Rudy Ernest Poettcker

Reverend Rudy Ernest Poettcker, 77, of Palm Bay, passed away on March 8, 2026. He was the fourth of five Poettcker brothers, born to parents who married in 1934. His grandparents on both sides had immigrated from Russia in the 1920s, bringing with them a deep faith that shaped the family through hardship and loss. Rudy grew up on a farm near Pincher Creek, Alberta, later moving to Coaldale, where he and his brother Art rode horseback to a one-room school and shared childhood adventures playing farm and competing in sports.

Rudy married Sharilyn on December 30, 1972, under a clear Alberta winter sky. Their marriage was marked by love, faith, and steadfast commitment. After further theological study, he was ordained in June 1981 and became pastor of a church in Calgary. That same year, their daughter Karissa was born, followed by their son Micah in 1984. Micah’s life ended in 1992 after a long illness, yet his childlike faith remained a lasting testimony to his parents.

Rudy later served as pastor and headmaster at Christian Liberty Academy in Paramaribo, Suriname, alongside Asgar Hamid. There he poured himself into Christian education, helping the school grow to nearly 390 students from around the world. Even through challenges, including a fire in 2003, he witnessed God’s provision. In August 2024 he began his final battle with cancer. He preached his last sermon on March 1, 2026, and one week later, on March 8, he entered the presence of his Savior.

Rudy was a man devoted to the study and teaching of Scripture. He loved his wife Sharilyn deeply, cherished his role as father to Karissa and Micah and grandfather to Damien, Quintin, and Dahlia, and lived with thoughtfulness, integrity, and purpose. He is remembered as a pastor, teacher, husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose love for God remained first in all things.