Harry Thiessen

Obituary

Harry Thiessen, age 87 of Steinbach, formerly, of Winnipeg passed away peacefully of Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Elizabeth, nee Froese/Feros, son Merton, son-in-law Rick Bercier, five grandchildren & spouses, 10 great-grandchildren, sisters Anna (Abe Friesen), Katherina (Edward Kroeker) of Winnipeg and brother Cornelius of Altona, sister-in-law Judith of Winnipeg, numerous nieces & nephews as well as nine stepchildren who he appreciated very much for accepting him as one of them.

Harry was predeceased by his first wife Helen, nee Reimer, daughter Louella, granddaughter Victoria and parents Cornelius and Anna Thiessen, twin sister Helena, brothers Abe, Peter, Jacob, Ben, Dick, sister-in-law Annie and some nieces and nephews.

Harry was born 1.5 hours after his twin sister on October 28, 1931. He always teased her that he had pushed her out. They were the middle children of ten born on their parents 8 th anniversary in their farm homestead south of Horndean, MB. His first few grades were in the Thames school. In 1941 the family moved to Austin Mb. where he attended Forestville school where he completed Grade 8. At age 14 he started working for farmers in the area until he moved to Winnipeg where his first job was at Fairfields Woolen Mills. This is where he met his first wife Helen Reimer. They were married on Nov. 29, 1952.

After Fairfields he moved on to T. Eaton Co. where he was preparing floats for the annual Santa Claus parade, but his heart was in sales, so he followed his dream and became a salesman for Yetman’s. Harry was an outgoing person excelling in sales, so he decided to be a travelling salesman selling various wares. He could sell almost anything. He loved driving and did a lot of that while on the road in his sales business. After retirement he was also a great help to many who needed rides to appointments and such.

When their children moved out west, they made numerous trips to see them.

The church was a great priority in his life with ushering as his main service. You would always find him at the door greeting people and making everyone feel welcome. Harry and Helen served many winters at Rio Grande Bible Institute in Texas. He enjoyed playing his harp and harmonica in the band there as well as playing for nursing homes here. Harry loved going to Gospel Music Festivals.

Harry was always ready to play games and/or work on puzzles. It was at the puzzle table he met his last love, Elizabeth, who he married on August 25, 2015. Thank you, Elizabeth, for being there for him in his last years.

Viewing will be on Thursday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional and fellowship to follow at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Viewing will also be at the church prior to the service.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 11, 2019 at 11 a.m., at Evangelical Free Church, Winnipeg, MB. Interment to follow after lunch at Green Acres Memorial Gardens on Green Acre Lane, Winnipeg, MB.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Harry may be made to Cancer Care or the Gideons. Special thanks to doctors, nurses, family and friends for all the care and support.

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