In Loving Memory of Abe Wolfe
It is with heavy hearts that we gather to celebrate the life of Abe Wolfe, who passed away in the early hours of May 7. His passing leaves a deep void, but his life leaves behind enduring memories of quiet strength, dedication, and love.
Abe was born on January 30, 1941, in Chortitz, Manitoba. Throughout his life, he touched many with his dry wit and gentle humour. Quiet and unpretentious by nature, Abe loved deeply, forgave easily, and showed his care through steady actions rather than words.
He is survived by his loving wife Elvira; his son Rick; his daughter Kim, son-in-law Kelly; and his cherished grandchildren Nicole, Lauren, Parker, and Brooke. He also leaves behind his siblings Isaac, David, Margaret, Sarah, Corny, and Justina, along with many nieces and nephews. Abe was predeceased by his parents Peter and Katherine, and his siblings Peter, Jake, Tina, Helen, John, and Herman.
After working in construction, he started farming near Chortiz but shortly after decided to buy his first piece of farmland near Haywood in 1966. That same year, he and Elvira were married, beginning a partnership that would span a lifetime. In 1968, they bought their home yard and moved in during the spring with their five week old son, Richard. Kim joined the family in 1972, and by then the farm had grown to include a variety of livestock. Over the years, Abe raised cattle, hogs, chickens, and even a couple of horses for the kids to try riding—an experience remembered fondly, and briefly.
Abe started farming with modest equipment—a Minneapolis tractor, a four bottom plough, and a pony press drill—using them to grow oats, barley, and buckwheat. While the equipment slowly improved over time, it was Abe’s determination and strong work ethic that truly kept the farm going.
To supplement the farm income, Abe worked winters in Winnipeg at Universal Machine and later assisted Jim Kitching during potato harvests. After earning his Class 1 licence, he hauled potatoes to Grand Forks before eventually renting out the land and becoming a full time long haul truck driver. His work took him across Canada and into the United States, and later closer to home hauling hanging pork to Neepawa for George and Dale Klassen.
In 2001, Abe and Elvira sold the farmyard and moved to Carman while their dream home was built. They retired shortly thereafter and entered one of the most joyful chapters of their lives—babysitting their grandchildren.
Nicole and Lauren enjoyed many sleepovers at Grandma and Grandpa’s, where bubble baths in the jetted tub were a highlight. Grandpa patiently sat through makeovers, hairstyling, and even special saran wrap hair treatments. Family adventures included hotel sleepovers in Winnipeg, complete with waterpark fun.
Later, Abe and Elvira took on part time babysitting for Parker and Brooke. Abe especially enjoyed long stroller walks with Parker, picnic lunches in the park, playground visits, and the occasional sneaky stop at Syl’s for ice cream. Abe often joked that if they had known how much fun grandchildren were, they would have had the grandkids before the kids.
Travel was another shared joy throughout Abe and Elvira’s marriage. From early road trips to the West Coast—sleeping in a camper shell or tent—to later adventures with a tent trailer, they loved exploring together. In 1976, they travelled with family to Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, to visit relatives. Over the years, they also journeyed to California, the Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains, the East Coast, and frequently to British Columbia to visit Elvira’s brother Leonard. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a bus tour of Eastern Canada. Later, winters spent in Puerto Vallarta became cherished traditions until Abe’s health declined.
As Abe’s health slowed due to congestive heart failure and cancer, he and Elvira chose a quieter life and moved to Winkler in 2017. There, they enjoyed condo living and the close friendship of Herb and Maryanne Loewen, whose support and companionship over more than 50 years meant so much to them.
In his later years, Abe found comfort at home, watching Blue Jays, Winnipeg Jets games and Sunday church services. Family support was constant and deeply appreciated, with regular visits and help with medical appointments, making his final years meaningful and full of love. Right to the end, Abe maintained his sense of humour—doctors and nurses often left his hospital room smiling, and he was always ready with a thumbs up, no matter the occasion.
Abe was member of the Chortiz Mennonite Church in 1965. When he moved to Carman and attended church there, the plan of salvation became clear and he became a member of the Carman Mennonite Church, until moving to Winkler.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all relatives, friends, and neighbours for the food, phone calls, visits, and emotional support, and to everyone who has gathered to honour and celebrate Abe’s life. We are humbly grateful.
