Isaac Zacharias

  • Isaac Zacharias
  • Date of Passing: October 18, 2021
  • Born: August 10, 1928

Obituary

Ike Zacharias, aged 93 years, of Steinbach, MB., passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021, at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

Our dad, Isaac (Ike) Zacharias began his earthly journey in Rosthern, Saskatchewan on August 10, 1928. He grew up on a farm with a large family and a 3-legged dog named Riley. Dad was raised to be good, honest and hardworking, and carried these traits with him throughout his entire life. Dad was always quick with a joke (even if it was a “Dad” joke) and loved being with people. His life centered around his family, his many friends and his church community and he will be deeply missed.

He attended school until he was 14 at which time he realized it would be more fun to stay home and work on the farm. Even picking potato bugs was more fun than school. Dad often joked that he had half of grade twelve…meaning grade 6.

At this young age he realized he needed to go a step further and accept a life that only Christ could offer. He was baptized in June of 1946 at the Rosthern General Conference Church. He proudly claimed his faith was a lifetime experience of growth.

Dad met and married our mom, Margaret Hildebrandt in 1951. He credited mom, her family and friends, for changing his life in a positive way. This is something he was forever grateful for.

Dad spent the early part of his life working on farms, in factories, lumber camps and an auto garage, eventually landing a good job in 1953 driving truck for Coca Cola. This started his lifetime enjoyment of Coke, the family drink at picnics and Christmas gatherings, and later in life was a staple in the refrigerator.

In 1964 mom and dad moved the family to a farm one mile east of Dalmeny. His brother-in-law John, gave him 5 cows to start the farm. These are the same 5 cows that escaped the fence and ate the neighbor’s garden. Not a great way to meet the new neighbor but a good way to save on feed! In spite of the garden, Dad and the neighbor become good friends.

In 1953 the eldest son Len was born, followed in 1956 by son number 2, Ken and their beautiful daughter Cheryl in 1960. Dad and Mom still had room and love in their hearts and lives, and so Lori and Karen were adopted in 1972.

Nothing came easily, but dad had a keen business sense and with his wife at his side he was always able to adapt and create a happy home full of love. He was involved on local church committees, the Dalmeny school board and enjoyed curling and singing in various quartets and the Rosthern Male Melodies.

By the time the two boys had moved out of the house, dad was done with farming. The farm was sold and they packed up and moved to Otterburne, Manitoba. Here dad began a new adventure working as the maintenance man at Winnipeg Bible College. He enjoyed his time here and became a fixture mowing lawns and driving the choirs to their singing engagements in the college bus.

In 1983, it was time for a new challenge, and mom and dad moved to Steinbach where he had several small businesses, and sales jobs, as well as driving a school bus.

Life was good, but mom struggled with health issues, and passed away in December of 1996. Dad managed well through this difficult time with the support of family and friends. His life took another swing upward when he married Susanna Vogt, a longtime family friend, two years later in 1998. He enjoyed 18 wonderful years with her until her passing in September, 2016.

Alone again at the age of 88, Dad made the decision to move into Bridgepark Manor, an assisted living building in Steinbach, where he has lived independently for the last 5 years, enjoying time with the people of Bridgepark, his breakfast and coffee buddies, and his family.

Dad leaves to mourn his passing two sons, Len (Myra), Ken (Val), three daughters, Cheryl (Arnold) Reimer, Lori (Warren) Biedler, Karen (Jeff) Wood, 16 grandchildren and spouses, 39 great-grandchildren, two brothers and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his first wife Margaret, his second wife Susanna, grandson Jared, his parents, seven brothers and four sisters.

The public come & go viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

A livestreamed private family service and interment will take place on Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

Donations in memory of Ike may be made to Roseau River Bible Camp Box 110; Roseau River, MB., R0A 1P0.