Obituary for Peter Enns
It is with great sadness that we the family announce the passing of Peter Enns on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Bethania Personal Care Home at the age of 93.
Peter will be lovingly remembered and cherished by Kaethe, his wife of 69 years; son John (Alvina) and grandchildren Marcus (Colleen) and Jennifer (Ryan); son Gerhard (Cobie) and grandchildren Craig (Kristen) and Kaija (Cody); son Frank (Brenda) and grandchildren Andrew (Lindsey), Matthew (Tiffany) and Justin (Kate); son Rudy (Rosanna) and grandchildren Daniel (Amy), Michael (Rebecca), Randy (Noelle), and Rachel (Lee); daughter Kathe Leyser (John) and grandchildren Aaron (Karlie) and Jason (Raven); son Sieg (Elaine) and grandchildren Natalie (Nik) and Emily; son Harold (Christine) and grandchildren Ethan, Abigail and Caleb; daughter Darlene Enns-Dyck (Ted) and grandchildren Annika (Jared) and Micah (Elaina). 25 great-grandchildren were a source of pride and joy for Peter, as well. He was predeceased by his siblings Jacob Bergen, Gerhard Ens, Tina Breul, Frank Enns and Helen Janzen, grandson Christopher, and granddaughter Madeline.
Peter was born on June 1, 1929, in Neuendorf, Ukraine, the fourth of 10 children. He grew up during tumultuous times, government upheaval, and wartime where he and his family relied on the generosity and kindness of neighbours. In 1943, at the age of 14, he and his family began a long journey in search of a more stable place to call home, ultimately leading them to Germany and then Canada.
One warm summer day in 1952, Peter was invited to accompany his sister Helen and her boyfriend Henry to pick up Henry’s sister, Kaethe, from the train station in Winnipeg. Peter, wearing a striking red jacket, caught the attention of the young maiden and the rest was history. Peter and Kaethe were married on June 14, 1953, and they raised a family of 6 sons and 2 daughters in Winnipeg, moving several times as the family grew.
Peter was raised within a Christian family and community and was baptized upon his confession of faith while living in Germany. Peter and Kaethe established a household with a foundation of God’s love and guidance. The family was supported and surrounded by a faith community in the Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church. Faith was integral to the life of the family. Whether it was church activities, family devotions, or daily prayer, God was invited to be part of life. When a serious brain tumour developed in their daughter, Kathe, it was faith that sustained the family and brought healing. Dad was a pillar of steadfastness and strength, and he imparted this depth of character to those around him.
Peter was employed as a farmhand in Oak Lake, as a lumberjack in northwestern Ontario, and as a labourer in a flour mill before deciding to hone his skills in carpentry. This trade, and the skills that came with it, helped to define him. In 1984, he started his own business called All Seasons Carpentry, which grew to include many of his sons and grandsons over the years.
After working tirelessly providing for his wife and children in his younger years, Peter demonstrated an exuberance for spending quality time with his loved ones. He loved to be engaged with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would bring out the games, build Lego structures on the floor, or go tobogganing even in his 80’s; he was willing to do what they wanted and showed a genuine interest in their lives.
Peter’s unwavering devotion to Kaethe was inspirational and their bond was powerful and ageless. This made the transition to hospital and care facilities all the more challenging. Here again, they trusted that they were safe within God’s presence. Each visit ended with a declaration of their love for each other and encouragement to continue to rely on God.
As a family, we would like to express our deepest appreciation for the care and support Peter received at both Poseidon and Bethania care homes.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to MCC Canada.
Peter will be lovingly remembered and cherished by Kaethe, his wife of 69 years; son John (Alvina) and grandchildren Marcus (Colleen) and Jennifer (Ryan); son Gerhard (Cobie) and grandchildren Craig (Kristen) and Kaija (Cody); son Frank (Brenda) and grandchildren Andrew (Lindsey), Matthew (Tiffany) and Justin (Kate); son Rudy (Rosanna) and grandchildren Daniel (Amy), Michael (Rebecca), Randy (Noelle), and Rachel (Lee); daughter Kathe Leyser (John) and grandchildren Aaron (Karlie) and Jason (Raven); son Sieg (Elaine) and grandchildren Natalie (Nik) and Emily; son Harold (Christine) and grandchildren Ethan, Abigail and Caleb; daughter Darlene Enns-Dyck (Ted) and grandchildren Annika (Jared) and Micah (Elaina). 25 great-grandchildren were a source of pride and joy for Peter, as well. He was predeceased by his siblings Jacob Bergen, Gerhard Ens, Tina Breul, Frank Enns and Helen Janzen, grandson Christopher, and granddaughter Madeline.
Peter was born on June 1, 1929, in Neuendorf, Ukraine, the fourth of 10 children. He grew up during tumultuous times, government upheaval, and wartime where he and his family relied on the generosity and kindness of neighbours. In 1943, at the age of 14, he and his family began a long journey in search of a more stable place to call home, ultimately leading them to Germany and then Canada.
One warm summer day in 1952, Peter was invited to accompany his sister Helen and her boyfriend Henry to pick up Henry’s sister, Kaethe, from the train station in Winnipeg. Peter, wearing a striking red jacket, caught the attention of the young maiden and the rest was history. Peter and Kaethe were married on June 14, 1953, and they raised a family of 6 sons and 2 daughters in Winnipeg, moving several times as the family grew.
Peter was raised within a Christian family and community and was baptized upon his confession of faith while living in Germany. Peter and Kaethe established a household with a foundation of God’s love and guidance. The family was supported and surrounded by a faith community in the Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church. Faith was integral to the life of the family. Whether it was church activities, family devotions, or daily prayer, God was invited to be part of life. When a serious brain tumour developed in their daughter, Kathe, it was faith that sustained the family and brought healing. Dad was a pillar of steadfastness and strength, and he imparted this depth of character to those around him.
Peter was employed as a farmhand in Oak Lake, as a lumberjack in northwestern Ontario, and as a labourer in a flour mill before deciding to hone his skills in carpentry. This trade, and the skills that came with it, helped to define him. In 1984, he started his own business called All Seasons Carpentry, which grew to include many of his sons and grandsons over the years.
After working tirelessly providing for his wife and children in his younger years, Peter demonstrated an exuberance for spending quality time with his loved ones. He loved to be engaged with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would bring out the games, build Lego structures on the floor, or go tobogganing even in his 80’s; he was willing to do what they wanted and showed a genuine interest in their lives.
Peter’s unwavering devotion to Kaethe was inspirational and their bond was powerful and ageless. This made the transition to hospital and care facilities all the more challenging. Here again, they trusted that they were safe within God’s presence. Each visit ended with a declaration of their love for each other and encouragement to continue to rely on God.
As a family, we would like to express our deepest appreciation for the care and support Peter received at both Poseidon and Bethania care homes.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to MCC Canada.