Frank Koop Plett

Frank Koop Plett, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather was born on the farm 2 miles East of Landmark on March 28, 1926 to Peter F. and Sara Plett.

Four weeks ago, dad started experiencing shortness of breath and was hospitalized with pneumonia. After a brief illness, he passed into Glory with family by his side on May 31, 2023 at the age of 97.

Dad is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nettie (Kroeker), his 3 sons Murray, wife Lorene, Cameron, wife Kara and Kelvin, wife Kathy, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

Dad is predeceased by his parents, 7 sisters, 3 brothers and many family members.

Dad grew up on the farm and had the dreaded chore of herding cows, a job he hated. He especially disliked plowing with the horses as it took too long. Towards the later years of WWII, dad received the dreaded letter in the mail that he was to serve his country in war. Dad’s conviction of faith was strong, and he had to appear before a judge, with his dad, to explain why he wanted to be a Conscientious Objector. Dad was granted CO status and was able to remain on the farm until the war ended.

Dad’s real passion was machinery. This is evident in the jobs he took as an adult. He was working for Brandt Construction, road building and using earth moving equipment, when he was challenged by two friends to ask a certain young lady out on a date. Her name was Nettie and she accepted. They went bowling on a double date on October 3, 1958. Dad was bold enough to kiss her at the end of the date and sparks flew for both. They were married the following spring on April 11, 1959.

Dad had a house trailer built for his new bride and they moved to St. Malo for the summer and Steinbach in the winter. This began their long journey of multiple moves to Carmen, Balder, Winnipeg, back to Steinbach, and finally building a house 2 miles east of Landmark. They eventually built in Landmark, where they stayed for many years before making the final move to Woodhaven.

Their moving about always had to do with dad’s jobs. He liked variety and worked for Brandt Road Construction, Canada Packers, Manitoba Sugar Company, Westgate Enterprises, up north for NDL, and trucking jobs for different companies and also as a self-employed person. Dad’s retirement saw him working part-time trucking and as a heavy equipment operator.

Mom and dad loved to travel even if it was just camping. On one occasion, they had borrowed a camper from friends and had made it as far as Regina. That evening there was a bad storm and mom was scared and said she would go sleep in the car. Dad said no, he needed mom’s weight to help hold down the trailer. Their adventures took them all over the world including 13 countries in Europe, Hawaii, South America and of course across Canada and the USA. Dad’s greatest love was being with family whether it be at home, a hotel, or a campground.

In dad’s later years, he joined a Seniors Bowling League and went to the Canadian Senior 5 Pin Championship. They didn’t win, but he loved every minute of it. He also took up wood working, and we all have items from his hobby. His passion also saw him faithfully in front of the tv if hockey or football was on, he didn’t like to miss a game.

Dad’s greatest loves were his family and his church. His commitment to his church was evident when dad went to communion while his wife was still in the hospital with their newborn baby. We can all laugh at that or shake our heads, but dad was committed to his Lord.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Bethesda Regional Health Centre for their kindness and compassionate care. A special thank you to RN Lorie, all the staff on the first floor and the hospital chaplain, Lydia Summerville. Your love and care for dad and for us as a family is greatly appreciated.

A come and go viewing will be held from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm on Monday, June 5, 2023, at Crossings Funeral Care. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Prairie Rose EMC Church, Landmark, MB, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join them through livestream. Please click here to view the livestream.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ethnos360 (formerly known as New Tribes Mission).