Bernard Thiessen

Bernard (Ben) Thiessen died Feb. 25, 2010. He was born Apr. 22, 1927 in Coaldale, Alta. to Jacob and Marie Thiessen. At 7, he accepted Jesus as Saviour. When WWII broke out, Ben quit school to work on the farm. While attending Coaldale Bible School, he took interest in Elsie Funk and they were married in 1949. He moved to a farm in Ryley, Alta., in 1953 and began attending Lindbrook (later Tofield) MB Church. He began a 34-year career as a bus driver in 1969. In 2006, Ben and Elsie moved off the farm into Tofield, Alta., where he was always ready to lend a hand to neighbours, and had time to pursue musical interests, read the Bible, and spend time with Elsie. Ben was a devoted husband and father, and a caring grandpa and great-grandpa. Although he farmed most of his life, Ben’s passion was serving God, especially in Sunday school, VBS, Boys Brigade, and youth ministry. He was Uncle Ben and Grandpa Thiessen to far more than his family. Predeceased by 4 siblings, grandson Kurt; Ben is mourned by his wife of nearly 61 years, Elsie; children Ron (Marion), Leona (John) Wall, Ken (Connie), Mel Thiessen, Gary (Evelyn); 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.

• Birth: April 22, 1927
• Birthplace:
  Coaldale, Alberta
• Death: February 25, 2010

• Parents:
  Jacob and Marie Thiessen
• Married:
  Elsie Funk, 1949
• Family:
  Predeceased by 4 siblings, grandson Kurt; Ben is mourned by his wife of nearly 61 years, Elsie; children Ron (Marion), Leona (John) Wall, Ken (Connie), Mel Thiessen, Gary (Evelyn); 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.