Abe Unrau

January 15, 1944 – April 5, 2005

Peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his beloved wife at his side, Abe went to his eternal rest on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at 1:00 p.m.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Dorothy, with who he shared 38 years.  They were blessed with one daughter, Joanne Friesen, her special friend, Kevin Rauser and two beautiful granddaughters, Joelle and Kira.  Also left to mourn are his mother, Mary Unrau and one sister Mary Enns, brother-in-law, Pete Enns and in-laws, Percy and Marge Doell, Art and Tina Doell, Evelyn Doell and mother-in-law, Margaret Doell.

Abe was predeceased by one son in infancy; his father Abram Unrau; father-in-law, David Doell and two good buddies, Henry Klassen and John Friesen.

Abe was baptized May 21, 1967 upon confession of faith in the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church.

Abe and Dorothy were married June 25, 1967.  They lived in Winkler on Mountain Avenue and later built a home together and now reside on Scotia Drive.  Abe loved the outdoors and his various jobs reflected this.  From his many years at Winkler Concrete, the Town of Winkler Public Works Department and cutting trees with friend Roy Krahn.  He was a hard worker and found relaxation through camping, fishing and many sports with family and friends.  Abe, Dorothy, Joanne and always at least one “adopted” childhood friend of Joanne’s enjoyed many camping trips to Holiday Hills, a favorite summer getaway.

Unfortunately three days before Christmas in 1995, Abe suffered a stroke which kept him in hospital for two months and changed his life dramatically.  There were many changes Abe and Dorothy had to adapt to, but with God’s grace, they made the best of things.  Many who knew Abe will remember him as a kind of gruff character before this, but anyone who witnessed Abe with his granddaughters, saw a much softer, gentler side of him.. Joelle and Kira were the light of his life and as hard as it was to take a picture of Abe smiling, all you had to do was put a granddaughter in his arms and he smiled from ear to ear with a twinkle in his eye.  No one enjoyed their grandchildren more than he did.

For many years, Dorothy prayed that special friend would come into Abe’s life and those prayers were answered when Pastor Mike Comtois arrived at the door.  With Mike’s guidance, diligence and patience, Abe came to know the Lord personally on September 21, 1996.  Mike became a very close friend to Abe and Dorothy and spent many hours with Abe and alleviated his loneliness.  When the cancer began to ravage Abe’s body and he was hospitalized four weeks ago, his family and close friends lived in the reassurance that Abe was guaranteed a place in heaven.  “My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62:1.

Funeral services were held April 8, 2005 at the Winkler E.M.M. Church with Pastor Mike Comtois officiating.  Interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery.

Dorothy and Joanne would like to thank their family and many friends for their support, prayers, cards, food and flowers.  They would also like to thank Dr. Blignaut and the nursing staff of Boundary Trails Health Centre for all the care they provided to Abe.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideons or CancerCare.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.