AL HIEBERT

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AL HIEBERT

February 17, 1940 - March 15, 2026

Peacefully, on March 15, 2026, Al Hiebert stepped into Jesus’ presence to start his new life in heaven. He dearly wished to be reunited with his loved ones who had preceded him, his wife of 60 years, Lorna; his parents, CW and Mary Hiebert; Peter and Helen Dueck; brothers-in-law, Hugo Moule and Dennis Friesen; and other friends and family members.

Those who are left to miss him, but who look forward to our future reunion are his children, Rhonda and Jim Friesen and Jonathan and Karina Hiebert; his grandchildren, Matthew and Breanne Friesen, Laura and Joel Jolly, Sarah and Jon Carson; his special sister-in-law Pat Moule and her children, Seth and Emily; sisters, Phyllis and Thom Morris , Val and Gary Schellenberg , and brother Dennis and Judy Hiebert and their families; brother-in-law Ron and Wendy Dueck, and sisters-in-law, Louella Friesen and Sandi Dueck and their families.

Al was born February 17, 1940, near Lowe Farm, MB, and was raised on the farm for the first few years of his life. When his family moved to Steinbach in 1945, Al was eager to learn English as he started school. His outgoing and gregarious nature motivated him to join sports teams, a boys’ brass band, and church groups. Al gave his life to Christ on Palm Sunday in 1947 through the gentle counsel of his uncle Jake Hiebert. It was uncle Jake’s invitation to consider the gospel message logically that drew Al’s heart and mind towards faith in Jesus. He decided he would follow the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Cor. 5:15, “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

A born leader and teacher, Al gave his life to learning and evangelism. At age 12 he was teaching his Sunday School peers, and in high school he led evangelistic campaigns. In his last year of high school, he met the love of his life, Lorna Dueck, and the two planned for a life together after they had each completed post-secondary education. Lorna received her nursing degree in Winnipeg, and Al graduated from Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta. It was at PBI that he became known as “Al” (rather than Albert), and where he pursued training for the foreign mission field. These plans changed, however, when Al was offered a teaching position at Steinbach Bible Institute. He found a love of teaching that compelled him to pursue further education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Manitoba (1964), a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago (1969), and eventually a PhD in Philosophy from New York University (1979).

Al was a true visionary. As Camp Director for Red Rock Bible Camp (1964-1971), he mentored staff, expanded the facilities, and began to winterize the camp for year round programming. During his years at Winnipeg Bible College (later Providence University College) and Briercrest Seminary, Al established academic programs, fought for credit recognition with public universities, and fostered institutional partnerships. In 1973 he found a turn-of-the-century railway station in Dominion City and worked to transform it into a unique family home, relocating it to Kleefeld, MB. In 1980, Al chaired the building committee of the Kleefeld EMC and led the effort to create a beautiful new worship facility. Later in his career, Al envisioned a national association to advocate for Christian colleges and became the founding Executive Director for Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC). These are a just a few examples of his creative and “can-do” attitude.

Regardless of his position or role, Al’s greatest desire was to serve others. He has mentored countless students as a college and seminary professor. He served numerous years on the Board of the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, including a one-year position in Arkansas as its Vice-President. He has given spiritual care and support as an ordained lay minister in his church, and he has been a solid rock of leadership and love for his family. Even in his final years, Al provided companionship and encouragement for other Rest Haven residents, living out the words of his favourite hymn right to the end of his life: “May the mind of Christ my Saviour live in me from day to day, by His love and pow’r controlling all I do and say.”

Al passed away at the Rest Haven Care Home in Steinbach on the morning of Sunday, March 15, 2026. He passed quickly and unexpectedly, leading us to believe that he just couldn’t wait to join Jesus for the Sunday celebration in heaven that day! As family, we are grateful that he was surrounded by the Rest Haven staff and friends, for whom he constantly expressed gratitude and appreciation.

The viewing will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with devotional to follow.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, Steinbach, MB., with viewing one hour prior to the service.

The ash interment will take place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB., at a later date.

We are grateful for all who encouraged, supported, and journeyed with Al. When you remember him, think also about the passion of his life, which was Christian higher education. In his memory, please consider donating to Briercrest College & Seminary or to Providence University College & Theological Seminary.

As published in The Carillon on Mar 19, 2026