Thiessen, Dietrich D. (1902-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 May 18 p. 31

Birth date: 1902

text of obituary:

Dietrich D. Thiessen

Dietrich D. Thiessen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Mar. 7. He was born Apr. 28, 1902 to Dietrich Heinrich and Aganetha Thiessen in Altenau, Molotschna, Russia. Within a year they moved to Alexanderpol, Ignatiev and bought a farm. At 23 he accepted Christ, based on Acts 4:12. In November, 1926 he immigrated to Canada, joining his uncle in La Salle, Man. He went to Mullingar, Sask. and bought a quarter section. He was baptized in June, 1931 and joined Mullingar MB Church. On Aug. 23, 1931 he was married to Olga Klassen by Abram Friesen of Glenbush, Sask., with the text being "Oneness in Spirit". He farmed and worked as a carpenter. In 1940 they moved to Vancouver, where he worked as a carpenter, finishing captains' cabins in the shipyards. After the war, he established him self as an independent contractor, building many houses and three churches. It pleased him to supply well built homes to others. In February, 1988 they moved to Abbotsford and in fall joined Bakerview MB Church. Hospitalized numerous times with progressive heart failure, he requested prayers for release from suffering. Predeceased by son David Arnold, 2 sisters and 5 brothers, he is survived by his wife; sons Harold and Robert; daughter Rosella; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 12.