Norman Aaron Thiessen

Obituary

Norman Aaron Thiessen of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus with his family by his side on March 20, 2026, at the age of 54.

Norman was a devoted husband, father, and friend, remembered most for his unmistakable smile – one that could light up a room and make anyone feel at ease. He loved to laugh, and that joy was something he shared freely with everyone around him.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Nettie, and his sons, Jayden, Tyler (Isabelle), and Nathan (Janice), who were the center of his world. Norman was predeceased by his sister, Kim Thiessen and Nettie’s parents Peter and Kathy Froese.

A power engineer by trade, Norman was brilliant in both mind and craft. He loved his work and the people he worked alongside, bringing not only skill but creativity and heart into everything he did. His ability to see solutions where others saw obstacles set him apart – if a tool didn’t exist, he would build it. If something could be improved, he would find a way.

That same creativity flowed into his life at home. Norman loved working with his hands, especially with wood. He had a gift for turning the ordinary into something beautiful – crafting live edge tables and seats, and transforming reclaimed wood from the old farmhouse into meaningful pieces filled with story and purpose. Many of these creations were made especially for Nettie, whom he loved deeply and passionately.

Norman’s faith in God was the foundation of his life. As a Christian, he loved God wholeheartedly. It was the well with which his incredible love flowed from and that love was evident in how he treated others – with kindness, generosity, and without judgment. He welcomed people as they were, offering friendship freely and sincerely. He wanted to see others succeed and thrive, and he gave of himself to help make that happen.

Above all, Norman was a family man. He was playful, present, and deeply invested in the lives of his boys. Whether coaching their soccer teams, building backyard ice rinks in the winter, or simply spending time together, he made sure his family knew they were his greatest priority. He taught his sons to see value where others might not – to appreciate the overlooked, to create, and to live with intention.

Norman’s passion for teaching extended far beyond his home. At work, many sought him out, knowing that learning from Norman meant learning the right way. He took the time to invest in others, sharing his knowledge with patience and care. His impact was so significant that his boss once remarked, “I have two Norms, Norm and the ten other guys.”

Norman saw the world in a unique and beautiful way. What seemed complicated to others often made perfect sense to him, and through that lens, he made life better for those around him.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the things he built – with both his hands and his heart.

Left to cherish Norman’s memory is:

His parents, Cornie and Elsie Thiessen, Delmar (Judy), Anthony (Marilyn), Virginia (Clayton), Jason (Jennifer), Audrey (Dennis), Arnold (Wendy), Eleanor (Adam) and their families

As well as Tina (Ike), Anne (George), Mary (Andrew), John (Hinke) and their families.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 1:00 PM at the Emmanuel Free church at 360 McKenzie Ave, Steinbach, Manitoba with reception to follow.

Please wear bright colours, orange, yellow and green were his favourites. There will also be a time for stories so please come prepared to share.