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JOHN MARTIN THIESSEN Obituary pic

JOHN MARTIN THIESSEN

Date of Passing: Nov 25, 2012

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JOHN MARTIN THIESSEN John Martin Thiessen passed away peacefully early Sunday morning November 25, 2012 at the age of 87. He is predeceased by his son, Larry, his mother, Anna, father, Johann, his older brother Jake, and his sisters Anne and Sally. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Hilda, his brothers Harry, Eugene, David and Henry and his sister Irene. He is also survived by his three sons David, Paul and Tim, his daughter Carolyn, 14 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. John was born in Kleefeld, Russia in 1925 and immigrated to Canada with his family at a young age. He grew up on a farm in Arnaud, MB where he was blessed with a close family and began to develop a love for mathematics, music and sports. As a young man he served as a conscientious objector in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corp during the Second World War. After returning home John went to University to train as a teacher. During his summer break in 1948 he went to work in Ontario, since some of his relatives had moved there. It was then that he met a beautiful young lady - Hilda Unger. In 1950 they married. After graduating from University John spent most of his working life teaching mathematics, music, English and various other subjects at several schools including Eden Christian College, Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute (MBCI) and Sisler High School. At MBCI he served as teacher, principal and board member and helped establish the school's athletics and music programs. He later moved into the public school system and eventually retired as a math teacher from Sisler High School in 1990. John has been and will always be a shining example of what it truly means to be a man of God. Renaissance man aptly describes his giftedness in music, sports and mathematics. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor, leader and friend who genuinely cared for everyone he met. He was kind-hearted almost to a fault; gentle and loving towards all. And yet he exuded a humble strength and wisdom that allowed him to also be an effective leader. John had a positive impact on countless lives, and he will be sorely missed. But we have much to celebrate because he lived a full life with dignity and honor and goes, by the grace of God, to his heavenly reward as a good and faithful follower of Christ. A viewing will be held at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 29, 2012. The funeral service for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 30, 2012 at Eastview Community Church, 3500 De Vries Avenue. Donations can be made on behalf of John M. Thiessen to Mennonite Brethren Missions and Services (MBMS) or Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Publish Date: Nov 28, 2012

JOHN MARTIN THIESSEN Peacefully on November 25, 2012 at Misericordia Health Centre, John M. Thiessen, beloved husband of Hilda Thiessen passed away at age 87 years. Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastview Community Church, 3500 DeVries Avenue, Winnipeg. Longer obituary to follow in Wednesday's edition.
Publish Date: Nov 27, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2012

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • John visited the school where Larry, his son, taught. Sometimes, he would play pickup basketball with us. He had a two hand set shot which was very accurate. He always had a twinkle in his eye. I would have loved to have had him for my father! Jerry - Posted by: Jerry Araujo (Honored to call John, friend.) on: Dec 03, 2012

  • Mr. Thiessen, as we called him, taught us music appreciation and I first heard Moonlight Sonata in this class. I also recall a student vs faculty ball game in which the students were doing ok until John came to bat. He hit a home run. - Posted by: Albert J. Hiebert (Student at Eden CHristian College early 1950's) on: Dec 03, 2012

  • John Thiessen represents what MBCI means for me. Whether it was the subjects that I enjoyed, sports and English or the ones where he tolerated students like me, math and choir, John was an engaging,first rate teacher who inspired students to do their best work. As a principal, John was visionary, fair and principled. As a coworker he was helpful and encouraging. As a fastball pitcher he was tenacious. As a coach he was open, in charge and always competitive. As a friend he was constant. I will miss him. - Posted by: Bruce Enns (student, fellow teacher) on: Nov 30, 2012

  • Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Thiessen, Dave, Barb, Lucas, Colin and Tim, their partners and children and all of the Thiessen family. He was such a good man who touched many lives in a positive way and it is certain his goodness lives on in all of you. Love Dawn and Doug - Posted by: Dawn and Doug-Baron (Friend and family God-parents) on: Nov 29, 2012

  • WE have truly been so blessed by John Thiessen as a teacher and a friend, always. He not only taught in words but also in life's experiences. We are grateful to have had him as teacher and friend. Many blessings to you Hilda and family as you celebrate his home going. Ben Erna Falk - Posted by: Ben Erna Falk (Students at Eden Christian College 1950 - 1955) on: Nov 28, 2012

  • My condolences to all of the Thiessen family. - Posted by: Bill Cartlidge () on: Nov 28, 2012

  • Dear Hilda and family, John was a gifted caring teacher and made english lit come alive..he was a favorite of all. Thank you for sharing him with us in all the extra curriculars..music,drama, sports. May God give you His comfort and peace as you mourn his loss and celebrate a life well lived Roma Klassen Niessen Kelowna BC - Posted by: Roma Niessen (student) on: Nov 28, 2012

  • I was truly blessed and enriched by the time John and I shared on the board at ECC. His gentleness and wisdom flowed out of him like a mountain spring. Clear, cool and refreshing. A wonderful man indeed. - Posted by: Robert Penner (friend and fellow servant of the Most High) on: Nov 27, 2012

  • John was always an encourager who bridged the generation gap!! A good and faithful servant to be sure!! - Posted by: Len Dacombe (Friend and fellow worker) on: Nov 27, 2012

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