Peter H. Zacharias
January 26, 1933 - January 15, 2026
Peter H. Zacharias, 92, transitioned to his Eternal Rest on January 15, 2026. His life was marked by a confident hope in Jesus Christ and a bold, steady faith that shaped who he was and guided everything he did.
Born in Reinland, Manitoba, to Peter S. and Aganetha Zacharias, Peter was raised on the family farm, where faith and hard work were central. In his late teens, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and was baptized on June 3, 1952, at the Reinland EMM Church.
Peter earned a BA and B.Ed. from the University of Manitoba and devoted 35 years to teaching. While most of his career was in Winkler, his love for Canada’s North brought him to remote Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba and the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut)— including Manigotogan, Crane River, Sanikiluaq (formerly Belcher Islands), and Cranberry Portage. Peter impacted hundreds of students, families, and colleagues, not only through education but also through his consistent integrity and kindness.
On August 9, 1958, Peter married the love of his life, Ella Wieler. Their 67½-year marriage was marked by devotion, shared service, and deep, enduring love. Together, they faithfully served their families, church, and community. Over the years, Peter served as a youth leader, Sunday School teacher, deacon, council and ministerial member, lay minister, and congregation member. For decades, he was also a Gideon (now ShareWord Global), demonstrating his deep appreciation for the Gospel and Scriptures.
After retirement in 1993, Peter and Ella responded to God’s call to church ministry—first in Belize (1994–1996; 1997-1998) and then in Iowa (2002–2003). For many years, he also volunteered at the MCC warehouse in Plum Coulee, which he greatly enjoyed.
Always inquisitive, Peter was a lifelong learner with a sharp mind, meticulous attention to detail, strong wit, and genuine interest in others. He cherished his family, building a home filled with love, laughter, music, and togetherness. He remained active and engaged for most of his life, always ready to help his children and grandchildren—even long after they were grown—and delighted in visiting them, whether they lived near or far away.
Even as Peter’s health declined in his final years, the name of Jesus, his dear Ella, and his family were continually on his lips, and his faith remained unwavering, reflecting Jesus’ words:
“From his innermost being will flow rivers of Living Water.”
Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Ella; his children: Audrey (Rod) Peters, Rita (Ron) Thiessen, Rudy (Michelle), and Vince (Deb); 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two sisters. He was predeceased by his parents, one son (Myron), four brothers, and five sisters.
Peter’s life was a rich testimony to God’s grace, love, and faithfulness. Through life’s joys and sorrows, mountaintops and valleys, his trust in the goodness of God never wavered. While deeply missed, we rejoice in the assurance that he has finished his race and now rests—whole and healed—in the presence of his dear Saviour.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” — John 3:36
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Salem Home for their professionalism, exceptional care, and support in Peter’s final days.
January 26, 1933 - January 15, 2026
Peter H. Zacharias, 92, transitioned to his Eternal Rest on January 15, 2026. His life was marked by a confident hope in Jesus Christ and a bold, steady faith that shaped who he was and guided everything he did.
Born in Reinland, Manitoba, to Peter S. and Aganetha Zacharias, Peter was raised on the family farm, where faith and hard work were central. In his late teens, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and was baptized on June 3, 1952, at the Reinland EMM Church.
Peter earned a BA and B.Ed. from the University of Manitoba and devoted 35 years to teaching. While most of his career was in Winkler, his love for Canada’s North brought him to remote Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba and the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut)— including Manigotogan, Crane River, Sanikiluaq (formerly Belcher Islands), and Cranberry Portage. Peter impacted hundreds of students, families, and colleagues, not only through education but also through his consistent integrity and kindness.
On August 9, 1958, Peter married the love of his life, Ella Wieler. Their 67½-year marriage was marked by devotion, shared service, and deep, enduring love. Together, they faithfully served their families, church, and community. Over the years, Peter served as a youth leader, Sunday School teacher, deacon, council and ministerial member, lay minister, and congregation member. For decades, he was also a Gideon (now ShareWord Global), demonstrating his deep appreciation for the Gospel and Scriptures.
After retirement in 1993, Peter and Ella responded to God’s call to church ministry—first in Belize (1994–1996; 1997-1998) and then in Iowa (2002–2003). For many years, he also volunteered at the MCC warehouse in Plum Coulee, which he greatly enjoyed.
Always inquisitive, Peter was a lifelong learner with a sharp mind, meticulous attention to detail, strong wit, and genuine interest in others. He cherished his family, building a home filled with love, laughter, music, and togetherness. He remained active and engaged for most of his life, always ready to help his children and grandchildren—even long after they were grown—and delighted in visiting them, whether they lived near or far away.
Even as Peter’s health declined in his final years, the name of Jesus, his dear Ella, and his family were continually on his lips, and his faith remained unwavering, reflecting Jesus’ words:
“From his innermost being will flow rivers of Living Water.”
Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Ella; his children: Audrey (Rod) Peters, Rita (Ron) Thiessen, Rudy (Michelle), and Vince (Deb); 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two sisters. He was predeceased by his parents, one son (Myron), four brothers, and five sisters.
Peter’s life was a rich testimony to God’s grace, love, and faithfulness. Through life’s joys and sorrows, mountaintops and valleys, his trust in the goodness of God never wavered. While deeply missed, we rejoice in the assurance that he has finished his race and now rests—whole and healed—in the presence of his dear Saviour.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” — John 3:36
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Salem Home for their professionalism, exceptional care, and support in Peter’s final days.