Forever In Our H e a r t s

Susie David December 30, 1916 – November 4, 2017 June 5, 1919- January 28, 2020

"Linked By Love"

Photo & Sketch by Madison Schimpf, Great-granddaughter

Thiessen

Memorial Service

12:00pm, Saturday, February 8, 2020

Mennonite Brethren Church

Coaldale, Alberta

Officiating – Pastor Gary Burke

Pianist – Marlene Boschman

Song Leader – John Nikkel

Prelude- Marlene Boschman

Processional - Marlene Boschman

Welcome/scripture/prayer - Pastor Gary Burke

Congregational Music - Lead by John Nikkel

#167 ‘Children of the Heavenly Father’ - Marlene Boschman

Eulogy - Jeff Haraga, Grandson

Poem “The Dash” - Tam Ogden/Trisha Lumsden, Granddaughters

Tributes - Grandchildren

Pictoral Tribute

Piano Solo - Marlene Boschman

The Holy City

Devotional - Psalm 23 - Pastor Gary Burke

Congregational Music - Lead by John Nikkel

#57 ‘How Great Thou Art’ - Marlene Boschman

Ann./Benediction/Prayer - Pastor Gary Burke

Recessional

Reception Following the service, family and friends are invited to further share

this day in the Mennonite Brethren Church Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshments.

Mr. David Thiessen of Coaldale, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Susie Thiessen, was welcomed

into his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Chinook Regional Hospital, reaching the age of 100

years.

David was born in Orenburg, Russia on June 5, 1919 to parents David and Helena Thiessen. At the

age of 11 years in 1930, he immigrated to Canada with his parents and 4 younger siblings. Coaldale, Alberta was

chosen as his earthly home where he resided until his passing.

David lived a long and fulfilling life; he was disciplined, dependable, uncomplaining and courageous

until the end. He was a man of integrity and faith, who exemplified a positive outlook on life.

Beginning at a very young age he developed an exceptional work ethic which stood him in good

stead throughout his lifetime. He tried his hand at numerous and various jobs ranging from farm laborer to

eventually retiring from Inland Concrete as a trucker.

Upon his retirement, having led an active lifestyle, David took up golfing and curling. He already

enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, cycling, camping as well as yearly trips to visit his parents and family.

He loved ushering at numerous church and community events; meeting and greeting people of all

ages. Many years were devoted to custodial work at his church which he excelled at. By meeting up with “The

Senate” (his coffee friends) many of the world’s problems were solved!! It was imperative this took place

weekday mornings…socializing was a must!

On March 27, 1942 David married Susie Harder. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in

2017. Quite a milestone!

Left to cherish his memory are his sons Victor and Verner; daughters Edna and Wanda (Bill) Clarke;

9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother Leonard; sisters Mary (Ben) Wall, Anne (Henry) Buhler

and Helen (John) Harms. Surviving him are his brothers John, Frank and Peter; sisters Kathy Thiessen, Betty

(Peter) Friesen and Hilda (Cornie) Goertzen.

David will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

“Auf Wiedersehen, Lieber Papa.”

Susie Thiessen, beloved wife of the late Mr. David Thiessen, was welcomed into her heavenly home

on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Coaldale Health Care Centre; 2 months shy of her 101st birthday.

She was born in Spat, Crimea, Ukraine on December 30, 1916 to parents Peter and Elizabeth Harder.

At the age of 9 years she immigrated to Canada in 1925, with her parents and 9 siblings.

Susie resided in Coaldale until her passing, she lived a long and fruitful life; selfless, generous and

always grateful.

Her carefree spirit was evident throughout her childhood years. Outdoor activities such as climbing

trees, playing baseball, swimming in the farm pond, hoeing and topping beets, to name a few, satisfied her desire

to connect with the outdoors. Indoor tasks were mundane and stifling.

In 1942 married life began. Raising 4 children under the age of 4 (which included a set of twins) was

overwhelming at times. Without complaint, David faithfully lent a helping hand to ease her workload. Her

unselfish nature took precedence over her own needs. Family came first!

Memory work came easily to her. Countless scripture verses were memorized throughout her

lifetime. She was also blessed with a wonderful voice. Shortly before she passed away, she was heard singing a

sweet song about a bird she had learned as a child…all in Russian.

Susie was baptized as a young woman and became a faithful member of the Coaldale Mennonite

Brethren Church. She joined a lady’s group where weekly gatherings were spent sewing, quilting and working on

other projects. People in need, mainly from overseas, were the recipients. An example of her generosity shone

through when she and David financially supported various ministries, some for over 60 years. Being an avid

prayer warrior, she interceded for family, friends, and others needing support.

Some of her interests included gardening (both vegetables and flowers), knitting afghans, slippers

and scarves, embroidery, reading, listening nightly to Christian radio programs. Picnics, country drives with

David and also taking family trips to Creston, B.C. to bring back the bounty for canning were fun times. Making

quilts for the family involved washing and carding sheep’s wool with its pungent odor.

The Coaldale Health Care Centre became her final earthly home. She resided there for 6 months.

Susie always showed genuine gratefulness as this was evident in her interaction with her caregivers.

Without fail, she’d kiss their hands in appreciation, adding “and thanks a million!”. She even offered to pay them

for their attention and kindness. She was predeceased by her parents and all of her siblings with the exception of

her youngest brother Corey (Jean) Harder. Having had both parents become centenarians, our family has been

truly blessed.

Gone But Not Forgotten

“Ruhe Sanft, Liebe Mutzi”