Thiessen, Henry (1912-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Sept 5 p. 31

Birth date: 1888 Apr 08

text of obituary:

HENRY THIESSEN

Henry Thiessen of Calgary, Alta., passed away on July 27, 1975 following an 18 month illness.

He was born at Lustigstal, Crimea in 1912 and came to Canada in 1925, first to Aldersyde, Alberta, then to Youngstown in 1926 and Namaka in 1930. He attended Bible school in Coaldale, and went on to complete his high school education in Calgary and graduated from Normal School in 1935.

On June 16, 1935 he married Marie Penner, and moved to Skiff, where he taught school. He also taught in Vauxhall, in Grassy Lake, where he farmed as well, at the Alberta Mennonite High School in Coaldale, in Taber and in Medicine Hat. In 1969 he retired from farming and moved to Calgary.

He was involved in many aspects of church work including teaching, preaching, administration and missions. His testimony was John 8:36-"If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." He lived under God's grace, knew God's forgiveness and acceptance of himself and others. He always had time for people.

He gave of himself cheerfully, worked diligently, and was always optimistic. He will always be remembered for his sense of humour.

Besides his beloved wife Marie, he is survived by one daughter and her husband Harry and Delores Goerz of Calgary; five sons and their wives: Arnie and Rosemarie, Calgary, Willard and Betty, Winnipeg, Elmer and Shirley, Williams Lake, B.C., Dave and Jan, Griswold, Man., Ernie and Debbi, Grassy Lake, Alta.; 13 grandchildren; two sisters and five brothers.