“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” 1 John 3:1 Wednesday, Dec. 5 turned out to be our dad’s special day, when at 5 a.m. he received his permission to leave for his eternal home. He had waited for this for many years. At 97 years old many of his family, friends and acquaintances had gone ahead of him. On June 23, 1910 Dad was born to John and Margaret Plett in Giroux, MB, as the fourth child. In the years to come he had the privilege to be joined by another 17 siblings, making for a busy household. At 22, he married Katherine Reimer, with whom he had nine children: Lottie (Pete Klassen), David (Sara), Lorena (Henry Dyck), Minna (LeRoy Scharfenberg), Lydia (Ed Reimer), Elbert (Paulette), Edna (John Pries), Betty (Jake Funk), Norman (Lorna). At the time of his passing he left behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as a number of siblings: brother Cornie, sisters Helen, Annie, Katie, Bertha and her husband George Neufeld, brother-in-law Henry Koop and sisters-in-law Mary, Annie and Helen. Dad was born into a farming family. He also pursued farming while living in Landmark and Willow Ridge, MB. To supplement his income, he drove truck and worked as a labourer in various places, often in Winnipeg. When after 35 years of marriage his wife passed away, he moved to Steinbach, where he later married Elizabeth Barkman. This marriage lasted 24 years. During this time, while semi-retired, Dad kept himself busy making many smaller toys in his woodwork shop. He also made many macramé hangers and covered coat hangers. Later he also made many fancy things with needles, such as embroidery and crocheting. His first wife taught Dad embroidery and the second wife crocheting. He made a few hundred scarves and afghans, many of which were given to his family members or visitors. Dad’s faith was not without some challenging experiences. He was baptized and joined the Prairie Rose Church and later switched to the Blumenort EMC. A caregiver in the Rest Haven Nursing Home asked Dad what he would prefer to have read to him, The Carillon or the Bible. His quick reply would be “The Bible” and that she should read slower so that he could understand it better. Many people practiced their gifts, talents, patience, kindness and deeds of service on him throughout his 97 years. Many were rewarded for becoming part of his life. Dad ministered to others in various ways and for many the memory will be the mouth organ music he produced up to a few months ago. A caregiver came to see Dad during his last days and she described him as follows: “He had a shell as tough as nails but inside he had a nature as soft as a marshmallow.” Did we get to know this man fully? Today, we believe, God is enjoying this new addition to Heaven and is introducing him to his new trouble free home. God has many great plans for this weary pilgrim who has come home. Now, having no opportunity to sin, or cause any hurts, he is ready to fully honour the King of kings. Now all relationships will be perfect. 1 John 3:1 is more clear and precious to him than ever before. If Dad could have an opportunity to say a few more words to us as a large family, from his new address, he might be saying, “Don’t follow me, because I was far from perfect, but follow the One who has forgiven me every sin and wrong doing. Please walk with God and soon we’ll all walk with Him together over here. There is a lot of room here and everything is so beautiful and pleasant.” Dad was predeceased by his first wife, Katherine Reimer Plett; his second wife, Elizabeth Barkman Plett; son-in-law, LeRoy Scharfenberg; and grandson, Joe Beren. A hearty thank-you to the great staff at the Rest Haven Nursing Home for the good care you gave to our dad during his last four years. Viewing will be at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach on Sunday at 7:00 p.m., with devotional at 7:30 p.m., and viewing will be at the church prior to the service. The funeral service for Frank P. Plett will be held Monday, 11:00 a.m. at Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church with burial at the church cemetery.