It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the death of Nickolai Jacob Poetker, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Aug. 8, 2024, at Seven Oaks Hospital, Winnipeg. The grief of losing his wife Mary and the struggle of his own failing health took a toll on his body until he passed into the presence of his Saviour and Lord. Nick was born in Winnipeg, Sept. 12, 1928, the third child in what would become a family of 10, with 4 brothers and 5 sisters. Through Sunday school and daily vacation Bible school, the Lord impressed on Nick the need to place his trust and faith in Jesus Christ. God led him to enter the vocation of teaching children, and at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, he took note of a young lady, who would become the love of his life, his biggest support, the mother of his children, and his best friend. He and Mary were married in 1955, after Bible school, and settled in Winnipeg where Nick began his education to train for teaching. Upon completing his university education, he accepted a position at Rosenort (Man.) Collegiate, beginning a life of students, children, and involvement in a church community. As his career wound down and their children married, Nick’s interests involved his grandchildren, through golf or games, swinging them on the swing in the backyard, or including them in his own projects. He always seemed to have time and interest in whatever they were doing. In 2002, after his retirement, Nick and Mary moved to Winnipeg and spent the last 22 years in the Lindenwood Estates community, meeting new and old friends and helping out family and friends.
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