Thielmann, Gerhard (George) (1909-1991)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1991 May 31 p. 28

Birth date: 1909

text of obituary:

GERHARD(GEORGE) THIELMANN

Gerhard (George) Thielmann of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away Apr. 26. He was born Sept. 14, 1909 to Gerhard G. and Helene Thielmann in Alexanderwohl, Molotschna, southern Russia. His father died in 1918. He was saved from starvation by MCC. He was converted at 10 and experienced several strong faith renewals. In 1925 he immigrated to Canada with the Abram Epps. His mother died 5 years later. His ambition was to farm so he could serve the Lord by ministering, preaching and teaching. He attended Coaldale (Alta.) and Winkler (Man.) Bible schools while working summers on farms near Namaka, Alta. He married Agnes Toews Apr. 27, 1935. He taught 8 years at Bethesda Bible School in Gem, Alta. In 1942 they moved to Namaka to help on father-in-law Aron A. Toews' farm. In 1947 he became founding principal of East Chilliwack (B.C.) Bible School, serving for 10 years. He also ran a farm and served in the preaching ministry at East Chilliwack MB Church, becoming pastor in 1950. In the late 1960s he sold the farm and took more theological study in Vancouver. He served as moderator and assistant moderator of the B.C. MB Conference, as chair of MCC B.C. 1955-71, as a member of the MCC Canada Board and on many other conference committees. In 1969 he became pastor of Vancouver MB Church. In 1978 they moved to Paraguay for 7 months of preaching and teaching. They then retired to Chilliwack, attending Broadway MB Church. In 1987 they moved to Clearbrook. He cared for Agnes and ministered to her and other patients after she was hospitalized. He preached occasionally and led Saturday prayer services at Clearbrook MB Church. Terminal cancer was found in January, 1991, but he was uncomplaining and grateful for his care. Predeceased by 2 grandchildren, he is mourned by his wife; children Walter, Ervin, Herta Loewen, Victor, Elma Fiance, Margaret, Betty Allen and George; 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 30 in Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen, Jacob Pauls and P.R. Toews ministering.