Dietrich (Dick) Thiessen died peacefully on June 26, 2020, in Edmonton, Alberta, at the age of 91.
Dick was born on February 9, 1929 in Coaldale, Alberta to Jacob and Maria Thiessen. He married Nettie Dueck in 1952 and moved to Lindbrook, Alberta with his sweetheart to begin farming. Ten years later, he studied to become a teacher. He taught for seven years in Tofield, after which he became a realtor. He was an active member of the Tofield Gospel Church and extended his love for people through his ministry at the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre.
After Nettie passed away, Dick moved to Edmonton in 2005. He enjoyed the friendships made at the residences he lived in, first at Central Baptist Manor, and then for eight years at Kiwanis Place.
Dick is survived by his children, Charles (Elaine), Joyce (Spencer), Elmer (Susan), Beth (Rodney), and Connie (Neil); his grandchildren, Jennifer (Marvin), Charlene (Jesse), Kathy (Ryan), Rosella, Maria (Dave), Anthony (Morgan), Richard (Makhanna), Laura, Ben (Reedan), Colin and Evan; his great-grandchildren, Moss, Jake, Evangeline, Micah, Anthony, Sophia, Emelia, Annika, Selena, Amara, Forrester, Coaimhe, Thorin; his siblings, Elizabeth (John), Tina, John (Lydia), Ernest (Elsie) and his dearest friend, Esther. He is preceded in death by his wife Nettie, his parents, Jacob and Maria, and eight siblings including Cornie, Nick, Frank, Anne, Ben and Jake.
We wish to thank his caregivers from AHS Palliative Home Care, Bayshore Healthcare and Dr. Tanner Redel for their care and support in his last days. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to GEF Seniors Housing. See Youtube Memorial Video: https://youtu.be/-mvey6MZqUQ
Cremation has taken place at Capital City Cremation in Edmonton.
Tina Siemens says
Dear Family of Dick Thiessen,
I remember Dick as a kind and optimistic person, who was always ready with cheerful conversations. I will greatly miss our phone calls.
My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with you.
Aunt Liz says
Dear Charlie, Joyce, Elmer, Beth and Connie – my heart also grieves with you as
you said good bye to your dear dad. We had wonderful times with your parents
and they and all you siblings added a lot to our family when we got together.
When I think of Dick I am some what jealous of him –he is now walking and talking-to Jesus, Dick is part of a huge choir, singing with the Thiessen clan and fabulous harmony. I certainly don’t believe that’s all you do, I wonder what job God is giving him?—maybe, Dick would you go check out that new planet I have
in space.
We have a lot to look forward to . Our prayers and sympathy go with you, May you feel the arms of Jesus around you saying “I love you.”
Gail Foshaug says
This is from Gail Foshaug, I taught at Tofield School with Dick. Joyce, I dont know if you remember me, but I just watched the video and it was nice to refresh memories of your family siblings, My sincere condolences to all of the family.
Blessings always,
Gail Foshaug
Elvira Pain says
I am sorry to hear that your father has passed away. He was our neighbour when we lived in Lindbrook. My dad worked in Edmonton, coming home mostly on weekends. Your dad was very helpful in practical ways to our family. He was also the choir director in our church and I have happy memories of those choir practises! He will be missed by many!
Dorothy Penner (nee Baerg) says
I remember your Dad clearly. He was my Sunday School teacher, maybe Junior High age. I remember being at their house and going on a hay ride once.
He related to us, more than other men in the church.
He also related the Sunday School lesson to our lives.
He was so friendly.
My condolences to the entire family.
Trust in the Lord as He did; it is totally worth it. He was a good example.
love and prayers,
Dorothy Penner (3rd youngest of the John Baerg family)
Marlene Henshaw says
Our family’s heartfelt condolences from myself and my husband and the Baerg family from Tofield! Dick was one of the ‘old timers’ from Tofield! (My mother Amalie Baerg age 100 lives in Calgary and is cognitively intact and remembers Dick!)
Dick was always friendly! He was our choir director and did a great uplifting job! I remember a card I got from him and Nettie when I graduated from Gr. 12!
I was privileged to meet him (and Esther) and chat with him quite a number of times at Kiwanis Place when I visited my friend Shirley there and ate in the dining room! Special recognition to Joyce for looking after your dad the last few months! My son has been privileged to be friends with Anthony and Richard!
Thankyou to the whole family for sharing and for the pictures and songs! Dick was an inspiration for your family and all those he knew! May God bless you all and keep you in his care!
Mary & Murray Rowland says
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful father Dick Thiessen–him and your Mother Nettie sang at our wedding at the South Cooking Lake Church on highway 14 August 15, 1970.
My dear Mom and Dad Emil and Martha Tiedemann were good friends with your Mom and Dad and your dad was my teacher at the Tofield school.
Mary (nee Tiedemann) and Murray Rowland.
I watched the video you all put together and it was wonderful and I would love it if someone could possibly e-mail me the picture of your Mom and Dad’s wedding–would really appreciate it.
Thanks so very much and our prayers are with you all.
Mary and Murray Rowland says
Please see what we already put in for your Dad from Mary and Murray Rowland