Frank G. Plett
Obituary
Frank G. Plett, age 91, of Steinbach, MB passed away on Monday, January 21, 2019 at the Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach, MB.
He is survived by his wife Martha, one son, Brian (Eliz), and four daughters, Carol Kehler, Valerie (Wes Konrad), Irene Plett and Marilyn (Jeff Reimer), 15 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by five sisters and two brothers and their families.
He was predeceased by one son, Douglas, in infancy, one son-in-law, Jim Kehler, two brothers and one sister.
Dad was born November 4, 1927 in Blumenhoff, MB to Jacob D.K. and Justina (Goertzen) Plett. He grew up on a farm, the oldest of three children – Frank, David, Minna. While dad was still very young, his mother passed away due to complications during delivery of her fourth child. His father then remarried Margaret Goertzen and seven more children were added to the family – Linda, Esther, Emeline, Jacob, Joe, Eleanor and Diane.
He married Martha Schalla on October 21, 1949 and together they were blessed with six children and 69 years old marriage.
Dad was baptized in the Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach many years after his marriage and his church attendance and relationship with his Savior has always been very important to him. This is a legacy that’s been passed on to his children, grand children and great grandchildren.
His first job after his marriage was hauling milk for Penner Transfer (now Penner International) and he frequently commented on how much the area has changed since that time. After that he worked many years for Fast Brothers in Blumenort doing road construction. This job took him and his young family to many different locations over the years. One of his favorite memories from this time is clearing the land to build what is now the city of Thompson. He often commented about seeing Thompson before it even existed and always wished he could go back to see the established city but unfortunately this never happened. In 1963 mom and dad bought their first farm, 220 acres with some old buildings for $10,000. Together they turned this farmstead into a successful operational known as Bristone Dairy which is still run by his son and grandson.
One of dad’s favorite past times was watching first his son, then numerous grandsons play hockey. Brian has commented on how when he was playing hockey, dad would frequently leave for the arena before he even did. He was that eager to watch. He was always a loyal fan.
For many years Mom & Dad were also involved in the Mitchell Seniors Center helping with the weekly breakfast and volunteering many hours to chaperon during various center rentals. They also faithfully volunteered at the Mennonite Heritage Village helping with numerous tasks one of their favorite being making roll kuchen.
Mom & Dad worked on the farm until they retired to Mitchell in 2003. In September of 2011, just months after dad had his stroke, they moved to an apartment in Woodhaven where they resided until June of 2017. In August of 2017, after spending six weeks in the hospital, Dad moved into Rest Haven Nursing Home where Mom faithfully visited him on a regular basis. He went to his Eternal Home in the early morning hours of January 21, 2019 with numerous family at his bedside. He will be missed by all.
The family would like to thank all those who visited during the time he was at Rest Haven with a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Rest Haven who lovingly cared for him.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with viewing prior to the service. The burial will follow at the Blumenort EMC Cemetery, Blumenort, MB.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Frank may be made to Soup’s On, 430 Third St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0K5.
