Niessen, David (1914-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituaries: 2003 Apr 11 p. 28

Birth date: 1914 May 8

text of obituary:

DAVID NIESSEN

David Niessen died Feb. 12. He was born May 8, 1914 in Aberdeen Sask. to Maria and Peter von Niessen. He grew up on the farm. He attended Bethany Bible School in Hepburn, Sask. He helped begin the MB church in Regina. He married Mary Teichrob in 1944. He became a teacher in 1947 and taught near Saskatoon in La Bassee School, Steele School, Clear Spring School and Delisle (Sask.) Composite High School. He enjoyed teaching and found unique ways to teach music, arts, crafts and sports. They entered into the lives of their communities and made many friends. After retiring from teaching in 1975, they taught In Nuevo Ideal, Durango, Mexico under MBMS International for 4 years. They formed lifelong friendships. In the 1980s they travelled in Canada and the US, exploring, visiting family and friends and fishing. Mary died in 1994. He married Edna Lepp in 1996 and settled in Hepburn. He is remembered as caring, dedicated, creative, hardworking, helpful and friendly. He freely shared stories from the past, spiritual insights and blessings. Predeceased by first wife Mary, 4 sisters and 4 brothers, he is mourned by Edna, daughters Maryann Schellenberg, Elaine Schultz and Kathryn Dauncey; son David; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 stepsons; 2 stepdaughters; 15 step-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 19 in West Portal Church Saskatoon, with Andrew Fehr and Reuben Andres ministering.