Andrew Dueck

Obituary

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” ~ John 11:25–26

Dad was born in a summer kitchen in Rosenhof, Manitoba, to Jacob B. Dueck & Anna Loewen. When his father died tragically in 1931, life didn’t slow down or get softer – it got real. Raised by his mother and grandparents alongside his little brother Jake, Dad learned early what it meant to figure things out, make do, and keep going.

He rode to church by horse and sleigh and lived through rationed sugar and gasoline during World War II. Hockey Night in Canada mattered enough that he bought himself a crystal set radio so he wouldn’t miss a minute. School was not his favourite – life itself became his classroom.

Dad had a mind wired for solutions. Wood construction came naturally to him; he could look at something broken and simply know how to make it work again. A man of order and administration, systems, structure, and details mattered. He navigated the challenges of the 1950s with ingenuity and grit. Following the Grand Forks tornado, he volunteered with MDS and was even issued a “police permit” to help keep order – a role that suited him well.

In 1948, he gave his heart to Jesus and never looked back. Faith was not something he merely spoke about; it was something he lived daily by example.

On November 23, 1952, he married the love of his life, Esther Friesen, and for the next 73 years they walked hand in hand. Together they adopted three children and loved them fiercely as their own: Irene Louise (1960), Roydon Jacob (1963), and Myron Dennis (1966).

Dad’s heart grew even bigger with the arrival of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren – his absolute pride and joy.

Over the years, Dad wore many hats: grain farmer, livestock and capon farmer, carpenter, pastor, church planter, camp director, board member with Eden Mental Health, chairman of evangelical crusades, and a man unafraid to sit with the broken, pray with the desperate, and confront darkness when needed. He served on EMC Ministerial and Mission Boards and travelled throughout the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, and Nicaragua, even enjoying an Alaskan cruise. Each year, Dad and Mom faithfully travelled west to visit their children and grandchildren on the BC coast.

In 2008, colon cancer changed his life. Ostomy bags and constant adjustments would have discouraged many, but not Dad. “This is my life now, and I’ll make the best of it,” he said – and he did. Mom stood faithfully by his side until she no longer could. Missing her nourishing home-cooked meals deeply, Dad was lovingly supported before his move to long-term care by his grandson Réjean, who prepared meals with great care and love.

Dad was non-judgmental, a patient listener, and a faithful prayer warrior for his family. Determined to stay connected, he even took a computer course to help write memoirs and joined Facebook to keep up with those he loved most – because being present always mattered. His only complaint after moving to Rest Haven was the poor internet connection, which interfered with his daily game of Solitaire and Steinbach Online Funeral Announcements!

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Jacob B. &Anna Dueck; his brother Jake; sister-in-law Doreen; and his parents-in-law, Jacob & Katherine Friesen.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Esther; one daughter and two sons; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren:

Daughter Irene & Richard Chapman and family:

• André Brandt, Réjean Brandt,
• Jeré Brandt & Jesse Woods and family: Ben, Maelle, Morgan & Isabelle,
• Jéanne & Jeff Wang and son Jaxson

Son Roy & Cheryl Dueck and family:

• Jordon, Nicholas and Joshua

Son Myron & Marjorie Dueck and family:

• Ryan and Kara

Special friends Wilfred Jephson & Manon Beaulieu and family: Oshea, Amielle and Yanick, along with Esther’s siblings, their spouses, and many nieces and nephews.

Dad, you remain the steady presence in our favourite memories – faithful, dependable, and stubborn in all the best ways. You have earned your rest and now hold a front-row seat in the presence of your Heavenly Father. Though deeply missed, we find comfort in the promise that we will one day be reunited in heaven.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Abe & Trudy Esau, whose love and steady support enriched Dad’s final years beyond measure. Sincere thanks to Pastor Ernie Koop for his care and spiritual support. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to Lorraine Friesen, Sheri Bergen, Nicole Johnson, Nurse Raj, and all the Autumn Glory staff at Rest Haven for their exceptional compassion and care.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, 360 McKenzie Ave, Steinbach, MB., with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow the service at the Heritage Cemetery, Loewen Blvd, Steinbach, MB., and returning to the Church for faspa.

To extended family and friends, thank you for your visits, prayers, and unwavering support during this difficult time.

And today, we give thanks for Dad’s life, entrusting him into God’s eternal care – until we meet again.