Jacob W. Poetker

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our dear father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather on March 11, 2026, at the age of 91.

He leaves behind his children Valerie (Randy) Verestiuk, Norman (Joan)Poetker, Harvey (Bernice) Poetker, Daughter‑in‑law Robin Denis, Angela (Brian) Falk, Irene Poetker

He was also the proud grandfather and great‑grandfather to many, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Dad is now reunited with the love of his life, our mom, Elma Poetker, who passed away in May 2025. He is also predeceased by their children Marilyn (2012), Alvin (2014),Wayne (2024), and Brian (2024), as well as three precious great‑grandchildren who passed before him. We take comfort in knowing they are all together again.

Born on October 7, 1934, in Steinbach, Manitoba, he was the oldest of eight children born to Henry and Agatha Poetker. Dad grew up on a farm just south of New Bothwell, where he learned early the value of hard work, responsibility, and helping others – qualities that shaped his entire life.

In his younger years, he worked wherever hands were needed: on farms, at the flour mill, in mail delivery, and eventually at Manitoba Sugar, where he found steady work for 24 years until his retirement in late 1994.

Dad met Mom in New Bothwell, and from the beginning it was clear they had found a lifelong partner in each other. They married on June 16, 1957, beginning their life together in Winnipeg before settling on a farm south of New Bothwell. With determination and love – and no shortage of hard work – they built a home and were blessed with nine children.

Alongside his full‑time job at Manitoba Sugar, Dad was a dedicated farmer. He never hesitated to drop what he was doing when a neighbour or friend called with trouble in their livestock. He became known as the “go‑to” guy when an animal was in distress. Dad loved volunteering at the Mennonite Heritage Museum spending countless hours giving rides and demonstrating rope making & threshing. He loved horses and spent many years as part of the Southeast Draft Horse Association where he made several lifelong friends.

In 2014, after more than 55 years on the farm, Mom and Dad made the difficult decision to move on. They settled in Steinbach, a year marked by both transition and heartbreak with the loss of their oldest son, Alvin. With strength and grace, they found a new chapter at Millcreek Condos, forming new friendships and community.

As Dad’s health declined, another move became necessary. After a short stay at Bethesda Hospital, he moved to the Vita Care Home, where he lived for 11 months before transferring to Steinbach Rest Haven in June 2023. Even as his health continued to decline, he deeply cherished visits from family & friends… especially when Mom was able to come along. After her passing, though words were fewer, it was clear how much he missed her.

We take solace in knowing that his journey is now complete, and that he is once again by her side.

Dad will be remembered for his incredibly strong work ethic, sense of humor and willingness to help anyone in need, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on in the generations he leaves behind.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Rest Haven for the unwavering care they gave dad over the years.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday March 17, 2026 at the Bothwell Christian Fellowship Church, 20 Sara Ave. New Bothwell. Viewing 1 hour prior to the service.