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PETER THIESSEN
Born: Apr 29, 1940
Date of Passing: Dec 21, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPETER (THE BAGMAN) THIESSEN Peter Thiessen was born on April 29, 1940 in the Mennonite village of Neuendorf, Ukraine to Aron Thiessen and Margaret (Dyck), a middle child, with older sister, Helen, and younger brother, Henry. On October 13, 1943, the family fled the Ukraine and communist capture and headed for Poland. They arrived in a refugee camp and stayed in Peking, Poland until 1944. Peter's father, Aron, was taken by the German army and forced to enlist. Margaret, and her three kids, fled Poland for Germany ending up in a refugee town called Bremerhaven before being transported to South America. After 10 years of the family farming in Paraguay, in 1954, Margaret and her three kids were finally sponsored by relatives to come to a new land of opportunity, Winkler, Manitoba. After two years in Winkler, the family made their way to Winnipeg. Peter began working as a manufacturer's rep at Leaper Agencies. Peter was exceptional at getting to know people, and people genuinely enjoyed getting to know him. In the mid-1960s, Peter met the love of his life, Elsie Koch. On November 8, 1969, as he always proclaimed, Peter became "the luckiest man alive" and married Elsie. After 49 years, there was still not a day that would go by that Peter would ask out loud: "How did I get so lucky to find such a good woman?!" The sight and sound of his dear wife would still light up his face and bring a twinkle to his baby blue eyes. Peter was blessed with two children, who he was incredibly proud of, Jonathan (1973) and Jennifer (1977) who took every opportunity to spend time with him. One of the most important decisions in Peter's life was to purchase property on glorious Moonlight Bay at West Hawk Lake. Peter and Elsie spent as much time as possible at their cottage, entertaining friends and relatives, as often as they could. In November, 1982, Peter was reunited with the father he had not seen for 38 years and was thankfully able to spend 12 years with him before his passing. In 1987, while now owning and running Leaper Agencies, Peter bought a small wholesale business called U.N. Luggage..."bagman Pete was on his feet!" In 1997, Peter was diagnosed with a brain tumor and a surgery followed. Peter's brain tumor required a second surgery some years later and despite the surgeries and many treatments, Peter would never complain, just thank God that he was in Canada, surrounded by his loving family. In spring of 2017, Peter was taken to Concordia Emergency with a very severe case of pneumonia, and the good doctors in the ICU were able to save his life, giving us one more year with this great guy. Peter enjoyed a traditional family Christmas at his daughter's home on December 16 and fell ill a few days later, gently passing away at Concordia Hospital on December 21, 2018. He will be deeply missed by his darling wife, Elsie (nee Koch), son Jonathan Thiessen and wife Desiree Single, grandsons, Ivo and Otto, daughter Jennifer Goreski and husband Mike, grandson Soren and granddaughter Lottie, sister Helen Fast (Walter), brother Henry Thiessen (Katy), brother-in-law Irv Koch (Sandy), sister-in-law Ruth Skinner (Rick) and a whole bunch of nieces and nephews: Sandy and Randy Douglas, Garry and Susan Fast, Rod and Krista Thiessen, Debbie and Garth Styles, Brian and Jen Thiessen, Marcie Thiessen, Pam and Scott Wotherspoon, Kelly and Daryl Peters, Jody Koch and Albert Harper, Keely Koch, Kurt Koch, Kristine Skinner and Brad Hultman, and many great-nieces and great-nephews: Lukas, Thomas, Adrienne, Nathan, Carson, Everett, Caitlin, Madison, Peter, Anne, Signey, Gretta, Lane, Mackenzie and Logan. The above is the abridged version of a man who led an amazing life. He was friends with so many of us, an uncle to some of us, the Bagman to all of us, a brother to two of us, father to two of us, grandfather to four of us, father-in-law to two of us and a husband to Elsie. For the full story, we hope to see you at the service. A celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Douglas Mennonite Church, 1517 Rothesay Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, MCC Canada, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 5K9 who were such a key part in bringing the Thiessens to this country. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Dec 29, 2018
PETER THIESSEN April 29, 1940 - December 21, 2018 "Bagman Pete" passed away at the age of 78, at Concordia Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Douglas Mennonite Church, 1517 Rothesay Street, Winnipeg, MB. Full obituary to follow in Saturday's newspaper. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Dec 27, 2018
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 27, 2018, Dec 29, 2018
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Many years ago we were very close with Peter and Elsie. I, Marylyn, was an attendant at their Wedding in 1969. Elsie was my Matron of Honour at our Wedding in 1973. We moved east in 1974 and life moved on. We are so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He was a great guy with an amazing sense of humour and wonderful ambition, whether it was for a social opportunity or in his most successful business endeavours. We send our deepest condolences to you Elsie and to all the children and grandchildren...and extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Marylyn and Gord - Posted by: Gordon and Marylyn Stovel (Friends) on: Feb 25, 2019
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I've known Peter for about 20 years. He was a true "gentle"man in the best sense of the word. My condolences to all of his family during this tough time. I will fondly remember Bagman Pete every time I pack one of my pieces of UN luggage. - Posted by: Ed Gallos (Friend) on: Jan 08, 2019