It is with heavy hearts that we gather to celebrate the life of Abe Wolfe, who passed away in the early hours of May 7. His passing leaves a deep void, but his life leaves behind enduring memories of quiet strength, dedication, and love.
Abe was born on January 30, 1941, in Chortitz, Manitoba. Throughout his life, he touched many with his dry wit and gentle humour. Quiet and unpretentious by nature, Abe loved deeply, forgave easily, and showed his care through steady actions rather than words.
He is survived by his loving wife Elvira; his son Rick; his daughter Kim, son-in-law Kelly; and his cherished grandchildren Nicole, Lauren, Parker, and Brooke. He also leaves behind his siblings Isaac, David, Margaret, Sarah, Corny, and Justina, along with many nieces and nephews. Abe was predeceased by his parents Peter and Katherine, and his siblings Peter, Jake, Tina, Helen, John, and Herman.
After working in construction, he started farming near Chortiz but shortly after decided to buy his first piece of farmland near Haywood in 1966. That same year, he and Elvira were married, beginning a partnership that would span a lifetime. In 1968, they bought their home yard and moved in during the spring with their five week old son, Richard. Kim joined the family in 1972, and by then the farm had grown to include a variety of livestock. Over the years, Abe raised cattle, hogs, chickens, and even a couple of horses for the kids to try riding—an experience remembered fondly, and briefly.
Abe started farming with modest equipment—a Minneapolis tractor, a four bottom plough, and a pony press drill—using them to grow oats, barley, and buckwheat. While the equipment slowly improved over time, it was Abe’s determination and strong work ethic that truly kept the farm going.
To supplement the farm income, Abe worked winters in Winnipeg at Universal Machine and later assisted Jim Kitching during potato harvests. After earning his Class 1 licence, he hauled potatoes to Grand Forks before eventually renting out the land and becoming a full time long haul truck driver. His work took him across Canada and into the United States, and later closer to home hauling hanging pork to Neepawa for George and Dale Klassen.
In 2001, Abe and Elvira sold the farmyard and moved to Carman while their dream home was built. They retired shortly thereafter and entered one of the most joyful chapters of their lives—babysitting their grandchildren.
Nicole and Lauren enjoyed many sleepovers at Grandma and Grandpa’s, where bubble baths in the jetted tub were a highlight. Grandpa patiently sat through makeovers, hairstyling, and even special saran wrap hair treatments. Family adventures included hotel sleepovers in Winnipeg, complete with waterpark fun.
Later, Abe and Elvira took on part time babysitting for Parker and Brooke. Abe especially enjoyed long stroller walks with Parker, picnic lunches in the park, playground visits, and the occasional sneaky stop at Syl’s for ice cream. Abe often joked that if they had known how much fun grandchildren were, they would have had the grandkids before the kids.
Travel was another shared joy throughout Abe and Elvira’s marriage. From early road trips to the West Coast—sleeping in a camper shell or tent—to later adventures with a tent trailer, they loved exploring together. In 1976, they travelled with family to Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, to visit relatives. Over the years, they also journeyed to California, the Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains, the East Coast, and frequently to British Columbia to visit Elvira’s brother Leonard. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a bus tour of Eastern Canada. Later, winters spent in Puerto Vallarta became cherished traditions until Abe’s health declined.
As Abe’s health slowed due to congestive heart failure and cancer, he and Elvira chose a quieter life and moved to Winkler in 2017. There, they enjoyed condo living and the close friendship of Herb and Maryanne Loewen, whose support and companionship over more than 50 years meant so much to them.
In his later years, Abe found comfort at home, watching Blue Jays, Winnipeg Jets games and Sunday church services. Family support was constant and deeply appreciated, with regular visits and help with medical appointments, making his final years meaningful and full of love. Right to the end, Abe maintained his sense of humour—doctors and nurses often left his hospital room smiling, and he was always ready with a thumbs up, no matter the occasion.
Abe was member of the Chortiz Mennonite Church in 1965. When he moved to Carman and attended church there, the plan of salvation became clear and he became a member of the Carman Mennonite Church, until moving to Winkler.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all relatives, friends, and neighbours for the food, phone calls, visits, and emotional support, and to everyone who has gathered to honour and celebrate Abe’s life. We are humbly grateful.