Obituary of Rev. Richard E. Grabke

Rev. Grabke, beloved husband of Lillian Grabke of Regina, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the age of 81. He was predeceased by an infant newborn daughter, parents Fred and Ida (nee Knopf) Grabke, brothers Phil and Irvin, sister Gertie Best and brothers-in-law Eric Best and Edward Zink. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his loving wife Lillian; his daughter Glenda (Ardon) Rosom of Regina and their children Shayne (fiance Alyssa Sedore) and Austin; his son Sheldon (Xiao) Grabke of Toronto and their children Emerson, Jocelyn and Danielle; and his foster daughter Billie (Tom) Simmons of Seattle and their children Shannon (Justin) and children (Caden and Sophia), Christina, Brittany, Cortney, Josh and Joey. Richard is also survived by his sister Helen Zink of Winnipeg and sisters-in-law Gladys Grabke of Calgary and Kay Grabke of Kelowna. Richard was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised outside Whitemouth, Manitoba. In 1959, he was united in marriage to Lillian (Ziolkowski). He served 10 churches in the USA and Canada and was currently serving Discovery Baptist Church in Regina. His burden was evangelism. He served as Chairman of the NAB Missions, Chairman of Church Extension Committees and Association Moderator. Richards passion was to serve his Lord whom he accepted as his Saviour at the age of 9 and began preaching at age 16. His hope was in the coming again of Jesus and his burden was that all he met may come to faith in Christ. Richard was a loving and selfless servant, husband, father and pastor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Discovery Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 55 Michener Drive, Regina, S4V 0L1 or the Good Spirit Bible Camp, Box 295, Springside, SK, S0A 3V0. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2010 in Faith Baptist Church, 437 Broadway Avenue East, Regina with Pastor Darold Sauer officiating. Interment in Regina Memorial Gardens. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com