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Over the years, we shared many conversations and laughter with Elsie and Peter in Winnipeg, and during their visits to Eastern Canada. Peter was the epitome of a true gentleman. His was a life well-lived. He will be missed. To Elsie, Jon, Jennifer and family, we send our deepest sympathies. As all those who knew him, we will hold Peter's memory within our hearts. Sheila (Knowles) Bross and Michael Bross - Posted by: Sheila Knowles Bross and Michael Bross (longtime friend) on: Jan 07, 2019
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I have known Peter since his years with Art Leaper, the purchase of Leaper Agencies and then his purchase of U N Luggage. Always a gentleman and classy dresser. We shared cottage lots at West Hawk Lake for 25 years building lots of memories. He was an entrepreneur who was always positive and never shied away from a challenge. Throughout his illness he always maintained a positive attitude and never complained. - Posted by: Ray Knowles (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2019
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Peter was always a cordial and positive influence on my life and he will be sadly missed. On occasion, we would travel to the WEA meetings on Friday together where I learned a great deal about Peter's life journey and the very positive influence that his entire family had on his life. My father knew Peter through Leaper Agencies and had an extremely high regard for him. My deepest sympathy for the entire family. God Bless, - Posted by: Chris Good (Friend and Business associate) on: Jan 04, 2019
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I was very sad to learn of Peter’s passing. My heart goes out to you Elsie, Jennifer, Jon and families. Peter was a close friend of our family (the Gilberts) and he and Elsie had many good times with my parents over the years. Peter and my Dad worked out of the same building on Albert Street and whenever I visited his was the first face I usually saw. I loved to see him as he always made me laugh and gave me such a warm welcome. Peter was a true gentleman and he handled his health issues with courage and a positive attitude. He will be missed! - Posted by: Cathy and Paul Therrien (Family friend) on: Jan 04, 2019
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I will always remember Peter as a playful, proud and inspiring businessman and gentleman that offered an example for all that came to know him as a great Winnipeg spirit. - Posted by: John Wiebe (Business Associate) on: Jan 02, 2019
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My sincerest condolences. What a great man with a history of courage and overcoming challenges going way back. I was honoured to meet him through WEA and get a chuckle everytime I ran into him. Such a fantastic guy and warm individual. His journey through life and all he touched is admirable. God Bless. Sincerest blessings. Dr Ken Hamin. - Posted by: Kenneth Hamin (Friend ) on: Jan 02, 2019
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We were saddened to see the obituary that Peter had passed away. It has been many years since we were in the same city to visit. Elsie and I met at work many years ago. She found Peter the man of her dreams at that time. Our condolences to you Elsie and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. - Posted by: Donna and Rene Beaudry (friends) on: Jan 02, 2019
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Anne and I wish to extend our condolences to Elsie, Henry, Helen, the whole Thiessen family, and Peter's large circle of friends who no longer have a centre point. My best memories are of the winter of, I think 1957-58 , when Peter, Walter Schwartzenau, a good friend, and I, undertook to attend at every Winnipeg Community Club dance held that year and there were many in those early years of rock and roll. The Templeton Community Club dance was particularly memorable. The time we spent together was a blast. Physically absent you may be Peter, but the memories you helped create live on. Rudy Peters - Posted by: Rudy Peters (A long time friend) on: Jan 01, 2019
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Peter was a close family friend especially to my parents, Betty and Jack Gilbert. Peter and my father shared space on Albert street together back in the day and the highlight of my visits to their offices was to see Peter’s sport car parked inside the warehouse space. Peter always made you feel good as he was always enthusiastic about seeing you. Peter, in later years was always an inspiration in how he dealt positively with his health issues. Our condolences to you Elsie and Jennifer and Jonathan and family. - Posted by: Rick and Joanne Gilbert (Family friend) on: Dec 31, 2018
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Peter was a great influence on my life and my success. I've known Peter since I was a young adolescence. Breakfast, coffee and advice. Al's Restaurant and then later under ground at 201 Portage Avenue. Always encouraging. Always positive. I remember his laugh and all of his stories. I feel very lucky to have had Peter in my life. My heart is broken for Elsie, Jon, and Jennifer. Rest in Peace Peter! - Posted by: Brian Scharfstein (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2018
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My condolences to the entire Thiessen family. Peter was a true gentleman with a positive attitude and always a smile. Even through adversity Peter maintained a bright attitude and left an indelible impression on those he came in contact with. - Posted by: Patrick LaMonica (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2018
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Our paths crossed many years ago as fellow sales reps and you were always respected as a gentleman in the trade and an astute business man demonstrated by your smart move on "Albert Street". Diane and I often remind ourselves of that fun filled ski trip to Thunder Bay some 48 years ago. Wherever we end up from here Pete; I know you will keep them entertained. God Bless You. - Posted by: Ron Chatfield (Friend and "Back Lane Neighbor") on: Dec 27, 2018
