Kenneth Petkau

Kenneth Petkau

July 24, 1942 – July 22, 2019

Kenneth Peter Petkau, born July 24, 1942, passed away suddenly due to heart failure at his home on July 22, 2019. Ken leaves behind his loving wife Rita of 55 years, four children, Lara Petkau (Gordon Hamm), Rebecca Bargen (Richard), Tanya Bargen (Wayne) and Erich Petkau (Naomi), and twelve grandchildren; his three siblings, Bob Petkau (Carol), Betty Andres, and Don Petkau (Terri); his three stepsiblings, Elenora Clive (Ron), Waldemar Janzen (Margaret) and Helen Patkau (Erwin). He was predeceased by his parents, John and Marie (Falk) Petkau, stepfather John H.E. Janzen, stepbrother Edwin Janzen, brother-in-law Walter Andres, and two sets of infant twin siblings.

Born in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Ken was raised in both Ontario and Saskatchewan, growing up on farms. Ken was baptised at the age of 18 at Niagara MB Church in Virgil, declaring publicly his commitment to his Christian faith. In 1964, Ken married the love of his life, Rita Lepp, in St. Catharines. Soon after marriage, Ken served his country as a Lieutenant for 10 years with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, located in Ontario. While serving these years, he worked as an accountant at a local factory. Ken and Rita also began fruit farming in the Niagara region, which they did for several years. Their two oldest children, Lara and Rebecca, were born in Ontario.

In 1974 they sold everything and moved to Waldheim, Saskatchewan. There they started a grain farm, and had two more children, Tanya and Erich. Ken was very involved in his community. His involvement included announcing hockey games in Waldheim for 20 years, and serving on the RM of Laird council for 34 years, 12 of which were as Reeve. Other than farming and work, Ken enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, biking and traveling with Rita, working on his many hobbies, and visiting relatives, especially his siblings and children across Canada. Family history and politics were another passion of Ken’s, which led him to write four books on his family’s history.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at the Waldheim Mennonite Brethren Church, Waldheim, SK, with the interment to follow at the Waldheim Cemetery. In honor of Ken’s life, the family has asked that all donations be made to One Hope Canada, 6-875 Gateway Road, Winnipeg, MB R2K 3L1. Arrangements entrusted to DALMENY FUNERAL HOME 306-254-2022.