett on April 23, 1933 in the village of Neu-Schoensee, Ukraine, Russia. Life was hard during his growing up years. Russia was under Stalin’s rule and WWII impacts were felt by his family. At 9 years old, he also had a life changing accident when his heel was partially cut off by a piece of farm equipment. This injury affected him for the rest of his life. When Dad was 10, his family fled Russia, going to Poland, to Germany, and finally settling in Paraguay.  There were many experiences along this journey, where God’s leading and protection was evident. One song that was sung before leaving for Paraguay was ‘On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.’ That became a special song for Dad, as it always brought back memories of God’s steadfastness through difficult times.

In Paraguay, Dad’s family settled in Altenau, Colony Neuland where they were given 12 hectares of land for their homestead. Dad spent his formative growing up years here, and he had many interesting stories to tell about this time. which are all detailed in his book, ‘The Journey’.

Dad became a Christian when he was 16 years old. During an evening church service, the parable of the 10 virgins was shared. 5 were ready for the bridegroom (Jesus) and 5 were not and were eternally lost. This impacted Dad and he gave his heart to the Lord that night. He was baptized shortly after and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Paraguay.

In 1951, Dad started attending Elim Bible School, and graduated in October 1954. As he wrote in his book – “studying was not easy for me. I had not even finished Grade 6. I had determined to do well though, so I studied hard and received good grades’. Dad enjoyed his time at Bible School, made many friends, pulled his share of pranks on his roommates, but most importantly he had many opportunities to serve and witness to others of what Christ had done in his life.

After Bible School, Dad returned home to help on the homestead, and suddenly took note of the girl next door. He became engaged to the love of his life, Maria, in 1956, just before he and his family emigrated to Canada. Once in Canada, Dad worked a variety of jobs from hoeing beets to construction. All the while, he was preparing for Mom’s arrival in Canada. They married three weeks after she arrived, on May 19, 1957.

Working as a meat cutter had been a dream of Dad’s since his early teens. In 1964, he started his career with Penner Tomboy (later Penner Foods), as the assistant meat manager. Dad loved working in the meat department and loved interacting with both co-workers and customers. In 1978, as Penner Foods expanded, Dad was promoted to the position of meat buyer and supervisor for the meat departments of the four Penner Foods stores. He was given the nickname ‘Honest Abe’ because he was always fair and honest, while working towards getting the best price possible. Though Dad officially retired in 1996, he continued working in the meat department on a casual basis, and he continued this for another 14 years, until he was 78.

Dad was always very involved in the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church, teaching German Sunday School, serving on church committees, preaching in the German service at times, and working as deacons. In later years, he continued to help others wherever needed – still doing deacon work on his own.

Dad and Mom were blessed with three children, Helen, Lydia and Rosemarie. Over the years, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, engaging in a variety of activities. Golfing, going out for breakfast or ice cream, and hosting extended family “Shashlik” parties were a few favourites.  A favourite past-time of Dad and Mom’s was gardening, and the family enjoyed many of the ‘fruits of their labour’ over the years.

In these past months in particular, Dad was ready and waiting to go to heaven. He never thought he would make it to 90 years and this was quite a milestone for him this past year. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but we are thankful for the many years that we had with him, and for our hope of seeing him again one day.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with public viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB. 

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Back to the Bible Canada, Box 246, STN A Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z6 or Square One World Media, 225 Riverton Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2L 0N1